MVAC seeking executive director

By Linda Linonis | January 8, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

youngstown

The search continues for an executive director of Mahoning Valley Association of Churches.

The Rev. Bob Bonnot, MVAC board president and pastor of Christ Our Savior Parish in Struthers, said the board is accepting letters of interest and resumes. These should be sent to Mahoning Valley Association of Churches, P.O. Box 1526, Youngstown, OH 44501.

Elsie Dursi, who served as executive director for 23 years, retired from the position at the end of 2012. She and Monica Spelich, MVAC secretary for seven years, will be recognized at the organization’s annual assembly at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at Third Baptist Church, 1177 Park Hill Drive. At that meeting, new board members and officers will be installed.

Father Bonnot outlined some of the qualities and attributes that the executive director should have.

“Ecumenical experience is key,” he said. “Involvement and understanding of the faith community would be an asset.”

He also added it would be beneficial if the applicant had a degree in religion or related field or was ordained. Those are not requirements but “desirable attributes.”

Previously, the board president had said that the board was working on “reviewing the mission and activities to reflect to the candidate in an accurate way” the work of MVAC.

Dursi was the first layperson and first woman to hold the position. She brought a well-versed background in the Valley’s faith community to the job. She was Protestant Family Services director from 1976-89, and through that position, she developed a working relationship with a range of churches.

Father Bonnot said that MVAC “needs the financial support of the community” to continue its mission. Upcoming events will help replenish the MVAC treasury and allow the board to fill the open positions.

The Choral Festival is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 17 at St. Christine Church. The Rev. Rebecca Richie, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Canfield, is coordinator. Freewill offerings will be accepted.

Also on the calendar is the Taste of the Faiths fundraiser April 22 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Boardman.

For information on MVAC, contact Father Bonnot at St. Nicholas Church at 330-755-9819 or by email to bbonnot@gmail.com. The MVAC website is www.mvaconline.org.