New Nominee Bios

USMB Leadership Board

Asres Belaye was born in Ethiopia. She is married and has four children and five grandchildren. Asres has worked in banking for over 36 years. She and her husband are members of Ethiopian Christian Fellowship Church in Olathe, Kan., where she has served as chairperson of the deacon committee, church treasurer and on the elder committee. She also served on the pastor search committee. Currently she is chairperson for women’s ministry.

Yvette Jones has over twenty-five years of experience in Public Relations, organizational advancement and fund development. She served as CEO/Director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and has experience as an administrator, collaborator, Board development, negotiator, speaker for United Way, Urban League and other social service and relief agencies. In addition, Yvette has twenty years of experience as sole proprietor of multiple small businesses. Her experience in non-profit administration, cause marketing, public speaking and fund development has enriched her communications skills. She is self-motivated to complete what needs to be done in the areas of event planning, program development and motivating others to reach their full potential through modeling servant leadership. She is currently First Lady of Fresno Pacific University.

Dave Thiessen is Executive Pastor of Mountain View Community Church in Fresno, CA. His primary responsibilities include helping to develop church vision and direction, School of Ministry, preaching, administration and conflict management. Dave and his wife, Connie, have three children. Dave is a graduate of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and University of British Columbia.

Appointed:

Brianne Shaw is Associate Pastor of Assimilation and Young Adults at Lighthouse Church, Denver, Colo. She and her husband, Josh, planted Lighthouse in 2015. They have two young boys. Brianne graduated from Tabor College and is a gifted musician and worship leader. She is passionate about leading people to Jesus.

Historical Commission

Maricela B. Chavez is an associate marriage and family therapist and is a member of Iglesia El Buen Pastor (MB) in Orange Cove, Calif.

Representatives

Everence Board of Directors

Sylvia Penner, from Wichita, Kan., is a member of First MB Church. Sylvia and her husband, Craig, are both Tabor graduates and have three children. Sylvia is an attorney for the Fleeson Gooing Coulson & Kitch law firm in Wichita.

Mennonite Central Committee

MCC USA Board:

Kevin Malamma, from Bakersfield, Calif., is a member of Heritage Bible Church. He is chair of the West Coast MCC board and former Chair of the MCC West Coast Relief Sale and Auction. He and his wife, Rosalyn, have three children and six grandchildren.

Nancy (Kroeker) Boothe, from Wichita, Kan., is a member of First MB Wichita along with her husband, Reg. She recently went on an MCC border tour near the Tucson and the Douglas/Agua Prieta border. She was also recently involved in First MB Wichita’s youth group in preparing MCC immigration kits.

Mennonite Disaster Service Board of Delegates

Judy Lopez of Bakersfield, Calif., loves the work of MDS. She replaces Bill Mast, who has completed his 12-year term as a Delegate. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the MDS Board of Directors, and a Member-At-Large position on the Board of Delegates. She is a member of Laurelglen Bible Church, Bakersfield, and is also the Pacific District Conference Representative on the MDS California Unit Board. She stated she would be honored to represent USMB on the MDS Board of Delegates.