Tim Boeve to lead WillMar Center for Bereaved Children

Tim Boeve announced Tuesday that he’ll step down as the executive director of the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, so that he can become the executive director of the WillMar Center for Bereaved Children, which offers counseling and programs for children and teens who have lost either a parent, a sibling or other close relative or have a loved one with a life-changing illness.
“It’s just good timing for me, personally. My own career goals and the mission at WillMar reflects a little more closely my own training as a minister,” said Boeve.
A native of Holland, Mich., Boeve earned a Master of Divinity degree at Western Theological Seminary, which is located in his hometown.
Current executive director and founder Nina Gorbach plans to continue with the organization in a new role, relying on her expertise in the areas of program execution, development, training and outreach. According to WillMar executive board president Ilene Sagall, “This is a very positive and exciting next step for WillMar Center and a direct indication of the growth of our programs. The board feels fortunate to have continued access to Nina’s expertise regarding how best to facilitate healing amongst bereaved children and Tim’s experience in taking a non-profit organization to the next level. It is a win-win situation for all involved.”
Education board member Bonnie Gemmell said that Boeve will be missed.
“We’ll be looking for somebody to fill his very big shoes. It’ll be hard to do,” she said. “We won’t find another Tim. He’s a great guy, and he will be sorely missed.”
Before working at the education foundation, Boeve served for 17 and a half years as pastor of the Sonoma Valley Community Church, which is affiliated with the Reformed Church of America.
Boeve will take over for Nina Gorbach, who founded WillMar seven years ago with Howard Gorbach, her husband.
“I wanted to step down and support the organization in another role. Tim Boeve could not be a better individual to lead WillMar forward. I am grateful and delighted that he will take the leadership for this special need in our community.”
Boeve worked for seven and a half years at the education foundation.
Accomplishments that Boeve is proud of at the education foundation include the Earn While You Learn program that helps teachers gain computer skills, as well as literacy funding, the mentoring alliance, and funding to help Sonoma Valley High School buy computer equipment.
The education foundation has donated $3 million to public schools over the last 13 years, he said.
“It has been a place where teachers could go and get things that would really help them in their classrooms,” Boeve said.
Founded in July 2000, the non-profit WillMar Center has served more than 650 children.