Awana Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Awana has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and communications.

Driven by a mission to reach kids for Christ, Awana equips ministry leaders and parents to disciple children who impact their generation with the gospel, fundamentally changing the world through evangelism and long-term discipleship.

Leadership Roles at Awana

  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Calvin Sedao
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Matthew Markins
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kenneth Toeller
  • Chief Communications Officer (Cco) - Michael Handler
  • Calvin Sedao - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Calvin Sedao, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Awana, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the global nonprofit ministry. Sedao's leadership focuses on ensuring Awana's core belief—that the greatest impact for Christ starts with kids who know, love, and serve Him—guides all operational and programmatic decisions. This executive guides the organization's efforts to reach children through Scripture-rich experiences and equip ministry leaders and parents for effective discipleship. Overseeing the strategic direction, Calvin Sedao ensures Awana's mission to change the world through evangelism and long-term discipleship remains paramount. The Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer's role involves fostering innovation in ministry approaches and maintaining alignment with the organization's foundational principles, driving its global reach and impact.

    Matthew Markins - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Matthew Markins, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Awana, spearheads the operational execution of the ministry's global mission. Markins drives the strategic initiatives aimed at reaching children for Christ through engaging, Scripture-rich programs. This leadership position involves empowering ministry leaders and parents to effectively disciple the next generation, ensuring Awana's impact on their generation with the gospel. Matthew Markins oversees the expansion of Awana's reach, focusing on sustainable growth and program development across diverse regions. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering key partnerships and ensuring the organization's resources are optimally deployed to fulfill its mandate of evangelism and long-term discipleship, thereby changing the world.
    Matthew Markins

    Kenneth Toeller - Chief Financial Officer

    Kenneth Toeller, the Chief Financial Officer at Awana, manages the financial health and strategic resource allocation for the global nonprofit ministry. Toeller's oversight ensures fiscal responsibility and sustainability, enabling Awana to effectively execute its mission of reaching and discipling children. This executive directs all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting activities, providing critical insights to support programmatic growth and operational efficiency. Kenneth Toeller's role is vital in securing the financial foundation necessary for Awana to equip leaders and parents worldwide. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise supports the organization's long-term vision, ensuring that financial strategies align with the overarching goal of impacting a generation with the gospel.
    Kenneth Toeller

    Michael Handler - Chief Communications Officer (Cco)

    Michael Handler, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) at Awana, directs the strategic messaging and external relations for the global ministry. Handler shapes the narrative around Awana's mission to reach kids for Christ, ensuring clear and compelling communication of its impact on children, leaders, and parents. This executive oversees all aspects of public relations, brand management, and content strategy, amplifying the organization's message of evangelism and discipleship. Michael Handler's leadership ensures Awana's story resonates with stakeholders, fostering support for its work in changing the world. The Chief Communications Officer (Cco) plays a crucial part in articulating the value and effectiveness of Awana's Scripture-rich experiences and its commitment to equipping the next generation.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Awana Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Awana?
    Awana is led by Calvin Sedao (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Matthew Markins (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Kenneth Toeller (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Awana’s executive team?
    The executive team of Awana includes leaders such as Calvin Sedao (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Matthew Markins (President & Chief Executive Officer), Kenneth Toeller (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Awana have?
    Awana has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Awana’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Awana includes roles such as Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Communications Officer (Cco).