Sauder CEO Named to Disabilities Network Board

The Board of Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) welcomed Kevin Sauder of Archbold, Ohio as a new board member at its October 12-13 meeting in Goshen, Indiana .  Sauder, who is President and CEO of Sauder Woodworking Company, was elected earlier in the fall to fill an existing vacancy. 

Sauder previously served as a Board member of two organizations advocating for persons with Asperger Syndrome.  He learned about ADNet in the spring of 2007 and after talking with ADNet staff, board members, and volunteers, he stated his belief that these founders have “started something special.”

Paul Leichty, Director of ADNet, noted that Sauder, as the third generation president of a company that is a pioneer and leader in its field, has the expertise in business and organizational management that is a tremendous asset to ADNet’s board.  Jim Smith, ADNet Board President, commented, “Kevin's business experience and his personal passion to make a difference for those with disabilities will help take ADNet’s ministries to new levels.”

Sauder, along with his wife, Sandra, and their two teenage children, are active at Zion Mennonite Church in Archbold.  In expressing his vision for ADNet, he said, “I believe that ADNet can serve a wide range of needs within the church.  Most people have some connection to people with disabilities, but they do not have the tools or knowledge to know how to relate appropriately to them.  We tend to fear differences and exclude unnecessarily.  Activities can be shaped to involve people of all abilities.  Understanding, rather than pity, is important when dealing with issues such as mental illness or autism.  ADNet can make a difference in the lives of many.”

Anabaptist Disabilities Network was founded in 2003 to carry on the advocacy ministries begun earlier at Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) through the Mennonite Mental Health Services (MMHS) and continued from 1995-2002 at Mennonite Mutual Aid (MMA).  ADNet’s office is located at College Mennonite Church on the campus of Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana .