Jason Kissel appointed as new executive director of Merry Lea

Goshen College has appointed Jason Kissel as the next executive director of the Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center. Kissel brings to the position 20 years of executive leadership experience in land conservation and natural resources. He will assume his duties on Aug. 1.

“Kissel was selected from a very competitive pool of candidates and stood out to the committee for several reasons,” said Ann Vendrely, academic dean and vice president of academic affairs. “He brings experience managing people, natural resources and programs from a similar non-profit organization. He is clearly passionate about caring for the natural world and helping people better understand it. I look forward to working with him as we strengthen the learning opportunities at Merry Lea for all ages.”

As executive director, Kissel will oversee the development of educational and public programming, lead strategic planning and budget preparation and collaborate closely with the Goshen College Biology Department to advance academic and research opportunities at Merry Lea.

“I’m thrilled to combine my experience and insight as a pastor, forester and leader, with the amazing skill sets and expertise of the Merry Lea staff, volunteers, board and Goshen College faculty,” Kissel said.

For the past 20 years, Kissel served as the executive director at ACRES Land Trust, a member-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting natural lands across northern Indiana, southern Michigan and Northwest Ohio. In that role, he guided stewardship of 8,700 acres of natural area, oversaw organizational advancement and public programming.Prior to his tenure at ACRES Land Trust, Kissel served as natural resources administrator and forester for the City of Indianapolis, where he managed a team of more than 200 employees. His background in ministry, combined with a deep commitment to creation care, further informs his approach to environmental leadership.

Kissel holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Purdue University (1996), and a master’s degree in ministry from Bethel University (2016).

Kissel plans to attend select meetings in July in preparation for his formal start date.