Michael Danner, associate executive director of church vitality for Mennonite Church USA, is now also serving as executive director of Mennonite Education Agency. The appointment is part of a collaborative staffing agreement between MEA and the MC USA Executive Board. Danner began splitting his time between MC USA and MEA on Sept. 1.

“With his belief in education and his leadership experience, he is uniquely equipped to build strong bridges between the church and our affiliated schools to strengthen the mission of both,” said MEA board chair J. Richard Thomas.

Danner has served in his current role with MC USA since 2018, providing support to area conferences, congregations and pastors. He previously was conference minister for Illinois Mennonite Conference.

“Michael brings the expertise and cultural competency to effectively communicate with the diversity of MC USA constituents, which will help move us forward together by building trust and spurring excitement in our affiliated schools,” said Glen Guyton, MC USA executive director. “I am particularly excited for Michael to strengthen our Racial Ethnic Leadership Education programs, currently managed by MEA.”

Danner replaces interim executive director Thomas Stuckey.