FOCUS North America is pleased to announce the appointments of John Pogas as the first Director of FOCUS Philadelphia, Matushka Christine Mcdonald as the new Director of FOCUS Gateway City, Sasha Dempsey as Director of FOCUS Los Angeles, and Christopher Lopez as Director of FOCUS Phoenix.
“We’re excited to see these faithful, talented leaders begin these new chapters of service with FOCUS,” said Steven Christoforou, Executive Director of FOCUS North America. “John, Christine, Sasha, and Christopher will each usher in a new era of leadership and ministry for the thriving Centers they now lead.”
FOCUS Philadelphia: Serving The Heart Of The City
Philadelphia, PA – John Pogas has been named the inaugural Director of FOCUS Philadelphia. A native of Philadelphia, John brings a wealth of experience from his corporate career which includes serving as Global Vice President of e-commerce for the world’s largest commercial insurance brokerage and several entrepreneurial ventures. A devoted member of Saint Sophia, Ss. Faith, Hope, & Agape Greek Orthodox Church of Valley Forge, John has served as Parish Council President and draws inspiration from his faith to lead this vital ministry.
FOCUS Philadelphia builds upon the legacy of the Twelve Baskets Full ministry, which distributes food weekly at Aviator Park. Under John’s leadership, the Center will expand its impact with new meal programs and a food pantry at Saint George Cathedral in Center City.
John shared, “It is my great pleasure and honor to serve the less fortunate residents of my hometown. I draw strength from the words of Saint Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:58: ‘Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of The Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.’”
John began serving as Director of FOCUS Philadelphia on December 2. More information is available at focusphiladelphia.org, or by contacting the Center at JavaScript required to view address.
FOCUS Gateway City: A Flourishing Ministry In Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO – Matushka Christine Mcdonald has been named the new Director of FOCUS Gateway City. She succeeds Father Matthew Mcdonald, who has served with distinction over the past four years. Christine has been a dedicated volunteer at FOCUS Gateway since 2021, finding joy in connecting with guests and volunteers during Sunday Suppers. With a background as a teacher and youth specialist in residential treatment facilities, Christine is passionate about addressing poverty and engaging Orthodox Christians in acts of service.
FOCUS Gateway City, based out of Saint Michael the Archangel Orthodox Church in Saint Louis, offers a range of services, including Sunday dinners, Wednesday breakfasts, a food pantry, a clothing closet, haircuts, and bus tokens.
“We’re excited to see the beginning of the next chapter at FOCUS Gateway City,” said Steven Christoforou. “Father Matt has not just stabilized but brought this ministry into a new era of flourishing. We’re confident Christine will continue this vital work and further the impact of the Center.”
Christine remarked, “I truly feel I receive more than I give from my time spent serving at FOCUS. It’s a blessing to have a place where we can tangibly fulfill Christ’s commandment to feed the hungry while working alongside our Christian brothers and sisters.”
Christine began serving as Director on December 2, which marked the start of a month-long transition. For more information, visit gatewaycity.focusna.org or contact the Center at JavaScript required to view address.
FOCUS Los Angeles: Expanding The Ministry In The City Of Angels
Los Angeles, CA – Sasha Dempsey has been named the inaugural Director of FOCUS Los Angeles. She brings to the role over a decade of experience in leading impactful service-oriented projects. Sasha has chaired the Women’s Joy of Recovery Banquet for five consecutive years, inspiring meaningful change in her community. Before her work in service, Sasha was a successful entrepreneur, owning a fine art business and earning recognition as the featured visual artist for Shriners Hospital for Children. Her creativity and commitment to uplifting others have been hallmarks of her career.
In her personal life, Sasha enjoys spending time at the beach and in nature with her family. She looks forward to expanding FOCUS North America’s ministry in Los Angeles and serving those in need.
Sasha remarked, “I am excited and honored to work alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ to share His tremendous love with as many as possible!”
Sasha began serving as Director of FOCUS Los Angeles on December 9. More information is available at focuslosangeles.org, or by contacting the Center at JavaScript required to view address.
FOCUS Phoenix: Building A Community Of Care In Arizona
Phoenix, AZ – Christopher Lopez has been named the inaugural Director of FOCUS Phoenix. He brings his passion, consistency, and dedication to serving those in need to this new role. A native of Phoenix, Christopher began his career as a Banquet Captain for the Phoenix Mountain Preserve Reception Center, located in the Sunnyslope neighborhood he now serves. Transitioning into the field of Information Technology, he played a key role in the business merger of Safeway Inc. and Albertsons LLC, before pursuing a more purposeful path in the nonprofit sector.
Christopher’s journey into service was inspired by his reception into the Orthodox Christian Church. Leaving behind a successful I.T. career, he embraced roles in nonprofit account management, obtained multiple state licenses, and is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Phoenix College. As Co-Chair of Community Outreach for the Living Orthodox Ministry at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Christopher brings a unique blend of technical expertise and heartfelt service to his new role. Christopher shared his favorite verse, Matthew 25:40, as the verse that started it all: “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’”
Christopher began serving as Director of FOCUS Phoenix on December 9. More information is available at focusphoenix.org, or by contacting the Center at JavaScript required to view address.
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About FOCUS North America:
FOCUS North America is the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve. A pan-Orthodox ministry affiliated with the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, FOCUS serves the poor by bringing together Orthodox Christian churches and community partners to provide Food, Occupation, Clothing, Understanding, and Shelter and other assistance to address the needs of local communities. FOCUS North America operates eleven FOCUS Centers across the country, as well as Youth Equipped to Serve (YES).
FOCUS’s social media accounts: facebook.com/FOCUSNorthAmerica and instagram.com/focusnorthamerica.
