After 16 Years of Service, Al Riskowski Retiring From Successful Career with NFA

by | Aug 19, 2016 | Ministry

Dear Friends of the Family,

Sixteen years ago, after a period of fasting and prayer, I accepted the challenge of becoming the executive director of Nebraska Family Alliance. In doing so, I left a successful ministry as a pastor and stepped into a new season of leadership and influence.

One of the most important phases in a lifetime of ministry is to know when one chapter ends and another begins.  Again, I feel the Lord’s gentle guidance into a new chapter. I turn 67 this year and my family agrees, now is the right time to slow my pace.

On August 31st I will officially retire and pass the baton of executive director to a new leader.

Thanks to the support of friends like you, we have stood firm for the family.  For 28 years NFA has been instrumental in safeguarding religious freedom, passing pro-life legislation and fighting to combat human trafficking in Nebraska.

In 2000, NFA helped lead a successful state-wide petition drive to put the definition of marriage in the State Constitution. When that definition was legally challenged we presented a brief to the 8th Circuit Court and the definition of marriage was upheld. In 2010 the NFA supported Pain Capable Child Protection Act was passed to end abortions after 20 weeks in Nebraska. Just last year, an NFA supported bill that ensured victims of sex-trafficking could not also be charged with prostitution was passed unanimously.

Despite these victories, I am confident that the best days of Nebraska Family Alliance are still ahead.

Over the last 12 months, the Nebraska Family Alliance Board conducted a statewide search for qualified candidates. The top 4 candidates were interviewed multiple times, and it soon became clear: the right person for the job was inside our own office.

After much prayer and consideration the Board selected Karen Bowling as the next executive director and she graciously accepted.

I am confident that under Karen’s leadership the stand for the family, religious liberty, sanctity of life and Judeo-Christian values will continue.  Not only is Karen a person of character, she is a natural born leader and her experience in policy advocacy is unparalleled.

Karen has been the team-lead on numerous issues including education and life. She has consistently worked with legislators and elected officials to advance pro-life bills that protect children. Karen has also been an important voice in our state to oppose comprehensive sex education and transgender participation policies.

Whether it’s coordinating the annual National Day of Prayer observance at the State Capitol or mobilizing people to contact their elected representatives, Karen brings people together and unites them behind a cause.

As a ministry partner, you have been a great blessing to not just NFA, but the state of Nebraska. With your continued support NFA will be an influential voice for Family, Freedom and Life for many years to come. You can donate online here.

In the service of the Lord,

Al Riskowski

P.S. I hope you can join us Oct. 25th for our Fall Banquet. Not only will we look back to celebrate the victories, Karen will share her vision for the future.

P.P.S. Seating is limited. Reserve your tickets today!

Al Riskowski

Al Riskowski

Al is the former Executive Director of Nebraska Family Alliance. He retired from a successful career with NFA in August, 2016.