Interfaith Philadelphia, a nonprofit organization committed to fostering understanding and building bridges across lines of differences, has announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors.
Rev. Dr. Mark D. Goodson is a longtime pastor, licensed psychotherapist, and retired Philadelphia police officer. Dr. Goodson brings decades of experience in community care, mental health, and spiritual leadership. He has pastored Destiny Worship Center for over 20 years, served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 32 years, and now provides trauma-informed care training and professional development in schools. He also counsels couples and families with a focus on healing from trauma and strengthening relationships.
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“These distinguished individuals bring a wealth of experience in law, community care, public service, and interfaith leadership,” said Rev. Joyce Shin, Ph.D., chair of Interfaith Philadelphia’s Board of Directors. “Their contributions will help us further our organization’s mission and vision”
Kent Jordan, Esq., served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit for nearly two decades and on the U.S. District Court for Delaware before that. With over 40 years of legal experience, Judge Jordan now practices at Richards, Layton & Finger and teaches law at the University of Pennsylvania. He has also served in leadership roles within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community, including at the Philadelphia Temple where he will serve as President this fall.
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Brent Landau, Esq., currently serves as Executive Director of the Public Interest Law Center, where he leads high-impact legal efforts to advance justice for communities facing discrimination and poverty in the Philadelphia region. Previously, he was Global Managing Partner at Hausfeld, an international litigation firm, where he oversaw over 170 attorneys and led cases involving human rights and antitrust violations. Brent also teaches legal ethics at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and serves on the Board of Advisors at Congregation Rodeph Shalom.
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Bart I. Mellits Esq., former Chair of Ballard Spahr’s Real Estate Department, has over 40 years of experience and holds the highest Chambers and Partners ranking in Pennsylvania. He has led major real estate projects nationwide and in Philadelphia, including office towers, research centers, and mixed-use developments, while also providing pro bono counsel to not-for-profit organizations. Bart has served on the firm’s Elected Board and founded a Business Resource Group supporting the Jewish community and their allies.
Suhag Shukla, is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation and has helped shape it into a nationally recognized voice on education and human rights. A widely respected public figure, Suhag has been featured in major outlets including The New York Times, CNN, and NPR, and has served on numerous advisory councils, including for the Department of Homeland Security and Interfaith Philadelphia. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services honored her as one of 15 women of faith leading with distinction.
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