Mission Central’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Mira Hewlett has accepted the role of Executive Director of Mission Central.
Hewlett brings experience in leadership, policy, organizational service and mission-driven work. She will lead Mission Central as the organization continues its work of connecting God’s resources with human need through humanitarian aid, partnerships, volunteer engagement, disaster relief resources, medical equipment support and community-based service.
“Mira brings such a wide variety of experiences and skills to Mission Central,” said Jim Foster, outgoing Chair of Mission Central’s Board of Directors. “In addition to serving as a pastor, she has worked closely with students at a leading college and has led and organized more than a hundred mission trips around the world. She is uniquely suited to be our next Executive Director.”
“Mira brings both professional experience and a clear commitment to service that align deeply with Mission Central’s purpose,” said Melanie Feldner, incoming Chair of Mission Central’s Board of Directors. “We are excited to welcome her into this role and look forward to supporting her leadership as Mission Central continues to serve communities here in Central Pennsylvania, around the country, and across the world.”
Hewlett brings more than 20 years of experience in organizational leadership, community engagement and mission-driven service. Her background includes local church leadership, higher education work at Dickinson College in Religious Life and Community Service, and extensive experience coordinating service initiatives, developing partnerships, leading teams and connecting individuals and groups with opportunities to serve locally, nationally and globally. She earned both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Hewlett will begin in the role July 1 and we will share additional content in July, including more about Hewlett, her background, and vision for this exciting next chapter.
Mission Central is hiring a full-time Volunteer Coordinator to help lead and support the Volunteers who make our mission possible. This role helps manage Mission Central’s volunteer program from start to finish, including recruitment, scheduling, orientation, communication, task preparation, Volunteer support, and recognition.
The Volunteer Coordinator works closely with staff across the organization to match Volunteers with meaningful opportunities in the warehouse, office, special events, tours, and community outreach.
This position is a good fit for someone who enjoys people, organization, service, and a busy, hands-on work environment. Responsibilities include: – Recruiting, welcoming, and supporting Volunteers – Responding to Volunteer inquiries – Learning about Volunteer skills, availability, and goals, then helping place Volunteers where they are needed – Working with Mission Central staff to identify Volunteer needs across departments – Preparing Volunteer tasks in advance and stocking work areas with needed materials – Supervising Volunteers and helping provide a safe work environment – Using warehouse equipment to move pallets as needed – Confirming Volunteer attendance and group sizes before scheduled visits – Scheduling Volunteers and maintaining Mission Central’s main calendar – Keeping Volunteer areas clean and organized – Supporting Mission Central events, community events, and tours as needed – Working with the Operations Manager to help coordinate daily tasks – Sharing Volunteer-related stories, updates, and information with the Communications Director – Collaborating effectively with diverse groups of people – Completing other duties as assigned
Qualifications and skills: – Commitment to social justice and mission – Experience working with volunteers – Strong people-management skills – Collaborative, flexible, and open to direction – Comfortable working in a busy environment and helping get the job done – Basic computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheets – Enthusiastic, team-focused, and service-minded – Strong customer service orientation – Able to consider situations from multiple points of view while keeping Mission Central’s goals in mind – Well organized and detail-oriented – Self-motivated and able to work independently – Strong written and verbal communication skills – Able to delegate responsibilities effectively each day
Working conditions: This position is performed in several settings, including office, warehouse, and off-site locations and requires extensive walking and the ability to lift reasonable amounts.
Required checks and screenings: – Reference checks: Criminal background check, including Child Abuse History and FBI fingerprinting – Valid PA driver’s license – Drug screening test
Pay: From $21.50 per hour Benefits include: 403(b) matching, Health, Life, & Dental insurance, Flexible schedule, and Paid time off Work location: In person at Mission Central, 5 Pleasant View Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA
To apply, submit your resume, cover letter, and references to Mission Central Executive Director, Mira Hewlett at mhewlett@missioncentral.org before July 7, 2026.
Earlier today, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) announced changes to its national warehouse operations, including the planned closure of its Sager Brown facility in Louisiana beginning in 2027. As one of the seven Affiliate Warehouses, Mission Central learned of this announcement only an hour before this was shared via a press release and on social media.
We recognize that this news has raised questions and confusion, particularly around the role of “affiliate warehouses” and what this announcement means for disaster response and kit efforts. So we’ve created this page to provide some clarity around who we are at Mission Central and what an affiliate warehouse is.
First though, let us be clear: Mission Central’s role has not changed
Mission Central has served as an UMCOR affiliate warehouse for more than 23 years. That work continues unchanged. Affiliate warehouses are independent nonprofit organizations that partner with UMCOR to support disaster response by assembling, storing, and shipping relief supply kits.
At Mission Central, this work includes: • Receiving donated disaster kit supplies • Assembling and quality-checking kits through teams of dedicated volunteers • Providing free warehouse storage • Shipping kits directly to communities affected by disasters
Mission Central provides this work at no cost. We do not receive funding from UMCOR, we do not charge fees, and we do not act as a middleman. Our volunteers, facilities, and operations are supported by our own donors, partners, and community. This partnership model is not new. Affiliate warehouses have existed for decades and have long been an essential part of disaster response across the United States.
Our Impact and Capacity
In 2024, Mission Central shipped more than $600,000 in just UMCOR cleaning buckets – part of the more than $1 million in UMCOR disaster relief that left our docks here in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. This aid supported communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, flooding in Northeastern Pennsylvania, New England, and other regions facing crisis. This in addition to the nearly $500,000 in hygiene kits that left on pallets and skids amounted to more than $1.7 million in humanitarian relief from our UMCOR work alone. For perspective, that year we moved more than $23.5 million in humanitarian aid from our 48,000sq. ft. warehouse to individuals and families in need, here at home and across the globe. Our warehouse remains fully operational. Our volunteers continue to assemble and prepare kits. Our shelves are stocked. We remain ready to respond when disasters occur.
What UMCOR’s Announcement Does and Does Not Change
UMCOR’s announcement reflects a shift in how they plan to manage national logistics and partnerships in the future. It does not change: • Mission Central’s mission • Our operations or staffing • Our ability to receive, assemble, store, or ship disaster relief kits • Our commitment to serving communities in crisis Mission Central remains an active and engaged disaster response partner.
Together, this network represents decades of experience, thousands of volunteers, and millions of dollars in aid delivered directly to communities in need.
Moving Forward
We understand the deep connection many people have to UMCOR’s disaster response ministry and to the work historically done at Sager Brown. That legacy matters. At the same time, it is important to understand that disaster response through affiliate warehouses like Mission Central has been happening quietly, faithfully, and effectively for many years. Mission Central remains open, active, and committed to this work. If you are looking for a place to serve, to give, or to help assemble disaster relief kits, we are here and we have been for more than two decades.
Thank you for caring about disaster response. Thank you for asking questions. And thank you for standing with communities in crisis.
