MDS adapts to changing disaster and volunteer landscape

In response to the growing needs among disaster survivors, Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) in the U.S. is adjusting its leadership structure.

As MDS U.S. Executive Director Kevin King retires, and newly appointed Executive Director Clair Good transitions into the role, Good will lead an Executive Team comprised of three Directors – Director of Project Operations, Jenn Dorsch-Messler; Director of Resource Development, Brad Fair; and Director of Administration, Loren Rice. This structure replaces the former one of an Executive Director and Director of Operations.

Wayne Yoder, MDS US Board Chair, explained what led to the change.

“MDS has grown immensely during Kevin King’s 22 years as Executive Director,” he said. “Our staff and volunteers are responding to an increasing number of disasters, bringing more survivors back home.”

At the same time, Yoder noted, disasters are becoming more frequent and more complex.

“Communities often need assistance for much longer periods of time,” he said. “Expectations from partners continue to grow, while government resources are becoming less certain.”

In fiscal year 2025-26, MDS U.S. had national projects in 22 different locations from Maui to Puerto Rico. Additionally, MDS units from Pennsylvania to Alaska were involved in many local responses, ranging from home restoration in Pennsylvania to wildfire cleanup in New Mexico to rebuilding and repairs in Alaska and many more in between.

“Our increase in staff is focused on ensuring that volunteers remain the heart and lifeblood of MDS’s work,” said Yoder. “Every disaster survivor matters, from large-scale MDS responses to local ones, and MDS’s new structure has been created to ensure even more volunteers can get out there to bring hope and compassion.”

Yoder emphasized that the greatest ongoing need within MDS is that of leadership volunteers.

“MDS frequently needs to limit the number of projects that can be done because of the lack of project leadership,” he said. “Many long-time MDS volunteers are aging, and the organization is working intentionally to develop the next generation of leaders.”

King expressed joy and thanks to God for Good’s appointment. “I will be working side-by-side with Clair for a few weeks to help him, MDS staff, and MDS volunteers transition to the new leadership,” said King. “It is a blessing to be able to hand leadership of MDS to a capable, seasoned leader.”

Good said he looks forward to serving with very gifted and capable MDS staff and volunteers. “We are faced with an impossible task, but with God’s help we will respond to disasters with compassion, by rebuilding homes, and bridges across water and differences, restoring hope through service,” he said.