Leadership
DuWayne Sipper, Executive Director
DuWayne Sipper is the Founder and Executive Director of The Path, a rescue mission serving Citrus and Marion Counties (Florida) since 2001.
He recalls being awakened one night many years ago and hearing his calling: start a homeless shelter. When he began to
walk out this calling, he was told there was no homeless shelter in Citrus County—only a domestic violence shelter.
The rest is a 20+ year journey of faith and perseverance.
Read more about DuWayne Sipper here.
352-527-6500, extension 4 | sipperd@pathofcitrus.org
“Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.” Proverbs 3:4-6
Kathryn Sipper, Development Director
A published author, Kathryn Sipper has served The Path as Development Director for The Path since 2006. She has an undergraduate degree from Duke University and MBA from Fairleigh-Dickinson University. Prior to moving to Citrus County in 2006, Kathryn lived in NJ and spent over 20 years in management consulting for HR outsourcing firms and corporate benefits administration. She served on the Board of Directors for the Michael Jones Scholarship Foundation and participated with various networks for professional women. Kathryn has also served in Christian Education as a Bible studies instructor and conference speaker.
352-527-6500, extension 5 | ksipper@pathofcitrus.org
Board of Directors
Potential board members are referred by the Executive Director, local leaders or active board members. Board candidates meet one on one with the Executive Director and then invited to a board meeting. Potential members are informed about policies, expectations and also fill out an information form about their expertise, skills and interests. At the board meeting, candidates are interviewed, then the board votes. A newly-elected board member completes a Statement of Faith. Members fulfill 2-year terms, and can be re-elected to additional 2-year terms. Board meetings occur six time per year.
Current Board
| Member Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Stuart Green, President | Non-salary—Manager of a local EGP Copier Office Board member since 1992. Term: January 2022-December 2023 |
| Connie Lobel, Vice President | Non-salary—Retired, VP banking and loan officer Board member since 2004. Term: January 2022-December 2023 |
| Christopher Nast, Financial Advisor | Non-salary—Financial Advisor Term: January 2022-December 2023 |
| Maria Converse, Secretary | Non-salary—Part-time Teacher, Independent Associate for Pre-Paid Legal Services Board member since November 2008. Term: January 2022-December 2023 |
| Bonnie Rybak | Non-salary—Retired Teacher, Citrus County School System Term: January 2022-December 2023 |
| DuWayne Sipper, Executive Director | Salaried, $66,000 annual, no benefits Non-voting Board Member |
Advisory Committee
Dan Wilson—Florida Low Income Housing Associates, Inc. (352) 726-1113 or (888) 563-1110
Rev. Don Moody—Executive Director of the Orlando Rescue Mission in Orlando Florida and assigned mentor to
The Path by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. (407) 422-4855
Bob Cohen—Owner of Bottomline Bookkeeping Service in Inverness. Bottomline has monitored the financial statements of the Path since 1999. (352) 637-1122
Citygate Network (formerly the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions-AGRM)—Willing to counsel and lead in homeless missions across the United States.
Over 300 missions founded by this group. 1st Baptist of Leesburg is a standing member.