Andy Kilen is the founder and Director of Next Chapter Ministries. Andy began his work by volunteering in the Olmsted County jail in 1991. The issues associated with crime and the barriers people experience when re-entering society became evident. He began pursuing ways to have a positive impact on the problem of crime in our community by helping those who were returning to the community after serving jail or prison time. These efforts grew over the years and Next Chapter Ministries was formally established as non-profit in 2000.

Walter Bush is the Men's Ministries Coordinator.  He became involved at Next Chapter Ministries in 2001 after meeting Andy Kilen in a Bible study at the Olmsted County Jail.  Walter and Andy developed a mentoring relationship, and in 2004, Walter was asked to join the Next Chapter Ministries Board of Directors.  Walter has worked for Kerry Co., the Eyota Public School District, and he started 3B Renovations, a rental property business.  In 2008, Walter joined the staff of Next Chapter Ministries.

Peggy Kilen is the Women's Ministries Coordinator. Marriage to Director Andy Kilen has given her a "close up" view of the work of Next Chapter Ministries.  Peggy served as a volunteer in the women's jail and aftercare ministry for several years prior to accepting a position on staff. She and Andy have raised 3 daughters and have 4 grandchildren.

Kent Becker is the Youth Coordinator.  He began volunteering with the children's ministry in 2009. He fell in love with the children and began mentoring one of the elementary aged boys. He says, "The more time I spend sharing the love of Jesus with the children, the more joy God grants me."   In 2011, Kent also began to work with the youth outreach to teenage boys and girls.  He was asked to join the staff in 2011.

Barb Regnier is a Youth Worker with Next Chapter.  Barb began volunteering with Next Chapter's children's program in the summer of 2006, and after developing and organizing the children's program, moved to work with those girls who were outgrowing the children's program but still had a desire to be involved.  In the fall of 2007, she was asked to join the staff.

Melinda Fischer is the Office Manager and Children's Program Coordinator at Next Chapter Ministries.  She graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Urban Studies.  Prior to joining Next Chapter Ministries, she was able to participate in internships at both Community Youth Outreach in Rochester, Minnesota and Cabrini Green Legal Aid Clinic in Chicago, Illinois.  Through these internships, she became aware of the huge need for Christians to be involved in the re-entry process, supporting individuals affected by crime as they integrate back into society.  Melinda joined the staff of Next Chapter Ministries in January 2008.