Leadership
Illuman is primarily a volunteer-led organization, comprised of three governing bodies and numerous Councils that handle day-to-day operations.
Governing Bodies
Board of Directors
The Board provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance, overseeing the administration and management of Illuman’s ongoing operations.
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Arrus Farmer
Dan Harris
Dominick Bencivenga
Juan Hinojosa
Matthew Smedley
Richard Fitzpatrick
Steve Hicken
Terry Symens-Bucher
Tom Reid
Council of Elders
The Council of Elders exercises deep discernment and reflection regarding the life and activities of Illuman, including the practices comprising the Men’s Rites of Passage.
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Ned Abenroth
Andy Gray
Belden Lane
Joe Lonergan
Giovanni Perez
T-Michael Rock
Glenn Siegel
Brian Sullivan
Terry Symens-Bucher
Bill Weber
Chapter Conveners
Conveners represent their own local Chapters, ensuring each area stays connected to the wider Illuman mission.
Illuman’s Operational Teams
Chapter Development Council
The Chapter Development Council is a resource and connection point for local Illuman Chapters, bringing consistency through sharing wisdom and process knowledge.
Communications and Outreach Council
The Communications and Outreach Council develops and supports Illuman’s external communications, public outreach, and social media presence.
Curricula Council
The Curricula Council oversees the creation and/or approval of ongoing programs and courses offered by Illuman.
Development and Fundraising Council
The Development and Fundraising Council develops and supports Illuman’s Annual Giving Appeals to help provide chapters with resources, scholarships, and more.
Governance Council
The Governance Council periodically reviews and makes recommendations for improving the effectiveness of Illuman’s governance structures and policies.
Illuman Español - Leadership Service Council
The Leadership Service Council for Illuman en Español guides Illuman’s work with Spanish-speaking communities within the US and abroad.
Program Council
The Program Council develops and implements Illuman’s major programs and events, including our annual Awaken men’s gathering.
The Radical Belonging Council
The Council on Radical Belonging assists Illuman in the work of witnessing, acknowledging, and healing the trauma caused by racial injustices.
The Reweaving Council
The Reweaving Council looks at Illuman’s overall structure, governance, and operations to propose strategic changes for the future.
The Technology Council
The Technology Council provides information technology strategies and implementation.
Virtual Council Guiding Circle
The Virtual Council Guiding Circle aids Illuman in the development, implementation, management, and expansion of its Virtual Council Program.
Director of Engagement
Mike Clawson is Illuman’s Director of Engagement and Outreach, overseeing all aspects of Illuman’s programs, communications, outreach efforts, and day-to-day operations. Prior to Illuman, he co-founded the New Story Festival, a transformational event for creativity, spirituality, and social change in Austin, Texas. He has a Ph.D. in Religion from Baylor University, has been an adjunct instructor of religion at several Central Texas seminaries, and was a church pastor in the Chicago suburbs. Though originally from the northwoods of Michigan, he and his two teenage daughters currently live in Austin.
