Mennonite Mission Network executive director and chief executive officer Michael J. Sherrill resigned March 1. The sudden departure was announced to MMN staff March 2 and publicly March 6.

Jennifer Hayes, MMN director of marketing and communications, did not offer further details, describing the transition as a personnel matter between the MMN board and the executive director/CEO.

“No illegal activity, gross misconduct or impropriety occurred,” she said by email. “Nothing immoral or unethical took place.”

Sherrill was Asia and Middle East director at MMN from 2017 to 2020, becoming executive director upon the July 31, 2020, retirement of Stanley W. Green. He implemented and oversaw a reorganization of MMN from 2021 to 2022.

Hayes said Sherrill’s resignation was not connected to the restructuring process.

The MMN board appointed Marisa Smucker, senior executive of ventures, as interim executive director. The board plans to conduct a national search for a permanent leader. Mennonite Church USA chief communication officer Camille Dager confirmed the MC USA Executive Board approved an MMN recommendation to appoint Smucker, as outlined in bylaws that stipulate the Executive Board approves denominational agency executive officers.

Sherrill declined to comment when contacted by AW.