Our Leadership

Rev. Gary Hanson, Executive Director

The CROSS Outreach Board is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Gary Hanson as the new executive director of CROSS Outreach. Hanson, an ordained Reformed Church of America pastor, comes to the position after many years of ministry. He has served congregations in northern Iowa, Pella, and most recently Meredith Drive Reformed Church in Urbandale. In addition to his faith-based background, Hanson will build on his years of experience working within the local nonprofit community. The Wisconsin native is married to Margo, and they have two daughters.

Roberta Victor, Ph.D., ATR-BC, former CROSS Outreach Executive Director

Dr. Roberta Victor’s work involves providing direct services to low and no-income clients, writing grants, fundraising, educating the public on the needs of special populations, and on advocating for those needs. Roberta holds undergraduate degrees in Visual Art and Human Services, a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an Emphasis in Art Therapy, and a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Specialization in Cross Cultural Art Therapy. Roberta serves as the Chair of the Polk County Housing Continuum Service Council, is the moderator of the Social Service Providers Group, is a past president of the Iowa Art Therapy Association, and served on the Crisis Response Team for the State of Iowa ultimately working at Ground Zero in New York following the 9-11 attack. Roberta is an adjunct with Grand View University and has been working for CROSS Ministries/ CROSS Outreach since 1991, has been the Ex. Director since 2005, and is approved for pulpit supply through the Presbytery of Des Moines.

*We are sad to see her go and we wish her well upon Roberta Victor’s retirement. Click this link to review images from her retirement party held March 26, 2023.*

Joyce Hoffman, Board Chairperson

Volunteers are the foundation of our organization providing hundreds of hours of dedicated labor each year, setting appointments, providing general office assistance, working at the Annual Back to School Giveaway, and during fundraisers. Because CROSS relies so heavily on volunteers, Joyce Hoffman, a 25+ year veteran of CROSS, provides an essential service by organizing and scheduling people to help operate the program. She is also well known in the community for her volunteer work with Calvin Community.

CROSS Outreach Volunteer Board:

• Rhonda Heggen
• Joyce Hoffman
• Lisa Kilian
• Randi McNally
• Dean Nihart
• Jayne Owen
• Joanne Page
• Pamela Rees
• Rev. Nathan Williams