Executive Director

Rueben Shank

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Reuben brings more than two decades of experience leading interreligious partnerships, educational programs, and community-building initiatives. Formed in a minority Christian tradition (Mennonite) amidst an international community of peacebuilders and artists in Belgium, his career spans grassroots community development in South America and West Africa, academic leadership at the Pacific School of Religion, and most recently, serving as Director of Learning & Impact Strategies at the United Religions Initiative (URI). In his global role at URI, Reuben supported a network of over 1,000 community-based interreligious groups, helping them move from simple dialogue toward measurable, outcome-driven community impact.  

While Reuben and his family reside in Berkeley, he views the San Francisco Bay Area as a single, interconnected ecosystem. Beyond his extensive administrative and fundraising track record—which includes securing significant grant funding and designing global collaborative action hubs—our Board was deeply impressed by his sophisticated understanding of regional interfaith dynamics.

Reuben recently co-authored a comprehensive strategic framework examining how Bay Area interfaith councils can serve as vital civic infrastructure during times of social strain, environmental anxiety, and institutional change.  

Crucially, Reuben brings a quick learning curve and a humble, grounded eagerness to listen to the specific nuances of Marin County. He steps into this role with a deep appreciation for our local institutions, as well as the unique pressures facing our residents—from climate resilience and healthy aging to supporting multilingual immigrant families and fostering racial justice.