Canadian Lutheran World Relief appoints Darryl Loewen as Chief Executive Officer

Longtime faith-based humanitarian leader to guide the organization into its next chapter as CLWR marks 80 years of service.

Winnipeg, MB — April 8, 2026 — The Board of Directors of Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) has appointed Darryl Loewen as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026. Loewen succeeds Rev. Dr. Michael Pryse, who served as interim leader during the search process.

Loewen brings nearly a decade of executive leadership at Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Manitoba, where he oversaw fundraising, finance, social enterprise and operations. He led a major organizational consolidation, represented the organization across a diverse constituency, guided MCC Manitoba through significant change and deepened the organization’s fundraising capacity. Prior to MCC, he served as Principal of Mennonite Collegiate Institute. He also brings 20 years of governance experience from the credit union system, including as Chair of Access Credit Union.

“Darryl’s experience leading a historic, faith-rooted organization in challenging times is exactly what this moment calls for,” said Rev. Adam Snook, CLWR Board President. “As we enter our 80th year, we have an incredible legacy to preserve and steward, but we must also adapt to a rapidly changing world, and we intend to grow — expanding the reach of our life-saving programs, and reaching new supporters who share our conviction that every person deserves safety, dignity and a future. I’m so happy we’ve found a person of such character, wisdom and experience to lead us forward.”

“CLWR is one of Canada’s oldest, most trusted humanitarian organizations, but also one of its fastest growing. I couldn’t think of a more exciting — or critical — mission to be part of right now,” said Loewen.

Founded as a grassroots movement of Lutherans to resettle families after World War II, CLWR is one of Canada’s leading humanitarian organizations. Its programs now span emergency response, refugee resettlement and community development across Africa, the Middle East, South America, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe. CLWR is a trusted, long-term partner of the Lutheran World Federation and the Government of Canada, and a member of the Humanitarian Coalition and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. 

“We all know how the world feels right now,” added Loewen. “And Canada has to decide who we are as the world around us changes from what we knew. I believe it’s time for people of faith to take the lead with our commitment to global solidarity, and show how deep our convictions are that no one should be abandoned in the face of wars, disasters and a changing climate. I’m honoured to be part of a movement that was born of that conviction, and has been living it out for 80 years.”