Staff Executive Staff Aizaiah Yong Executive Director ayong001@CollegevilleInstitute.org Rev. Aizaiah G. Yong, PhD (he/him) was appointed Executive Director of the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research, on April 30, 2025. A theologian, educator, and ordained Pentecostal minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Dr. Yong brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, interfaith dialogue, and social justice work. His career spans continents and communities, with particular emphasis on healing and advocacy in collaboration with Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC) communities. He is a trained Internal Family Systems practitioner and Compassion Practice facilitator, and his work has been featured by NPR, the National Benevolent Association, and the Global Compassion Coalition. A respected public intellectual and prolific author, his recent works include Multiracial Cosmotheandrism (Orbis Books, 2023) and the forthcoming Trauma and Renewal (Orbis Books, 2025), both recognized with national awards. In joining the Collegeville Institute, Dr. Yong affirms his commitment to cultivating spiritual, communal, and intercultural transformation. “The time is ripe to carry forth this work in deliberate and conscious ways,” he said. “I am honored to join a community so deeply rooted in contemplative, compassionate, and creative action.” Fajr DeLane Executive Assistant fdelane001@CollegevilleInstitute.org Bio and photo coming soon. Pat Flicker Director of Finance and Annual Giving pflickers001@CollegevilleInstitute.org Pat Flicker is the Director of Finance and Annual Giving for the Collegeville Institute. She leads the Collegeville Institute’s business and financial operations, providing oversight of finance, grants, facilities, human resources, and advancement initiatives. Pat has dedicated more than two decades to nonprofit leadership and administration. She earned a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary as well as a Fundraising Certificate from St. Thomas University. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Pat enjoys spending time with her two grown daughters and five grandchildren. Andrew McNeil Director of Communications amcneil001@CollegevilleInstitute.org Andrew McNeil is an experienced communications and digital marketing professional passionate about storytelling and public engagement. As Director of Communications at the Collegeville Institute, he brings expertise in public affairs, media relations, and digital strategy. With a background in higher education marketing and institutional communications, Andrew specializes in crafting compelling narratives, fostering collaboration, and enhancing organizational visibility. He holds a Master of Arts in English Studies from St. Cloud State University and is currently pursuing an MBA with a focus on digital experience and integrated marketing communications at the University of St. Thomas. Before his current role, Andrew served as a Public Affairs Specialist in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, leading media operations, crisis communication efforts, and digital content production. Through his combined military and civilian expertise, Andrew is committed to using communication as a bridge to connect people, ideas, and institutions. Program Staff Carla Durand Director of Program Services cdurand@CollegevilleInstitute.org 320-363-3365 Carla Durand is Director of Program Services at the Collegeville Institute. She earned her Master of Science in Social Responsibility from Saint Cloud State University, and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Immediately prior to her work at the Collegeville Institute, Carla served as Associate Campus Minister at the College of Saint Benedict in the areas of service, justice, and spirituality. In addition to her responsibilities on campus, she has worked as the volunteer and bereavement manager for a local hospice program. As a volunteer for an ecumenical non-profit agency, she lived and served in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky for seven years. Nancy Johnson Administrative and Program Assistant ntjohnson@CollegevilleInstitute.org 320-363-3366 Nancy Johnson is the Administrative and Program Assistant for the Collegeville Institute. She recently joined the Collegeville Institute after working for the Saint John’s University Institutional Advancement department for 20 years. Before that, she worked several years at Central Piedmont Community College where she earned her degree. Her role at the Collegeville Institute includes communicating with incoming program participants, working with current residents, organizing events, and providing hospitality. Nancy raised three children and currently enjoys her grandchildren who are living in Minnesota and Washington, DC. Lauren F. Winner Director, Ecclesial Literature Project The Rev. Dr. Lauren F. Winner is the Director of the Collegeville Institute’s Ecclesial Literature Project. Lauren has led Collegeville Institute writing workshops since 2012. She writes and lectures widely on Christian practice, the history of Christianity in America, and Jewish-Christian relations. Her books include Girl Meets God, Mudhouse Sabbath, a study of household religious practice in 18th-century Virginia, A Cheerful and Comfortable Faith, Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis, and Wearing God. Dr. Winner, an Episcopal priest, is vicar of St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Durham, N.C.
