Lead Consultant
MerLynne Byrne has served in ministry with children, youth, and families in the Episcopal Church for more than 25 years. Throughout her career, she has worked with faith communities of all sizes at both the local and national levels, helping congregations strengthen their ministries and build sustainable organizational structures.
Her experience includes leading children’s and youth formation programs, summer camps, Vacation Bible School, women’s ministries, and volunteer training initiatives. She currently serves as Executive Director of Church Operations, a role similar to that of a Chief Operating Officer, where she oversees the operational, administrative, and strategic functions of a congregation. Supporting churches in developing effective staffing models and organizational systems remains one of her greatest passions.
MerLynne holds a Certificate in Christian Education from The Seminary of the Southwest, a Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota, and a Master of Public Affairs from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in Nonprofit Management.
She lives in Minnesota with her husband and Ruby, their English bulldog. When she is not working, she enjoys reading cookbooks and gathering family and friends around the dinner table.