TIO Staff
Introducing Daniel Hostetler
Daniel Hostetler began as the new executive director of the Parliament of the World’s Religions on April 20. Hostetler brings more than 30 years experience in corporate consultancy and non-profit management, most recently directing operations and finance with the Dupage-Aurora World Relief in Illinois, an international Christian nonprofit supporting refugees and immigration issues.
Daniel Hostetler, new CEO of the Parliament of the World’s Religions – Photo: Parliament
Prior to joining World Relief, Hostetler co-founded and functioned as CEO of Legacy Analytics, which was recognized by Inc.’s Top 500 Fastest Growing Companies. His background includes serving as president and chairman of the Board of Directors of the George S. May International Company Southern European Division (SED) for ten years, managing more than 300 employees. He cofounded Strategic Business Partners, which reached national prominence by winning one of the highest awards in the consulting industry.
Among his community service activities, Hostetler often volunteers in homeless shelters and hospice care, and travels through faith-based initiatives such as Christian Peacemaker Teams.
Hostetler is a devoted member of the Christ Community Mennonite Church in Schaumburg, cwhere he found his call to peacebuilding. Amish and Hutterite communities across the Midwest of the United States see frequent visits from Hostetler, who also travels internationally to perform nonviolent mediation.
Along with a strong Anabaptist heritage, with its focus on social justice, TIO asked how does he relates to interreligious activities and interfaith culture. “I’ve had a deep curiosity about other expressions of faith since I was very young,” Hostetler replied. “And I have always held every faith walk as holy to the individual or group who walks it.
“As I've aged, my inquisitive nature towards the beauty of the many ways in which we worship has developed into a passion, and I am fulfilling that drive to celebrate our many manifestations in the acceptance of this position. I love being here and am expanding my horizons rapidly through the deeper sharing with the many board members of their own faiths.”
The Parliament has experienced major transitions in its staff and trustees in the past two years, accounting for its decision to turn to a person expert in organizational and financial management. What’s at the top of his agenda? “My plans for the future are to help the Parliament of the World’s Religions become a better version of itself. If I can be a catalyst to weave a common thread made of love, harmony, and understanding between as many of us as we are capable of, then our time will have been well spent together.”
Hostetler holds a bachelor’s degree in business with highest honors from Ohio Christian University and completed an advanced degree in Non-Profit Management at Chicago’s North Park University in 2013. A raw vegan, he supports a wide-range of compassionate, humanitarian, and animal welfare efforts. He makes his home in Chicago’s Western suburbs with his wife and is the father of two adult sons and a daughter.