Dear John
On behalf of the Gamaliel Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that Rev. Michael Atty has been selected as the next Executive Director of the Gamaliel Network.
This decision comes after 7 months of listening, discernment, and a rigorous independent search process rooted in the values that have guided our network for more than three decades: leadership development, racial equity, faith-rooted organizing, and a relentless commitment to building power with our communities. Rev. Atty counts Ana Garcia-Ashley as mentor and friend, and is grateful for her path-breaking career and the legacy on which he can build.
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Why Him? Many of you know Rev. Atty from his years of leadership within Gamaliel—as an organizer, as a strategic thinker, and as a leader who has consistently demonstrated the capacity to bring people together across differences.
Rev. Atty began his career in IT jobs in corporate America, but his faith called him to the ministry. After graduating from Eden Seminary in 2016, he joined Metropolitan Congregations United St. Louis, one of Gamaliel’s strongest affiliates, organizing a diverse set of faith communities in St. Charles County in campaigns to end discriminatory housing, policing, education practices. After 2 years at MCU, he became the lead organizer and then Executive Director of a small affiliate in East St. Louis, IL where he ran and won campaigns on environmental justice and criminal justice reform, while growing its staff to 5, and quadrupling and stabilizing its budget. He also became a senior trainer in Gamaliel and established a reputation for being a talented organizer/trainer/mentor.
In 2022, Rev. Atty left UCM and Gamaliel to join the Children’s Defense Fund when Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson became its leader. At CDF, Mike was responsible for developing initiatives for faith leaders. Leading his own team and working within a large national nonprofit, required him to further hone his management and relational skills. His colleagues praise him as man who listens, sees the good in people, and helps teams bridge their differences and advance their goals.
Rev. Atty’s grounding in faith and justice, his experience leading a local Gamaliel affiliate, his time working in a major social justice organization with national reach, and his understanding of what it takes to build sustainable power make him uniquely equipped to guide the network in this next chapter. Rev. Atty brings both continuity and new vision: continuity in our shared values, and a fresh, forward-looking vision for what organizing can and must be in this moment of national challenge and opportunity—especially as Gamaliel launches our pro-democracy Organizing Revival and pivot strategy. We Know Transitions Bring Questions We understand that a leadership transition at the national level inevitably raises questions for affiliates: |
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- What will change?
- Will our support remain consistent?
- How will the national office continue to strengthen local work without straining it?
- Will this moment be a reset or a disruption?
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These questions are healthy and expected. What we want you to know clearly is this: Rev. Atty steps into this role with a commitment to building. He deeply understands the realities you face in your affiliates—fundraising challenges, leadership transitions, staff development, and the need for clear, responsive national support. He has lived that work. He has navigated those struggles. And he is ready to bring that practical wisdom to the national office.
This Is a Moment for Recommitment We believe Rev. Atty’s appointment marks a moment to reflect on and reconnect with our founding principles while embracing the innovation required for 2026 and beyond. With him at the helm, we are committed to: |
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- Maintaining our commitment to racial equity as the heart and method of our organizing
- Growing our training pipeline and promoting alignment across affiliates
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Strengthening and regularizing communication between national and local leaders
- Designing a national infrastructure that supports fundraising, civic engagement, campaign strategies, and alliance-building in this challenging environment
- Expanding the base of clergy and lay leaders ready to act boldly in the public square
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A Leader for This Moment Rev. Atty’s leadership style is grounded in relationship, clarity, and action. He understands the urgency of this political moment and the pressures on local affiliates. And he believes in the power we hold, as a national organization, when we are aligned, trained, and committed to a shared strategy for democracy and justice. An Invitation to Walk Forward Together Rev. Atty will formally take on the role of Executive Director on January 20, 2026, as he winds down his current job. Once he starts, Mike will be reaching out to affiliate directors, board chairs, and key leaders to listen, learn, and begin shaping our collective path forward. We ask you to welcome him with the same spirit of generosity, accountability, and solidarity that has defined Gamaliel for so many years.
This is a moment to renew our commitment to each other and to the work ahead. We are confident that under Rev. Atty’s leadership, Gamaliel will not simply continue—it will to grow, innovate, and lead boldly in ways our communities urgently need. Please join us in congratulating the Rev. Michael Atty on becoming the next Executive Director of the Gamaliel Network. |
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Reverend John Welch
Chair of the Gamaliel Board |
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Gamaliel Network
5416 S Cornell Avenue
Chicago, IL 60615
United States |
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