CEO Kelly Installation: Introduction of new CEO

On October 22 Minnesota Council of Churches marked a new chapter in its history with the Installation of Elder Suzanne P. Kelly as our new CEO. There were many memorable elements of the service, including this introduction of Elder Kelly by Rev. Dana Neuhauser, an MCC Board Member, member of the selection committee, and a Deacon in the United Methodist Church.

Here is a recording of Rev. Neuhauser's message.

Here is the full text of her message:

My name is Rev. Dana Neuhauser. I am clergy in the United Methodist Church. I have the great privilege of serving on the Minnesota Council of Churches Board of Directors and the search committee for the new CEO.

The search process was intentional, strategic, and most of all prayerful. We engaged Ballinger Leafblad to conduct the search. And what a phenomenal job they did. I would be remiss if I failed to express our deepest gratitude to Damon Shoholm and Lars Leafblad for their commitment and care through the whole process. They were thorough and really listened to the priorities of the Council through input meetings with staff and stakeholders to create a profile that captured not only where we've been but where and how we intend to go in the future.

With Board support, the MCC Executive Committee served as the search committee. The position profile was shared widely and had over 8,000 views. In fact, I'm guessing many of you in this room helped to share it, so good work! We ended up reviewing submissions from 14 candidates and carried 8 applicants forward for an initial on-line interview. After a two-day interview process, we reviewed the exemplary depth of vision, skills, attributes and experience that each candidate presented and selected two to bring to a final interview with the Search Committee. Let me be clear, there wasn't a dud among 8 applicants that interviewed, so you KNOW that the two finalists were both powerhouse candidates.
In the end, Elder Suzanne Kelly emerged as our top choice with a compelling combination of confidence, demonstrated leadership, and the unmistakable driving force of Holy Spirit fire.

To paint a fully picture of Elder Kelly's gifts and graces, I'd also like to share remarks from Minister Tawanna Black, who regrets not being able to be here in person tonight:

The Minnesota Council of Churches has greatly expanded its services and impact in recent years, including intentional efforts to diversify membership, growing Refugee Services and laudable racial equity and justice work. The future requires a trusted leader whose life, work and ministry aligns with that of the Council. We are elated to share that our new CEO possesses decades of experience managing internal operations and external relations to drive systems change for a myriad of sectors including journalism, Education, philanthropy, and inclusive economic growth. This experience has positioned her to master the balance between having a solid house and making that house accessible to the public to achieve shared goals.

In Elder Kelly we found much more than a CEO. We found an exemplary steward of God's word, our shared vision for vibrant, Christ-anchored and biblically sound churches that fulfill our charge to spread the gospel and the love of Christ.
Elder Kelly is an accomplished executive with a reputation for transformational leadership in many sectors. We found a leader who has worked across the nation building meaningful narratives and news, Healthy schools, equitable communities, and impactful places of worship

A leader whose impact is accelerated by her relationships.

A leader known for her integrity, faith and foundation in Christ who shares the Gospel with souls near and far

In Elder Kelly the Minnesota Council of Churches found a leader whose entire career and life have prepared her for such a time as this; a leader who is eager and dedicated to equipping and supporting Minnesota's churches with the data, tools and support necessary to be beacons of light and hope forever shining and bringing truth to a lost world.

We are humbled by the many ways Elder Kelly has embraced the mission of the MCC. In her first 100 days, she has already begun deepening our capacity for sustainable, life changing work, and continues to build and maintain our relationships among MCC judicatories, members, partners and funders. The future is bright and we invite each of you to join us in celebrating and supporting Elder Kelly's leadership at the Minnesota Council of Churches.