Elkhart, IN – September 2, 2025 – Mennonite Mission Network is pleased to announce the appointment of Juan Pacheco Lozano as the new Regional Director for Latin America. Juan succeeds Linda Shelly, who has served in this role since 2002, pioneering and fostering relationships with Mennonite churches and partners across twelve Latin American countries.
Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Juan brings over a decade of experience in peacebuilding, leadership and community engagement across Latin America and the United States. He has served with organizations such as Justapaz (in Colombia), Mennonite Central Committee, and Goshen College, and has been deeply involved in intercultural ministry, advocacy, and partnership development. Juan is bilingual in Spanish and English and brings a strong Anabaptist foundation to his work.
“Juan’s passion for peace and justice, combined with his variety of experience in Latin America and the U.S., makes him an ideal leader for this role,” said Marisa Smucker, Executive Director of Mission Network. “His ability to help us build bridges across cultural, theological, and political divides will strengthen our partnerships and advance our mission of supporting Mennonite churches and holistic ministries in the region.”
From 2011 to 2013, he participated in Mennonite Central Committee’s (MCC) Seed program in Colombia, where he collaborated with Mennonite Brethren churches and grassroots nonprofits to lead workshops on conflict resolution, nonviolence, and Anabaptist history. His peacebuilding work continued at Justapaz, the Peace and Justice agency of the Mennonite Church in Colombia in different capacities.
In 2015 Juan joined MCC’s United Nations Office in New York City (2015–2016), where he served as an International Volunteer Exchange Program participant and Mennonite World Conference intern, advocating for issues such as mining safety, water quality, and peace processes in Colombia.
Most recently, Juan served as Peace and Justice Coordinator for MCC Great Lakes, where he engaged in immigration-related initiatives among other strategic priorities. His subsequent role as Student Success Program Coordinator at Goshen College further honed his skills in working with diverse communities.
“It is a privilege to serve as Regional Director for Latin America,” Juan shared. “I deeply value the legacy of Linda Shelly, whose faithful and invaluable work in this role has paved the way for so many meaningful relationships and initiatives across the region. I hope that my experience working throughout Latin America, together with my time in the United States, can be of service to our partner denominations, churches, organizations, and workers. I look forward to walking alongside them in their ministries and strengthening our shared commitment to peace, justice, and holistic mission.”
Juan now resides in Goshen, Indiana, with his partner, Lizzy Diaz — herself a former Mission Network staff member — and their two young children, Mateo and Luca. He values time with his family and enjoys sharing life together through community, hospitality, and faith.
Linda Shelly, who retires after over two decades of service, leaves a legacy of new and strengthened relationships with Latin American churches and solidarity programs with Indigenous Peoples. Mennonite Mission Network extends its appreciation for her dedicated leadership and welcomes Juan to this critical role.
For more information about Mennonite Mission Network’s work in Latin America, visit Latin America – Mennonite Mission Network.
About Mennonite Mission Network
Mennonite Mission Network, the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA, exists to lead, mobilize, and equip the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ across the street and around the world. The agency supports the development and missional work of Mennonite churches globally, collaborating with partners to promote peace, justice, and reconciliation.
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Hayes, Director of Marketing and Communication
574-501-4139
