Philadelphia Yearly Meeting celebrates Simone Gellizeau, who has served as Director of Programs and Religious Life since January (pictured left), and welcomes David Park as the incoming Chief Financial Officer (pictured right). We appreciate the expertise, knowledge, and care they bring to their roles and anticipate their continued contributions within Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
Simone Gellizeau, Director of Programs and Religious Life
Simone Gellizeau has been serving as Philadelphia Yearly Meetings new Director of Programs and Religious Life since January. This vital role focuses on nurturing ministry and fostering relationships among Friends and meetings while guiding program staff to channel their energy and resources into inspiring and engaging our community.
A member of Ujima Friends Meeting, where she serves as Recording Secretary, Simone brings a wealth of experience in leadership, program development, and spiritual engagement. Her professional journey spans over 15 years in cross-cultural communication, relationship building, and creative strategy for socially conscious organizations in wellness, fashion, and the arts.
Most recently, Simone served as Project Administrator for the John Coltrane Museum & Cultural Arts Center, where she partnered with local organizations to develop meaningful community programs, enhance digital engagement strategies, and support cultural initiatives. Previously, she held dual roles as Director of Corporate Wellness and Partnerships and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Maha Rose Center for Healing. There, Simone led efforts to create inclusive operational guidelines and implemented wellness programs focused on spiritual, emotional, and social well-being, fostering a sense of community and care.
Simone’s spiritual journey is deeply rooted in her commitment to nurturing connection and growth within diverse communities. She is currently pursuing ministerial studies at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, deepening her calling to interfaith ministry and community-building.
Eager to collaborate with Friends across PYM, Simone looks forward to drawing on her expertise and lived experiences to nurture spiritual growth, cultivate meaningful relationships, and deepen our collective faith journey. She is excited to walk alongside Friends in this sacred work, helping to strengthen our vibrant and Spirit-led community.
David Park, Chief Financial Officer (Incoming)
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting is pleased to welcome David Park, Kennett Friends Meeting, to our staff as our next Chief Financial Officer. David brings a passion for financial stewardship – and a gift for implementing that passion with attention to both Spirit and relationship. He has a keen eye for how to make systems work well together, and how to make systems work well to take care of people. David will work alongside Linell McCurry for a couple of months. Linell has served as CFO for more than ten years, and this overlap will give David the opportunity to learn from her extensive experience. David’s professional journey began in banking twenty years ago. For the last sixteen years, he supported Credit Union members through financial hardships; guiding them to affordable and sustainable loan repayment solutions for housing, automotive, and personal obligations.
David lives in Kennett Square, PA with his wife, Samantha, and two children. At Kennett Friends Meeting, he serves on the Worship & Ministry Committee. He also serves on the Historic Property Committee with Western Quarterly Meeting, and on the Board of Directors for Friends Home in Kennett.
David earned an Information Technology degree from Penn State University, and continued his education at Saint Joseph’s University, earning a Finance MS from the Haub School of Business. David enjoyed teaching Accounting as an adjunct instructor at Delaware County Community College for ten years.
David feels most at home in the outdoors, and volunteers as Treasurer for Unit Committees of Scouting America in his community. He enjoys camping, cooking, canoeing, rafting, and being near the ocean. Chapel Hill, at Horseshoe Scout Reservation, looks out over the Octoraro Creek, and is his favorite place to Worship.
We appreciate Simone Gellizeau’s leadership and David Park’s dedication as they continue their work within Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
