COO Leadership Transition

Schelli Cronk to Step Down After 19 Years With Transform Minnesota

After serving Transform Minnesota for 19 years, Schelli Cronk is stepping down from her role as Chief Operating Officer in October 2026. In that role, Schelli has led and overseen the administrative infrastructure that supports Transform Minnesota and its three Affiliate Ministries: New Life Family Services, Damascus Way Reentry Center, and Arrive Ministries.

In her announcement to the board and staff, Schelli reflected on what the organization has meant to her:

Nineteen years is a long time, and it’s hard to put into words what this place has meant to me. I’ve gotten to do work I truly believe in, alongside people I deeply respect, and I’m genuinely grateful for the community I’ve found here. Each of the organizations that are part of Transform do powerful, Gospel centered work, and being part of it has fueled my soul.

Schelli’s tenure has spanned some of the organization’s most formative years. Early in her leadership, she helped guide the rebranding process from Greater Minnesota Association of Evangelicals to Transform Minnesota in 2011. In the years that followed, she helped launch program initiatives focused on biblical sexual ethics and racial justice and reconciliation, and led planning for multiple leadership conferences and seminars.

As COO and HR Director, she more recently oversaw several modernization updates to key technology platforms, delivered shared administrative services to three affiliate ministries each with unique operating dynamics, and provided expert HR care and support throughout the organization.

“Schelli has played a monumental role providing operational stability for our family of ministries, with more than 125 employees and an $11 million annual budget,” says Carl Nelson, President and CEO of Transform Minnesota. “We are so grateful for the burden she carried for every part of this organization, and we will miss her immensely.”

A search process is underway for her replacement, which will be filled by a newly restructured role: Senior Director of Operations & HR. In the meantime, the ministry is planning a farewell reception for her on October 8 and invites ministry partners and well-wishers to join us in honoring her years of service. Check the website for details.