Mission Network welcomes three new staff members

ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Mission Network)—Mennonite Mission Network announces the hiring of three new staff members.

Andrew ClouseAndrew Clouse joins Mennonite Mission Network as the editorial director in the marketing and communication department. He has been serving in the position on an interim basis since September 2010.

In addition to his duties with Mission Network, Clouse is the associate pastor for youth at Albuquerque (N.M.) Mennonite Church. He most recently served in Honduras for two and a half years with Mennonite Central Committee. Prior to his time with MCC, he worked as an admission counselor at Goshen (Ind.) College. Clouse graduated from Goshen College in 2003 with a double major in music and communication.

“Mission Network’s presence in the United States and around the globe is a witness to Jesus’ healing love in a world that is broken,” he said. “I’m grateful that Mission Network is allowing me to share the fruits of this work with the North American church.”

Clouse, his wife, Amanda Lind, and his son, Samuel, live in Albuquerque.

Wil LaVeistWil LaVeist joins Mennonite Mission Network’s marketing and communication department as managing editor for multimedia.

LaVeist, who lives in Virginia, brings a wealth of experience and journalism knowledge in writing, print and Internet publishing, radio and video. He has worked for several media organizations, including the Tribune Company. LaVeist is also an award-winning published author and an educator. He has taught at institutions such as Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Regent University, Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton University and Old Dominion University.

“I’m looking forward to whatever God has in store,” LaVeist said, “and working and growing with all of the great people at Mennonite Mission Network.”

LaVeist has a bachelor’s degree in English from The Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in journalism from The University of Arizona. He is a member of Calvary Community Church “C3” in Hampton, Va.

Jill SchmidtJill Schmidt begins her role March 1 as personnel counselor and recruitment coordinator, responsible for overseeing Christian Service recruiting efforts as well as interviewing and placing applicants. Schmidt has worked for the last two and a half years as a traveling recruiter for Mission Network’s Christian Service programs, which are DOOR, Radical Journey, Mennonite Voluntary Service, Service Adventure, Youth Venture and SOOP. 

Schmidt brings with her a variety of experiences from the United States and abroad. She is a 2005 graduate of Bethel College in Newton, Kan., where she studied social work. After college, Schmidt spent 18 months serving with Mennonite Voluntary Service in Americus, Ga. She later lived and worked with a Mennonite family in Switzerland for several months, and then served as a case manager for foster children in Newton.

Schmidt enjoys meeting people, experiencing new cultures, spending time with friends, traveling, and being outdoors. She said her time with Mission Network has given her a passion for the learning that can occur when individuals “seek ways to expand their understanding of the world and their place in it through engaging in a time of intentional service.”

Schmidt lives in Newton and is an active member at Zion Mennonite Church in Elbing, Kan.