PERSONNEL NOTES

Carolyn Neher, a member of the York Center congregation in Lombard, has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as associate director for Children’s Disaster Services (CDS), a program of Brethren Disaster Ministries based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. A CDS volunteer since 2014, Carolyn has been deployed as a CDS volunteer to six disasters, has taken advanced training to be a project manager, and is also a volunteer trainer. She is a graduate of McPherson College, with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, and of National Louis University, with a Master of Education in early childhood leadership and advocacy. Carolyn has extensive past experience in early childhood education and is currently working as a paraprofessional supporting children with autism in the school setting. Carolyn begins as associate director on June 5.

Virginia Rendler has been hired by the Church of the Brethren as interim volunteer coordinator for Brethren Volunteer Service. She is a 2020 graduate of Manchester University with a Bachelor of Arts in peace studies and philosophy with a minor in religious studies. Virginia currently serves as a program volunteer for the Corrymeela Community in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland through BVS. Virginia will begin working as a remote employee from North Manchester, Ind., on July 17.

Bethany Theological Seminary has hired Derek Parker to serve as Coordinator of Community Engagement, a newly created position. Parker is a graduate of Earlham School of Religion (ESR) and brings 25 years of experience in pastoral, administrative, and nonprofit leadership roles, including in the Wayne County community. He is a recorded minister by the New Association of Friends (Quaker) and an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister. He has served in pastoral roles in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, and currently serves the Universalist Church of Eldorado, Ohio in a part-time role. He also currently serves as assistant director of Open Arms Ministry, a non-profit sponsored by multiple faith-based organizations in Richmond that provides emergency utility and rental assistance to low-income families in crisis. Parker earned a bachelor’s degree in geophysics from the University of Chicago and a Master of Divinity from ESR. He is currently working on a Doctor of Arts in Religion and the Humanities from Harrison Middleton University.

Joy Dawes of Madison, Ala., began May 8 as public relations manager for Eder Financial. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and sociology from the University of Alabama. Her previous work experience has included a     mix of public relations and client advocacy. While her developmental years were spent in the United Methodist denomination, she and her family currently practice their faith as Roman Catholics.

Rich Osei began April 24 as a part-time accountant with Eder Financial. He has been working for the organization as a contractor for the last few months. Osei holds degrees in mathematics and accounting as well as a master of business administration with an emphasis in finance, all from Governor’s State University in Park Forest, Ill. He is a certified public accountant and is certified as an accountant in global organizations. He brings to the position a wide variety of experiences within management consulting and for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.