Dear Chaplaincy Pro Community,
It is with profound joy and heartfelt gratitude that I announce Dr. Larry D. Black, D. Min., M. Div. as our new Vice President for Public Affairs at Chaplaincy Pro.
Larry is a distinguished leader whose extensive credentials reflect his unwavering commitment to spiritual care and leadership. He is a Board-Certified Chaplain, Board-Certified Pastoral Counselor, Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist, and holds a Board Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care. These achievements underscore his dedication to personal growth and his investment in becoming a transformational leader. We are truly blessed to have him join our executive team, and we believe his gifts will greatly enhance our community.
Larry brings over two decades of distinguished service as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, alongside more than ten years of experience as a hospital Chaplain within the VA healthcare system. Additionally, he is a licensed Respiratory Therapist. His deep well of experience in both military and healthcare settings is a profound gift to Chaplaincy Pro and will be invaluable in strengthening our leadership team and furthering our mission.
On a personal note, I have known Larry since 2015, when I served as a hospital Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Care in the Tampa area of Florida. Since then, we have collaborated on various initiatives, and I have learned much from him as a young Chaplain. Larry is also an accomplished writer, having authored several books. Notably, his book Grieving With Hope: A Time to Mourn has been instrumental in helping many understand and navigate the grieving process.
Larry’s voice is one of compassion, connection, and conviction. His leadership is rooted not in position, but in the nearness of God—a presence that has consistently shaped how he serves, leads, and connects. As he steps into this role, he does so not only with impressive credentials but with a heart fully aligned with the sacred work we do at Chaplaincy Pro.
In his own words:
“God’s presence in my life has always been characterized by closeness. I first understood genuine connection with God in quiet spaces—prayer, worship, Scripture, and even silence. God didn’t just offer guidance; He offered Himself. He met me in my fears and uncertainties with compassion, patience, and presence. This nearness profoundly impacted my heart. It transformed how I saw others. It rewrote how I communicated. It reframed my leadership as service and influence as invitation.
My faith has taught me that every person carries infinite worth, and intimacy is the foundation of every lasting connection. In a world often marked by division and distance, I am committed to being a voice that draws people in rather than pushes them away. This commitment arises not from ambition but from the transformative power of divine closeness. Experiencing this divine intimacy has awakened in me a desire to create spaces where others, too, can feel seen, known, and valued. This understanding shapes how I lead teams, build campaigns, and engage with the world.
Being the VP for Public Relations, I’ve come to see my role as a bridge between people, and I want to reflect the closeness I have experienced in my relationship with God. Whether through internal communication that fosters a sense of belonging or public messaging that resonates with authenticity, my mission is clear: to ensure that every interaction leaves people feeling closer to the organization, to each other, and ultimately to something greater than themselves, just as God came close to me.”
Like all members of our executive team, Larry is serving on a voluntary basis. As a religious non-profit organization, Chaplaincy Pro is sustained by those who lead with heart, service, and spiritual dedication rather than compensation.
Please join me in warmly welcoming and congratulating Larry as our new Vice President for Public Affairs. His depth of experience, spiritual clarity, and unwavering commitment to compassionate service will deeply enrich our mission and community.
“Our commitment to excellence begins with our leadership. As a religious non-profit organization, our leadership team leads not for compensation, but from a deep well of commitment to spiritual care, healing, growth, and compassion. Each member of our executive team embodies the values and mission of Chaplaincy Pro. With their guidance, we cultivate a culture of integrity, innovation, and heartfelt service—ensuring that every interaction within our community and beyond is rooted in meaningful, transformative spiritual care.”
With gratitude,
Ben Rrustemaj
President & CEO, Founder
Chaplaincy Pro
