DFW Metroplex Commanders, Majors Barbara and Jonathan Rich, took office June 22, 2015. They oversee one of The Salvation Army’s largest U.S. area commands, covering a five-county territory including Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, and Ellis Counties. Operations include 30 Salvation Army officers, more than 400 staff members, and a budget of $41 million to deliver an extensive range of compassionate services and spiritual programs to meet human need without discrimination.

The DFW Metroplex Commanders are responsible for a faith-based nonprofit organization that includes 13 community centers, four homeless shelters, two apartment buildings for senior citizens, two social service centers, and two Christmas assistance centers.
Directing a complex enterprise that is larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined is no simple task. The DFW Metroplex Command is privileged to have an important group of community stakeholders serving on an Advisory Board to lend their expertise to the overall management of the enterprise.

Barbara (Cheyne) Rich was born in Chicago, IL to Salvation Army Officer parents. They lived in Michigan (Detroit, Flint and Grand Rapids) during Barbara’s growing up years. In 1982 Barbara graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. In Chicago, Barbara worked for The Salvation Army in the development department before entering the School for Officers’ Training. Barbara has also pursued graduate education in the field of education and school administration.
Jonathan Rich was born in New York City. His parents were Salvation Army officers. His family lived most of Jonathan’s growing up years in the New York City Area. In 1982 Jonathan graduated from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. After an internship on Wall Street, Jonathan worked as a CPA for Price Waterhouse in Chicago before entering the School for Officers’ Training. He has also pursued graduate theological studies at Ashland Seminary, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Bethel Seminary.

Jonathan and Barbara were married in 1982 and were commissioned as Salvation Army officers in 1987. They are both 5th generation officers. After serving together for 12 years in Corps, Divisional and Territorial appointments in the Central Territory, Jonathan and Barbara accepted a calling to a congregation in Kansas City area church for thirteen years. During that time, Jonathan was the Executive Pastor and Barbara volunteered at the church while working in development for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and then as an elementary school teacher.

They both felt a strong calling to return to the Salvation Army as officers in the Southern Territory. Their appointment as Area Commanders in Memphis began in June of 2012.
Jonathan and Barbara have two children, a married son, Andrew, who lives in the Kansas City area with his wife, Chelsea, and works with special needs children in a middle school setting. Their daughter Allison lives in the Nashville area and has found a way to make a living through her passion for dogs and horses.

Barbara and Jonathan enjoy spending time together walking, biking, reading and traveling. Jonathan is an avid professional sports fan. Barbara loves time with friends and keeping up with the many interests of the couple’s children.