WINNIPEG, Man.—Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada is pleased to announce that Kenneth H. Kim has been appointed new MCC Canada executive director, effective March 3, 2025.
Kim previously served as interim executive director of World Renew for a year and a half, and director of disaster response for the same organization for seven years prior to that. He also served as a board member of Canadian Foodgrains Bank for 17 years, most recently as board chair. Through these roles, he has had many opportunities to interact with MCC staff and programs. Prior to his time with World Renew, Kim worked as director of Presbyterian World Service & Development.
“We are elated to welcome Ken to MCC,” says Ron Ratzlaff, MCC Canada board chair. “Ken is a servant leader with a deep sense of commitment for God’s ministry of global justice.
“The board believes that Ken’s gifts will lead MCC Canada into the future with strength and compassion. Ken’s experience in international development and relief, skills in intercultural communication and ability to understand and navigate complex systems will make him a valuable addition to the MCC team.”
Kim holds a BA from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and a graduate certificate in project management from Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C. He lives with his wife, Kennis, in Toronto, Ontario, and they have four adult children. Kim is a member of Rosedale Presbyterian Church, where his wife serves as the Christian education director.
Kim will assume full responsibilities of the executive director role on March 24, 2025, working remotely from his home office in Toronto. He will make regular monthly visits to the MCC Canada office in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Kim replaces Rick Cober Bauman who has served as MCC Canada executive director since October 2017. Cober Bauman has been with MCC for more than 35 years in numerous roles, including nine years as MCC Ontario executive director.
In January 2024, Cober Bauman informed the MCC Canada board of his intentions to retire in March 2025. The board began their search for a new leader in June 2024.
As executive director, Cober Bauman led MCC Canada through several significant moments in its history, including 2020 MCC centennial celebrations, the COVID-19 pandemic, two strategic planning processes, numerous changes in HR policies and processes, and the ratification of covenants with MCC provincial entities and MCC U.S. in 2023.
“Rick has been an exemplary and committed leader, freely demonstrating and practicing his faith as a Jesus follower,” says Ratzlaff. “Rick’s deep commitment to justice, peace and right relationships is evident in all he does. Rick leaves MCC in a solid financial position, with a new strategic plan that will guide us well over the next five years.”
“The board thanks Rick for his dedicated and longstanding service. It’s rare for leaders to give so many years to one organization, and Rick is leaving an incredible legacy. We are also grateful to Rick’s spouse, Louise, for her unwavering support and partnership over the past decades.”