Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM) announces the appointment of Rev. Amanda Sowards as the Interim Executive Director of GHCCM.
Pastor Amanda began her journey with GHCCM over a year ago as a dedicated volunteer. Her passion and commitment led her to serve as Church Relations Coordinator and Pastoral Care Liaison. Now, as Interim Executive Director, she continues to guide GHCCM with compassion and purpose.
Amanda brings a strong educational background and extensive ministry experience—including several years in Nicaragua. As an ordained minister, she blends faith, leadership, and community engagement to serve the underserved during this time of transition. She is a nonprofit leader with over a decade of executive experience as Vice President & Mission Director, leading faith-based initiatives that break cycles of generational poverty through education, nutrition, health, and sustainability.
Originally from the Charlotte area, Amanda has called Hickory home for the past seven years. As stated by Guy Guarino, President GHCCM Board of Directors, “Amanda brings experience, wisdom, and compassion to this new position. We are grateful for her leadership and look forward to the impact she will continue to make on our mission.”
Since 2015 she has served World Missions Outreach as Vice President & Mission Director, with International Offices in US & Nicaragua. Her early experience is in broadcasting with iHeart Radio: Clear Channel Media – Integrated Media Consultant, Charlotte, NC; Radio Disney – Radio Personality and Promotions Assistant, Charlotte, NC, where she hosted “The Kids Concern” Morning Radio Show. Amanda’s education includes Master and Bachelor of Theology; Broadcast Communications Technology and a Bachelor of Arts: Mass Media and Communications.
Amanda reflects, “We may never know how many lives GHCCM has touched each day, how many have poured out their time, love, and passion into this ministry over the decades. The staff at GHCCM are here for a purpose far greater than we may ever fully comprehend. This ministry is not built on one person, it is a unified body carrying the heart of God, poured out in love. I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving alongside a team so committed to ministering to the hurting, broken, and overlooked in our community.”