The Marin Interfaith Council has hired Reuben Shank, a 25-year veteran of interreligious partnership work, as its next executive director.
He starts in September.
Board President Sidharth Kaw announced the hire Wednesday, July 29, saying Shank stood out among more than 30 candidates reviewed in a nationwide search that began earlier this year for his strategic depth and track record of community engagement.
The appointment caps a two-year transition at the San Rafael-based nonprofit, headquartered at 1510 Fifth Ave. As we reported July 16, MIC recently adopted a new mission statement and five-pillar framework after an extended board review. That renewal process began in fall 2024 when Rev. Scott Quinn stepped down after eight years as executive director and Rev. Lynn Oldham Robinett, a 25-year MIC staff member, took over as interim leader.
Robinett noted at the time that MIC faced a major reduction in funding. Shank's fundraising track record, which includes securing significant grant funding, was a factor in his selection, according to the board's announcement.
Kaw thanked both Robinett and Quinn for their service.
Shank's background
Shank most recently served as Director of Learning and Impact Strategies at the United Religions Initiative, a San Francisco-based global interfaith organization with more than 1,000 community groups in 118 countries. In that role, he helped local interreligious groups move from dialogue toward measurable community outcomes, according to URI's 2022 and 2023 impact reports.
His career spans grassroots community development in South America and West Africa, academic leadership at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, and work in national and international change-making networks. He grew up in a Mennonite community in Belgium among peacebuilders and artists, and speaks English, Spanish, and French.
Shank lives in Berkeley with his partner, Rev. Lauren Jewett. In his statement to MIC, he described the Bay Area as a single, interconnected ecosystem and said he is eager to deepen connections throughout Marin County.
He framed the work ahead in urgent terms: "Building trust across difference feels both harder and more necessary than ever. In a time of social division, ecological and climatic strain, and fraying institutions, sacred communities are key connective, place-based infrastructure."
What's next
MIC's board is planning a community meet-and-greet for fall 2026 where clergy, lay leaders, civic partners, and residents can welcome Shank in person. A specific date and venue have not been announced. Residents can watch for details at marinifc.org or through MIC's email newsletter.
Upcoming community calendar
- Fall 2026: MIC Community Meet-and-Greet with Reuben Shank (date/venue TBA; check marinifc.org)
- September 2026: Shank officially begins as MIC Executive Director
