- Latest news
As Converge continues to help people meet, know and follow Jesus by starting and strengthening churches together worldwide, God is providing leaders to help take the movement of churches into the future. Four Converge regions have recently welcomed new presidents to replace veteran leaders who have helped make substantial gospel impacts in their regions.
Of the four outgoing presidents, Gary Rohrmayer is the longest-tenured. He is retiring after serving with Converge MidAmerica/Southeast/Caribbean for more than 26 years, including the past 15 as its president. In that time, Converge MidAmerica grew from its primarily Midwestern footprint to include five Southeastern states and the Caribbean islands.
In Converge Heartland, Jim Capaldo completed his second term as regional president and is returning to his missionary roots. After nearly a decade leading Converge Heartland, Capaldo has moved into a role as the president of a missions organization based in Dallas, Texas.
Former Converge Northeast president Tim Ponzani stepped down after serving in the role since January 2019. He will concentrate on his position as chief of staff and chief operating officer in Converge’s national office, working closely with Converge president John K. Jenkins Sr. and the Converge team to serve each of Converge’s 10 U.S. regions and global partners who share God’s love around the world. Ponzani had simultaneously served with Converge Northeast and the national office since 2022.
After more than three years as regional president at Converge North Central, Mark Bjorlo has also transitioned from the role.
Jenkins expressed deep gratitude for the outgoing leaders’ service and dedication.
"Jim, Gary, Tim and Mark, your contributions have been invaluable, and we are profoundly thankful for the leadership you have provided to Converge."
New presidents part of ‘tremendous future’ for Converge
The group is being succeeded by four leaders ready to help their respective regions take the next steps into the future so they can reach even more people with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ.
Steve Krier is the new regional president of Converge Heartland. Krier, who recently wrote about his new role, previously served as the region’s director of Church Planting and as the founding and lead pastor of Ignite Church in Moorhead, Minnesota.
In Converge MidAmerica/Southeast/Caribbean, Danny Parmelee steps into the role after serving as vice president of Church Planting for Converge MidAmerica/Southeast/Caribbean. Before that, Parmelee was the founding and lead pastor of Epikos Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Jamie Sipsma is the new Convege Northeast regional president. For the past 10 years, Sipsma has been a senior ministry consultant specializing in the faith-based, church and nonprofit sectors, assisting churches with pastoral searches, congregational health assessment and board, staff and team coaching.
Longtime staff member Jon Wicklund is serving as interim regional president of Converge North Central. In addition to his duties with Converge North Central, Wicklund is also the executive director of Trout Lake Camps.
"We are thrilled to have Steve, Danny, Jamie and Jon join us in these pivotal roles,” Jenkins said. “Their diverse experiences and passion for church growth and leadership will undoubtedly continue moving Converge forward.
“God is ushering in a tremendous future for Converge, and each of these leaders will be instrumental in guiding us into the next season of growth and impact,” Jenkins continued. “I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead and the opportunities he has prepared for us.”
