NET Ministries has some exciting news!
As an important part of NET’s new six-year strategic plan, a national search committee composed of board members, advisors, and alumni, has been about the work of selecting the right person to assume my role as President. The committee identified 24 possible candidates. Seven were asked to provide letters of inquiry and resumes. From this group, which included candidates from several prominent Catholic youth or young adult ministry organizations, five were invited for interviews. After this rigorous process, the search committee made their recommendation to the board of directors. I am pleased to announce that David Rinaldi was the unanimous choice of the board of directors to serve as the next President of NET.
The work of NET is more important than ever! The beginning of a new six-year strategic plan is the perfect time to transition to new leadership in order to take NET to the next level in the years and decades to come. I am thrilled that Dave will be taking on the President role.
Dave has been with NET Ministries for the past 25 years, most recently serving as the Vice President of Mission. In this role, he planned and led NET training for 1,500 missionaries over 10 years. He grew NET’s Mission Staff program, developing 180 leaders for the Church. He also launched several training initiatives to equip the NET Staff to be missionary leaders in our apostolic time. Besides his work with NET, Dave is also a national Catholic speaker who has given over 1,400 presentations. He holds a Master’s Degree in Theology from Ave Maria University.
“Serving with NET for the past 25 years has been an incredible gift,” Dave said. “I can think of no more important and fulfilling work than forming disciples who, in turn, bring the Gospel to tens of thousands of people each year. Because Christianity is no longer the driving force of our culture, the work of NET Ministries is more important than ever. Over the past 40 years, we’ve brought the Gospel to 2.3 million young people. I’m excited to reach another million over the next six years as we implement our strategic plan.”
Upon the transition of presidents, I will continue to serve NET as a strategic advisor, helping with Dave’s transition and working on special projects to enhance NET’s mission.
“Everyone who knows Dave Rinaldi knows of his incredible love for Christ, the Church, and NET Ministries. He is a dedicated evangelist who has proven himself over many years. The search committee was impressed with his creativity, passion, and vision to bring our strategic plan to fruition. Under Dave’s leadership, NET Ministries will have a bright future.” -Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Bishop of Crookston, MN, NET Ministries Board of Directors Chairman, and Search Committee Member
“As Chair of a diverse, national Search Committee, recommending Dave Rinaldi to the NET Ministries Board as the next leader was an honor. The resounding unanimous endorsement by the Board was affirmation of the work of a robust and intense national search process. NET’s stakeholders, from staff through NET Alumni, benefactors, bishops, and parishes can be pleased. Dave is the right person to lead NET Ministries into the future guided by the Holy Spirit and the execution of a bold and energizing strategic plan.” -Mr. Gerald D. Brennan, C.I.M.A., NET Ministries Board of Directors Vice Chairman and Search Committee Chair
Thank you for your support and prayers over the years. I have been privileged to lead this exciting effort for over 40 years, and I ask you to join me in praying for Dave as he carries our important work into the future.
With Gratitude,
Mark Berchem, MSW, MAT
Founder, NET Ministries
