The Salvation Army Appoints New Divisional Leaders for Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware
Lt. Colonels Edgar and Barbara George bring nearly four decades of leadership experience and a commitment to grassroots service to the division.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (August 22, 2025) - The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division welcomes Lt. Colonel Edgar George Jr. as its new Divisional Commander and Lt. Colonel Barbara George as Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries and Officer Development.
In these roles, the Georges oversee 42 corps, the Philadelphia Kroc Center, the Camp Ladore, Retreat and Conference Center in Waymart, Pennsylvania, 94 officers and more than 1,200 employees serving 39 counties in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
As Divisional Commander, Lt. Colonel Edgar George provides oversight for the division’s corps community centers and operations, ensuring services reach individuals and families in need. Lt. Colonel Barbara George, as Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries and Officer Development, oversees programming, ministry development and social services across the region.
“Having spent 17 years in corps appointments and serving in nearly every corner of The Salvation Army’s work, we understand the day-to-day needs of local communities,” said Lt. Colonel Edgar George. “Barbara and I are also honored to return to this division, a place we’ve served before, and look forward to building on the strong foundation set in place by Lt. Colonels Larry and Janet Ashcraft.”
Prior to this appointment, the Georges served as Divisional Leaders for the Northeast Ohio Division beginning in 2023. They previously served in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division from 2019 to 2023, a period that included the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Lt. Colonel Edgar George as General Secretary and Lt. Colonel Barbara George as Divisional Secretary for Program. Their past leadership also includes roles at the Boston Kroc Center, in divisional youth ministries in Western Pennsylvania and in divisional roles in New Jersey. Lt. Colonel Barbara George also brings an extensive background in Emergency Disaster Services.
As they look ahead, the Georges are focused on strengthening the division’s youth outreach, expanding community engagement and supporting local officers and staff in their day-to-day ministry.
“We want to help the division grow in tangible and impactful ways—spiritually, programmatically and financially,” said Lt. Colonel Barbara George.
“While we are the new leadership team, we’re still corps officers at heart,” said Lt. Colonel Edgar George. “That experience keeps us grounded and it shapes the way we lead, always with a passion for the local ministry.”
The Georges have been married for 34 years, having met while training to become Salvation Army officers. Now, three of their four children have also been called to work for The Salvation Army, including a son who recently entered officer training. Their extended family, including their parents, spans multiple generations of Salvation Army officers and employees across the country.
For more information about The Salvation Army’s ongoing work in Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, visit https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/eastern-pennsylvania/.
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware is a faith-based, comprehensive human service organization whose programs help individuals, families and whole communities lead healthier, safer and more productive lives. Since 1879, The Army has held a record of accomplishment stemming from its holistic approach to providing for the needs of the whole individual – physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually. The Army’s programming serves every zip code through 42 community centers and a network of volunteers throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Delaware. Programs and services historically include: shelter, hot meals, counseling, early childhood development, recreational opportunities, music programs, after-school arts and educational programs, job training, activities for older adults, spiritual development, and drug rehabilitation.
Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
For more information visit www.SalvationArmyPendel.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @salarmypendel.