Daren Lee was recently named acting chief operating officer of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, according to Elizabeth Kelly, MHCO board chair.

On Aug. 1, Lee moved into a dual role of Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio Team Leader and Director of Maple Crest and Independent Living by the Board of Directors. 

During his time in this role, he has coordinated leadership team meetings, facilitated continued collaboration between campuses, and explored opportunities to better align service areas across the MHCO continuum of care. 

Effective Dec. 28, 2020, the MHCO Board of Directors established a new role of Acting Chief Operating Officer, which Lee is filling. 

The Board has appreciated Daren’s leadership during these challenging times, and this has led them to recognize this role in a more formal appointment.  

Upon accepting the appointment Lee said, “There has been a lot of growth and change in my 15 years with MHCO. 

"Through times of trial and blessing, we have been able to serve the Bluffton, Pandora and surrounding communities for nearly 66 years. It is an honor to serve in this new role as MHCO looks toward the future.”

Daren joined Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio in 2006 when he was selected as the Director of Maple Crest. His track record includes leading the Maple Crest team to seven consecutive deficiency-free state surveys.  

In 2010, responsibility for oversight of the Mennonite Memorial Home independent living villas were added, with another addition of the Hilty Home villas in 2012. 

Since then, has overseen the development of the Villas on all MHCO campuses. In 2011, Lee also added the responsibility of Marketing Coordinator for MHCO and continued to serve in that capacity until 2018.

Elizabeth Kelly, Board Chair of MHCO said, “The past 16 months have been a challenging time for MHCO. Daren’s knowledge of the organization and focused leadership have helped us reach a steady state and will be instrumental in moving MHCO forward in this post-COVID time.”

MHCO continues to work closely with Brethren Home Management Services to achieve the organizational goals established in 2019 – to gain fiscal stability and position the organization for the future.