Phil Tanis, a member of the Reformed Church in America (RCA), has been named the new executive secretary for communications for the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). He began his duties on February 1.

“We thank God for Phil and the many gifts he brings to the Reformed family worldwide,” says Setri Nyomi, WCRC general secretary. “His ability to use both traditional means and modern technology to effectively enable the Reformed family to share our stories is an asset that will contribute greatly to strengthening our communion.”

For the past 16 years Tanis focused on electronic communication for the RCA, including managing their website and leading it through numerous redesigns. In 2010, Tanis created and managed the website for the WCRC’s Uniting General Council.

Tanis has created several other RCA-related websites including for Perspectives: A Journal of Reformed Thought. He also served on the board and as managing editor for Perspectives Journal.

While attending Hope College in Holland, Michigan, Tanis served on the city council and was elected mayor shortly after graduating (with a degree in history), serving one term. He was also the founding manager of the college’s Knickerbocker Theatre, a venue highlighting a mix of films and live performances.

After retiring from elected office, Tanis obtained his M.A. in mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Tanis is married to the Rev. Dr. Gretchen Schoon Tanis, a youth ministry instructor and former member of the World Council of Churches’ Central Committee. They have two children.