Lowell Detweiler named MCC acting executive director

AKRON, Pa. – Lowell Detweiler has been named acting executive director of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in the wake of the Oct. 23 resignation of Robb Davis, MCC executive director since June 1, 2005. Detweiler is a longtime MCC staff member and former director of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS).

Detweiler’s appointment was approved by the MCC executive committee during the weekend of Oct. 28 and is viewed as a short-term position while the committee seeks an interim executive director.

“Lowell brings a wealth of MCC experience and knowledge to this position,” said Ron Dueck, chair of the MCC executive committee. “We are thankful he has accepted the call to lead MCC at this crucial time while the executive committee seeks an interim director.”

The MCC executive committee has asked MCC staff to continue moving forward key initiatives Davis had begun work on, such as changes in the MCC governance structure, network facilitation, international program initiatives, a salary review and human resources initiatives.

Detweiler and his wife Ruth began service with MCC in 1959 as teachers in Newfoundland, Canada. With their two children, they served with MCC in Tanzania from 1968 to 71. Detweiler served as director of the MCC personnel department from 1971 to 82 and MCC East Coast from 1982 to 86. Currently he is interim director of the MCC human resources department.

Detweiler served as director of Mennonite Disaster Service from 1986 to 1998. Since that time he has worked on special assignments for both MDS and MCC. He is the author of the MDS history book, The Hammer Rings Hope, which was released in 2000.