Meet the Ministry Team

In The Salvation Army, officers serve as pastors of the church congregation as well as administrators for the community-oriented ministries that happen within the facility.

Captains Alex & Carolina Yanez

The Yanez’s come to the Omaha Kroc Center from the Cold Spring Church and Community Center Corp located in Greenfield, WI.  They are originally from Santiago, Chile, and after several years of developing their careers in the business field they devoted their lives to God and through the ministry of The Salvation Army.

Their service began in February 2004 in Kansas City. They have also served at the Kroc Center in Green Bay, WI. The Yanez’s are the proud parents of two girls, one a sophomore in high school and one a junior in college.

Captain Alex Yanez most recently served as the Multicultural Ministries Coordinator and Echelon MKE liaison for the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Division of The Salvation Army.

In 2018, he received his certificate in Kroc Center Leadership from Booth University College. Prior to becoming an officer, he worked as a Salvation Army employee for the South America West Territory Headquarters in the business and development departments for ten years. He graduated as a financial auditor from a college in his native Santiago, Chile. Captain Alex is an active Rotary member and has served in a variety of capacities on multiple community boards and leadership groups.  In his free time, he loves to ride his bike, play tennis, and make memories by spending time with his family.

Captain Carolina Yanez was born in Chile and grew up in The Salvation Army as an officer’s child, traveling as her parents served in South America and Australia.  She studied Office Administration at Barton College in Melbourne, Australia.  During her spare time, Carolina loves to travel with her family, and to learn about interior design, watercolor painting, and gardening. Carolina loves to encourage others to use their gifts and talents in ministry and always looks for the potential in people.

Lieutenant Christopher Rutledge-Clarke

Lieutenant Christopher Rutledge-Clarke is honored to serve as the Officer for Congregational Life here at the Omaha Kroc. He’s excited to be a part of this vibrant community and to journey with others in faith and fellowship.

Lieutenant graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Youth and Family Ministry from Midland University in Fremont, NE. His passion for nurturing spiritual growth and community engagement began during his time working in the campus ministry department at Midland University. Over the years, he’s had the privilege of working in youth ministry with both Evangelical Free and Southern Baptist churches, which has enriched his understanding and approach to ministry.

In 2023, he completed his training at the Salvation Army College for Officer Training, which has prepared him for a life of service and leadership within the Salvation Army. Most recently, he served as the Officer in Kirksville, Missouri, where he was deeply involved in the community and worked to support and uplift those in need.

As the Officer for Congregational Life, his goal is to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can grow spiritually and find their place within our community. Lieutenant Chris is excited to get to know each of you and work together to build a stronger, more connected congregation.