Gospel mission loses key director

Modesto Gospel Mission and its director of development have parted ways.

Brad Wilson had worked for the mission for about four years until Wednesday, Gospel Mission board Chairman Ken Darby said. Darby said he could not provide many details because of the need to respect the board's and Wilson's privacy.

Darby said the parting was "kind of mutual" and based on a difference of opinion between Wilson and board members over some issues.

"He did a fantastic job for us," Darby said. "I don't know how we are going to replace him."

Stanislaus County Supervisor and longtime mission board member Dick Monteith said the differences were over how the mission should evolve as it continues to help the poor and homeless.

Wilson declined to comment Friday.

He played a key role and took on more responsibilities after the mission's longtime directors Vern and Barbara Deatherage retired about 1½ years ago. Wilson also helped the mission forge new relationships with other organizations that help the homeless and poor. That was a change for the mission, which often had kept its distance from other groups.

Wilson also served on the city's Blue Ribbon Commission on Homelessness, which issued a report in April that called for better coordination of services and establishing a day center for the homeless.

Darby said the mission remains in period of transition since the Deatherages' retirement. He said he hopes the mission will have a new director by March.

The mission had $6.24 million in revenue in 2010, according to its 990 form, which is the document tax-exempt organizations file annually with the IRS.

Bee staff writer Kevin Valine can be reached at kvaline@modbee.com or (209) 578-2316.