Penner asks for successor

After serving as president for five years.



Abbotsford, BC

Ron Penner, president for the last five years of his 14 with Columbia Bible College, has asked the board of directors to initiate a search for his successor, according to Abe Neufeld, chair of the board.

“Given my stage in life, one of the goals I have held is to assist the College in preparing for succession in the President’s role,”  he wrote to the board, saying that  his finish date will remain flexible according to the pace of the succession process.

During his tenure as president, Penner oversaw the rebuilding of the administrative team, the implementation of a new Integrated College Software suite and new website as well as the construction of a debt-free $3.5 million men’s residence due for completion in November, 2011.

“As we reflect, we acknowledge with grateful hearts the gift from God that Ron and Linda have been in their leadership and service roles at Columbia for 14 years,” writes Neufeld in response to Penner’s request. “Ron’s willingness to continue as president during the succession process provides the College with on-going leadership stability and capability that allows for an unbroken momentum in the continued pursuit of our vision and strategic plans.”  At its September meeting, the board initiated the succession process with the appointment of a search committee.

CBC is celebrating its 75th birthday this fall with a gala on October 22, 2011.  The 2011 fall semester began with a complement of 478 students, with 202 of those being new at Columbia. 

–Sept. 30, 2011



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