Mennonite Mission Network has appointed Juan Pacheco Lozano of Goshen, Ind., as regional director for Latin America. He succeeds Linda Shelly, who served since 2002.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Pacheco brings over a decade of experience in peacebuilding, leadership and community engagement across Latin America and the United States.

Most recently, he was student success program coordinator at Goshen College. Before that, he served as peace and justice coordinator for Mennonite Central Committee Great Lakes.

“Juan’s passion for peace and justice, combined with his variety of experience in Latin America and the U.S., makes him an ideal leader for this role,” said Marisa Smucker, MMN executive director. “His ability to help us build bridges across cultural, theological and political divides will strengthen our partnerships and advance our mission of supporting Mennonite churches and holistic ministries in the region.”

From 2011 to 2013, he participated in MCC’s Seed program in Colombia, where he collaborated with Mennonite Brethren churches and grassroots nonprofits to lead workshops on conflict resolution, nonviolence and Anabaptist history. His peacebuilding work continued at Justapaz, the Colombian Mennonite peace and justice agency.

In 2015 he joined MCC’s United Nations Office in New York City, where he served as an International Volunteer Exchange Program participant and Mennonite World Conference intern.

“I hope that my experience working throughout Latin America, together with my time in the United States, can be of service to our partner denominations, churches, organizations and workers,” Pacheco said. “I look forward to walking alongside them in their ministries and strengthening our shared commitment to peace, justice and holistic mission.”

Pacheco and his partner, Lizzy Diaz, a former MMN staff member, have two children, Mateo and Luca.