Cross International has appointed Zach Oles as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, the ministry’s Board of Directors announced. Oles steps into the role after 15 years of service with the global Christian relief and development organization. He succeeds Kelly Miller, who will transition to CEO Emeritus and continue working with ministry partners while mentoring Oles. Miller has led Cross International since 2018, guiding the organization through a key period of transition. Board Chair Jimmy Dodd praised Miller’s “unwavering commitment and faithful leadership,” while expressing confidence in Oles’ vision and passion for the mission. “Zach’s heart for the poor and his passion for the Gospel are evident in everything he does,” said Vice Chair Mark Montoney. Oles said he is “honored and humbled” to lead the ministry into its next chapter, expressing gratitude for Miller’s leadership and support from his family. Founded in 2001, Cross International serves vulnerable communities across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa through programs focused on building strong families, strengthening communities, and sharing the Gospel. StrikeForce Giving, a faithbased women’s giving circle, gathered on Tuesday, October 14th at the Lauderdale Yacht Club to kick off our giving season and announce their incredible grant finalists. A community of women united by their faith in Christ and a desire to serve others through radical generosity, StrikeForce has collectively given away more than $1.8 million to local Christian nonprofits since its inception in 2012. This event welcomed new members, reconnected friends, and provided a night of joy, purpose and community. Along with expanding the circle in Fort Lauderdale, StrikeForce also introduced two new sister giving circles in Palm Beach and Richmond, VA., carrying its mission into new communities. Seven local Christian ministries were selected for consideration as grant finalists. Christine Auker, StrikeForce President, said, “Hearing their missions reminded us why we give — and how powerful it is when women come together in faith.” Grant finalists and their projects, include 4KIDS: His Caring Place, safe rides for moms and babies ; Awana Child Discipleship, planting seeds for faith in the next generation; The Caring Place, a place to begin again for the homeless; HOPE South Florida, restoring dignity through transportation; Love INC Broward, raising up servant leaders; Relate Well Live Well, equipping parents, transforming families; and Watermark Gospel, bringing women of the Bible to life. To learn more or become a StrikeForce member, visit strikeforcegiving.com. StrikeForce Giving Announces Grant Finalists Heather Palacios interviewing panel of sponsors: Elizabeth Brickman, Elizabeth Barrett, and Cassie McGovern Tina Rains, Sally Jacobson, Christine Auker, Cindy Rine, Danielle DeWitt, Maribeth Bates, Kim Kent, and Elizabeth Barrett Christine Auker 71 NOVEMBER 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition COMMUNITY NEWS t a e e t - r d - s - s y e - " o ? g a h e e m o - - d - e e e e - e Cross International Names New President and CEO Zach Oles The Heart of Las Olas Bou Relax in the heart of downtown For world-class restaurants, hopping nig ’ ds frame the city courtyar ’s only hote d—theRiv Las Olas Boulevar verside We can’t wait to see Yo ulevard Since 1936 rt Lauderdale, where ghtclubs and enchanting el on the trendy e Hotel. ou! ORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33301 WWW.RIVERSIDEHOTEL.COM I (9 954) 467-0671 I V 620 LAS OLAS BOULEVARD, F
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