Honoring our team member, Reverend Kearney!

FFORC | September 12, 2025

Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate the retirement and incredible contributions of our dear friend and colleague, Reverend William Kearney.

For more than 18 years, Rev. K has been Molly De Marco’s trusted community research partner, and for the past decade, a valued member of our FFORC team.

Dozens of staff and community members came together to share stories and honor the legacy he leaves behind—one of leadership, community activism, and environmental justice.

While his chapter at the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP) and FFORC has come to a close, his commitment to justice continues through his work with the Warren County Environmental Action Team, and several other community organizations.

Rev. Kearney, it has been a true honor to work alongside you. We wish you all the best in this next chapter—you will be deeply missed!

Our HPDP Center Director, Alice Ammerman, shared a poem she wrote for him:

Ode to Rev. Kearney on His Retirement

There once was a man name of Reverend Kearney

And here is his awesome HPDP journey...

It started out right with the Harvest of Hope

To work with the Rev was pretty darn dope.

Warren County his home and that of his churches

In his work there and elsewhere for justice he searches

A smooth mellow voice that’s a lot like Lou Rawls

So nice to hear it on zooms or phone calls

On many CAB zooms he was seen in his car

Searching for internet both wide and far.

You might notice a muscle or two on his arm

He lifts a few weights, also works on the farm

The Movement Starts Here tells the PCB story

A WCEAT allegory

(Warren County Environmental Action Team)

A member of FFORC, his advice often sought

For justice and equity often he fought

So though you are planning quite soon to retire

Your work and commitment will always inspire.

We’ll miss you Rev. K, or as some would say Bill

A place in our hearts you’ll continue to fill.

You’ve made Hippy Dippy a happier place

Sharing your wisdom with humor and grace.

- With much love and appreciation from the HPDP Team