MCC Canada executive director announces retirement

February 21, 2017 | Web First
Laura Kalmar | Mennonite Central Commitee Canada
Winnipeg, Man.

With a mixture of gratitude and sadness, the board of Mennonite Central Committee Canada (MCC) announces the retirement of Executive Director Donald Peters, effective September 30, 2017.

“Don has been an inspirational leader, demonstrating MCC's values in word and deed,” said board chair Peggy Snyder. “Don’s steady, servant leadership enabled the organization to weather joys and challenges, guiding the organization during polarizing times, both internally and externally. The board is grateful for the blessing Don has been to MCC.”

Peters is the longest serving executive director of MCC Canada, having served in his role for 16 years.  He first arrived at his desk on September 1, 2001.

During his tenure, Peters shepherded the organization through several significant world events, including the September 11 attacks, as well as the crisis in Syria and Iraq, leading to MCC’s largest humanitarian effort in its history, and to an ensuing wave of refugee resettlement in Canada.

From 2008 to 2012, Peters guided MCC Canada through the New Wineskins process, a time of re-visioning and restructuring. The process moved the Canadian arm of the bi-national organization into an era of greater responsibility for international programming.

Peters also invested considerable effort in strengthening ties between MCC Canada and its member churches, helping the organization remain committed to its Anabaptist faith roots through its work of relief, development and peace in the name of Christ.

Prior to his term as executive director, Peters spent six years as principal of Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute in Winnipeg. He and his wife Elaine also served as MCC representatives in Brazil for five years, from 1988 to 1993.

“Don’s legacy at MCC will be felt for years to come. He modelled true servant leadership and commitment and was always just as comfortable travelling in rural Saskatchewan as he was speaking to government or trekking through Zimbabwe to visit a partner. We wish him God’s blessings as he enters a new season with family, friends and community,” said Snyder.

The board welcomes your prayers as they conduct the process of choosing Peters’ successor.

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