In 2017 Brion Brooks became only the third executive director in the Village of Progress’  history.

Brion brings with him a variety of background experience that guides him in his work at the Village. A native Michigander, Brion graduated from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, in 1982. In 1987 he graduated, cum laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He practiced law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 1987 until 2007.

In 2007 Brion graduated from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, and was ordained as a Minister of Word and sacrament in the Reformed Church in America. In 2009 he received a call to move from Michigan to pastor an RCA church in Oregon, Illinois.

Having an adult daughter, Rachel, with developmental disabilities, Brion and his family soon became acquainted with the Village of Progress. Rachel began attending the Village and loved it. In 2011 Brion was asked to join the Village’s board of directors. When the then-director prepared to retire, Brion was asked to take over the reins. In the spring of 2014 Brion stepped down from the pulpit and joined the Village as assistant director, becoming the Executive Director in the fall of that year.

Brion has been married to his wife, Elizabeth, since 1982. Together they have five children – Rachel, Hannah, Aaron, Isaac, and Caleb. Brion remains active in ministry work. In addition, he’s been involved the Oregon Rotary.