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Jolita Paton, European Director

Jolita was appointed as our European Director in February 2019, having previously been with MEM since 2013 in the capacity of Board Chair and then Operations Director. Prior to this, she loved working in a large church with responsibilities in mission, prayer and events. She has also served within a prison chaplaincy, explored a calling for ordination, and dreamed of being a missionary in Africa. Having also worked within the arts and culture sector, both in the UK and internationally (including the Middle East), Jolita has great experience in management, strategy, fundraising and research, which greatly helps in her current role. She works from Peterborough, but very happy to travel and meet you for a coffee – please drop her a line at jolita@mem.org.

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James Baldock, Senior Communications Manager

James joined the team in 2018 and is based in Worcester. He has worked as a communications specialist for several international Christian organisations and is passionate about the mission of the Church. While recently graduating with a Masters Degree in Theology, James focused his dissertation on why effective communication is vital for Christian communicators. He is responsible for our communication and is excited to report back to you on the transformative work of MEM. You can reach James at james@mem.org.

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Jess Davidson-Egan, Development Manager

Jess has been with us since October 2018. Currently based in Nottingham, Jess grew up in the Middle East and went on to study Middle Eastern Studies at SOAS, London. She is hugely passionate about the Middle East and MEM’s work in the region. Jess is responsible for growing MEM’s reach here in the UK through supporters, events, churches and trusts. If you’re interested in supporting MEM please do get in touch with Jess as she would love to chat, or even buy you a piece of baklava! You can contact her through jess@mem.org.

Cassie Chiong, Communications Assistant

Cassie joined the team in 2023 and is based in London, having recently moved from Melbourne, Australia. She is a media and communications specialist who has worked in various Christian and non-profit organisations as well as in publishing. She is passionate about the transformative power of the Gospel and is excited to provide support to James and the MEM team in their incredible mission and vision. Outside of work, she loves to read, write and catch up on her endless watchlist. Reach her at cassie@mem.org.

Matt Hinch, Digital & Creative Specialist

Matt joined the MEM team in April 2023. Based in Warwickshire, he studied Graphic Design at Coventry University and has since built up over 8 years of experience working across a range of design briefs – from social media campaigns, to event flyers and programmes. He’s passionate about sharing the word of God and seeing its incredible transformational power come to life. If he’s not in front of his computer creating up our next design, he’s probably outside with his camera, capturing the beautiful world God has blessed us with. He’s excited to be part of the MEM UK/EU team and helping to spread greater awareness of our local teams’ incredible work. Reach Matt through matt@mem.org.

Helen Deane, Finance & Operations

Helen joined the team in 2023 and is based in the south coast of England. She has worked in a variety of roles in many different sectors, mainly in administration, finance and operations. She works part time for MEM and part time for a Christian camp for young people aged 10 - 18. Helen is a great believer in the power of cake, and the gospel opportunities sharing cake and coffee can bring!  Outside of work, Helen loves to read, walk her dog, and make lovely food to share with people. Reach her through ukadmin@mem.org.

Hannah-Rivkah Perkin, Fundraising Manager

Hannah-Rivkah joined the staff team in 2023 after being our trustee for nearly eight years. She has a background in programme management in the refugee sector and a master’s in gender and development. She also speaks Arabic and has lived and worked in the Middle East. Based in London, you can get in touch with her at hannahrivkah@mem.org.

Anna Macaulay, Events Manager

Anna Macaulay joined MEM in 2024 and based in the north of England. She has a background in Event Management, Fundraising and Design and has a wealth of experience in the sector, having worked with a number of charitable organisations to ensure they achieve their fundraising goals. Anna is passionate about seeing the next generation thrive and loves to serve in her local church through supporting the young people, offering creativity as a way of overcoming struggles and growing in faith. She also loves to a explore the nearby Peak District, hiking and fell running. Reach Anna through anna@mem.org.

European Board of Trustees

Chris Large (Chair)
Hannah-Rivkah Perkin
David Hodgson
Fiona Holmer

Jonathan Morris (Honorary Treasurer)
Rosemary Summerfield
Brian Taylor
Jennifer Hooker


USA

USA Director

We are currently recruiting for a new US Director and their details and bio will be posted here when they are appointed.


International

Wayne Larson, International Director

Wayne began his career in TV and radio, before feeling called to help start MEM’s North Africa-based production ministry over 30 years ago. Whilst there he helped with the launch of one of the Middle East’s first Christian satellite television stations, SAT-7. Wayne led the North Africa team until 2004, when he assumed the role of New Venture Director for MEM. After being challenged by Leina, who saw the need for a Gulf-based media ministry to teenagers, the Gulf team was established in 2007. Wayne co-led the Gulf team until 2017, when he became MEM's International Director. Wayne and his wife, Jeannie, are sent out by the Mennonite Network to serve with MEM.

Board of Reference

Revd Colin Chapman, UK
Mrs Robyn Claydon, Australia
Baroness Caroline Cox, UK
Dr Edward R Dayton, USA
Rt Revd Derek L Eaton, New Zealand
Dr Walter Liefeld, USA
Rt Revd Dr Bill Musk, UK
Revd Frog and Dr Amy Orr-Ewing, UK
Dr Hugh & Mrs Marion Osgood, UK
Dr Dudley Woodberry, USA