HELM's Lyons named new leader of
Christian Board of Publication

Brad Lyons, HELM's Communications Director and Program Officer for almost 11 years, has been named President and Publisher of the Christian Board of Publication effective August 15. Both HELM and CBP are related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Lyons joined HELM, then known as the Division of Higher Education, in September 2000. At about the same time, DHE's mission focus more tightly on leadership development in relationship with campus ministries, congregations, and the 27 educational institutions related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

"When I arrived, I viewed this job as a launching point to a career on a college campus," Lyons said. "But as HELM's mission evolved, and as I got to know the spectacular emerging leaders out there, I realized HELM was too much fun — and also very fulfilling. HELM's mission of nurturing leaders for the church and the world is critical to our shared future and God's calling to each of us."

In addition to HELM's communication efforts, he has overseen the day-to-day operations of the HELM Leadership Fellows Program and the Student Ecumenical Team. He also oversaw the implementation of a 2004 updated in HELM's name, logo, and mission, including building the HELM web site, and managed events such as the Seminarians Conference and the Share 2010 national student ministry gathering of Disciples and the United Church of Christ.

"I've had the privilege and the honor of meeting and working with hundreds of students, and each one is unique. While I will miss that interaction professionally, I continue to count many of them as friends and colleagues."

"Lastly, I cannot praise the HELM staff enough," Lyons said. "I've been blessed to work with Dennis Landon, HELM's president and a mentor to me as I move into a management position; Linda Plengemeier, our vice-president and treasurer who works to keep us focused on maximizing our resources for ministry; Janice Woods, who keeps the office functioning; and Sara Crump, whose patient chats about Missouri Tiger football probably keeps the rest of the staff sane each fall. I hope my successor has as much fun as I did."

"This moment is the definition of bittersweet," said Dennis Landon, HELM president. "Brad's faith, energy, and creativity have been central to HELM's mission and work this past decade. All our efforts to focus and strengthen our ministry of leader development for the renewal of the church's life and witness have been strengthened by his skills, grace, and humor. His departure is painful. At the same time, I am proud that my colleague now moves to a position of executive leadership and that he will still be my colleague in his new role."

A native of Edmond, Okla., Lyons came to HELM with a background in journalism, digital media, internet communications, and public relations.

Lyons' last day at HELM will be August 12.