The mission, vision, and programs of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center (BMHC) are carried out by the Board of Directors, two staff persons, and a large team of dedicated volunteers. The Executive Director reports to the board of directors and coordinates with volunteers, overseeing the operation, maintenance, and development of the Brethren & Mennonite Heritage Center — its campus, artifacts, programs, and sustainability.
ELWOOD YODER
Interim Executive Director
Elwood previously served on the Heritage Center’s Board of Directors for two years and recently authored People of Peace: A History of the Virginia Mennonite Conference with co-author Steve Nolt. Elwood retired from Eastern Mennonite School in 2021 after 33 years teaching history and bible there. He is an EMU graduate from the class of 1981 and has been married to Joy Risser Yoder for over 46 years. Joy and Elwood have attended Zion Mennonite Church in Broadway, Va., for 36 years; they have three married adult children and six grandchildren.
Two events prompted him to accept the search committee’s invitation to this role: he was a member of the Heritage Festival & Open House planning committee, and he sat-in on one of our fall field trips. Both of these events gave him renewed energy and passion for BMHC’s Christ-centered ministry to children and families across our region.
JONATHAN BRUMBAUGH SCARR
Associate Director
Jonathan grew up in Elgin, Illinois attending Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren and receiving a thorough immersion into the church. He brings to his position a strong knowledge of Brethren history, theology, and polity.
Jonathan previously worked with the Brethren Historical Library and Archives on several projects, including the creation of a topical index of Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Minutes. His affinities for forms and spreadsheets exemplify his skills in organization and record-keeping. He graduated from Juniata College in Huntington, Pennsylvania and continues to enjoy learning.
Jonathan finds the ongoing story of Anabaptism meaningful and inspirational, and he is excited to keep learning about and preserving this story through his work at BMHC. He lives in Rockingham County with his spouse, Jen, where they enjoy walking together in the woods and appreciating the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.
IRENE HERSHBERGER KNISS
President of the Board
Irene Kniss became President of the Heritage Center Board in 2022. She is the Director of Health Services at Eastern Mennonite University, and also operates Kniss & Spencer Legal Nurse Consulting. Born to Amish parents who joined the Mennonite Church when she was a child, Irene brings a rich Anabaptist background and a wealth of experience to her leadership of the Heritage Center’s Board of Directors.