Meet the West’s new Chief Secretary, Secretary for Women’s Ministries

Colonels Kelly and Donna Igleheart come to West via international appointment.

Colonels Kelly and Donna Igleheart will take up new roles as the West’s Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, respectively, July 1. Officers of the USA Southern Territory, the Iglehearts come to the West from an international appointment in the Southern Africa Territory. 

Born and raised in Western Kentucky, the Iglehearts met as teenagers and committed themselves to each other and to the Lord. The Salvation Army became their shared church home and formed the basis of their spiritual journey. They were commissioned in 1992 in the Followers of Jesus Session and have served in a range of appointments, including as corps officers, in youth ministry and then in divisional and territorial leadership roles. 

The Iglehearts have three married daughters—two of whom are serving as corps officers with their spouses in the Southern Territory. The third couple works with the Army’s Candidate Department across three territories. The Iglehearts consider their six grandchildren to be their pride and joy. New Frontier Chronicle caught up with the Iglehearts as they prepare to be leaders in the West.

What have you heard about the West? 

There are several things that we know about the Western Territory. Most of that centers around innovation, and includes the birth of the Red Kettle campaign, a strong media presence and the origin of the Kroc Centers, to name only a few. The willingness and boldness to address the needs in every community is unparalleled across the Army world. That pioneering and unconventional posture served the territory well in the early days, and will navigate us in the subsequent years to come. 

How has your time serving in Southern Africa prepared you for this leadership role in the West? 

Being away from family and the familiar for five years has taught us many things. Learning to appreciate and value other cultures has opened our minds to new possibilities. Accomplishing the mission of the Army and growing the Kingdom of God takes place in various ways and conditions. Embracing the Army’s rich history of effectiveness while fostering creativity and freshness compels us to serve others living in the 21st century. As nearly one half of the Army’s soldiers are on the continent of Africa, there may be something for us all to learn from the richness of these cultures as well.  

Serving in South Africa was a significant step of faith for us and proved to be the best “yes” in our officership. Their influence and welcoming spirit impacted our lives personally and enriched our ministry. We look forward to leaning in, learning and cultivating deep friendships in the West.  

Why are you excited to join in here, now? 

We have always embraced new adventures in our ministry, and we believe that following Jesus is the greatest adventure of all. As we are all living in unprecedented days, we look forward to supporting the ministries that have been altered to serve suffering humanity. We believe that the opportunities that our Army has today places us on the cusp of rejuvenation in our mission of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, serving others in his name without discrimination and ultimately witnessing men, women, boys and girls come to know Jesus as their Savior and friend. We look forward to meeting and greeting the Salvationists of the Western Territory. We truly are one Army serving one God.