Brian Ondracek Appointed President and CEO of Pioneer Clubs

Brian Ondracek Pioneer ClubsSIMA Executive Search is pleased to announce that on June 7, 2013, the Pioneer Clubs Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint Brian Ondracek the President and CEO of Pioneer Clubs, a weekday children’s ministry with a 75-year history. Ondracek brings over 15 years of vocational ministry experience in Christian publishing, having served in senior marketing and product development roles at Christianity Today, Tyndale House Publishers, and Crossway Books. He also served as Director of Creative Services for Moody Bible Institute.

“Brian’s background and experience make him the right choice for leading Pioneer Clubs into its next 75 years,” commented Search Committee Chair Jody Maas. “We anticipate forward movement and growth of the ministry under his guidance. Brian has demonstrated leadership and integrity in his personal and professional life, which contribute to his fit with Pioneer Clubs.”

Ondracek has been directly and indirectly involved in children’s ministry through leading children’s and youth groups at his church, publishing and producing a variety of children’s products, and serving on the Board of the Greater Chicago Sunday School Association. Brian was active in Christian Service Brigade through his high school years, and his mother served in the Pioneer Clubs ministry at their church, both of which contributed to his appreciation for weekday children’s ministries.

Tommy Thomas, Laura Coverstone, and Ed Poff assisted Pioneer Clubs with this search. Jody Maas shared, “SIMA worked closely with our search committee to provide resources, instruction, and support as we needed it. Their excellence in approach and experience with organizations such as ours enabled us to accomplish our goals to our complete satisfaction.”

Of his appointment, Mr. Ondracek shared: “It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted by the Board of Pioneer Clubs with this key leadership role. For nearly 75 years the ministry has had a profound impact on the global church, as its materials and programs have been used by thousands of local churches to evangelize and disciple hundreds of thousands of children. As someone who has personally experienced the life-long spiritual benefits that a midweek children’s program can provide, I am excited to join the team at Pioneer Clubs as together we help children and youth make Christ Lord in every aspect of life.”

Ondracek earned a Master in Business Administration from the University of Illinois, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Moody Bible Institute, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from DePaul University. He currently resides in Wheaton, IL with his wife, Donna and their two sons.