Dear CrossNet Ministries (CrossNet) Supporter, 

On behalf of the CrossNet Board of Directors, it is with great joy that I present Carl Edwards, Jr. as the new Executive Director for CrossNet. 

Carl is no stranger to CrossNet or the ELANCO community. For the past five years, Carl has served CrossNet as Director of Development, having previously served three years as Youth Center Director. 

Carl will formally begin his new role as Executive Director effective January 3. In the upcoming weeks, Carl will work alongside our current Executive Director Meredith Dahl in this transition. The Board and Carl have requested Meredith to consult and assist as needed with the Capital Campaign and the project management team throughout the construction project, and Meredith has agreed. For this we are most grateful. 

The past two-month search provided us with over 200 applicants for Executive Director. I was thankful for the very gifted Search Team and the professional services of Teambuilder Recruiting, LLC. Be assured, the Search Team labored hard, carefully, and prayerfully on behalf of CrossNet and the ELANCO community it serves. The nine-person Search Team included two at-large community members: Steve Lindsey, CEO of Garden Spot Village; and Chief William Leighty, New Holland Police. The board members included Travis Eby, Brian Hollinger, Matthew Kulp, Carol Lehman, Cory Murphy, Judy Weaver, and me. 

Throughout the interview process, Carl testified of a personal call alongside peace and full surrender as he applied and interviewed. Carl humbly requested executive coaching to further develop his leadership skillset as he steps into this new role. The board has committed to provide and oversee this request. 

We invite your prayers and support for Carl and the CrossNet staff as these transitions unfold in the coming months. 

Looking ahead, please reserve March 25, 2025, for the Annual CrossNet Banquet hosted at Shady Maple. That evening, we will be formally introducing Carl Edwards as the new Executive Director and celebrating Meredith Dahl and her seventeen-year tenure with CrossNet.  

Because of Jesus, 

Pastor Brian E. Martin, Board Chair, CrossNet  

Introducing Carl Edwards

Carl is passionate about serving others and finds great joy in coming alongside his community to meet needs in the name of Jesus. 

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Carl developed a lifelong love for Ravens football and crab cakes. He now resides in Leola, PA, with his wife Mary and their two children, Macklyn and Lincoln. 

Carl earned a B.A. in Bible (2010) and a Master of Arts in Leadership (2018) from Lancaster Bible College. 

In his free time, Carl enjoys sports, grilling, and creating memories with his family. 

Carl Edwards, Jr. with his wife Mary, daughter Macklyn, and son Lincoln.

CROSSNET BOARD OF DIRECTORS