As YOKE transitions into a new season, we’re excited to introduce Eric Palmer as our new Executive Director. Eric steps into the role following nearly a decade of faithful leadership from Jonathan Haskell—and for Eric, this isn’t just a new job. It’s a homecoming.

Eric and his wife, Liz, first met through YOKE in the late 1990s. What started as a simple connection through volunteer ministry blossomed into a lifelong partnership in both marriage and mission. Together, they served in a variety of roles—both as volunteers and on staff—for more than a decade. “It was through YOKE,” Eric recalls, “that we gained a lifetime of guidance and counsel from John and Helen Coatney. It was here that God set the course of our ministry serving students for the last 25 years.”

Eric has spent the last two and a half decades faithfully ministering to students in public and private schools and through the local church. Whether serving at Sevier Heights Baptist Church or most recently as an administrator at Berean Christian School, he has leaned on the foundation that YOKE laid early in his journey. “When God shifted my vocation from the schools to the church, I felt humbled and small for such a task,” he said. “But I realize now—that was exactly where God wanted me. I leaned on Him and charged ahead with the best ministry model I knew: YOKE.”

That posture of humility continues as he returns to the ministry that shaped so much of his calling. “Today, as He is calling me to serve in this new position at YOKE, I am once again humbled beyond measure. But I know that’s exactly where the Lord wants me.”

As YOKE nears its 50th year of ministry, Eric is energized by the mission and the opportunity to invest in the next generation. He’s especially drawn to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

“We are called to excellence with a purpose,” Eric says. “My prayer is for good works—excellent clubs, great leaders, abundant funding, and changed lives—through YOKE in this coming school year and in the years ahead. I’m excited to join this team because we’re working every day for a purpose—the glory of the Father.”

“Eric has a deep passion for Christ, a heart for youth, and a proven track record of leadership in ministry,” said Joe Matlock, President of YOKE’s Board of Directors. “We are excited to watch Eric continue the work of sharing God’s love with middle schoolers around East Tennessee.”

If you’ve been part of the YOKE story at any point over the last 50 years, you know that this ministry changes lives. “Likely, if you’re reading this, YOKE has played a role in your life, just as it has in Liz’s and mine,” Eric adds. “I hope you’ll join us in praying for this coming year—and I hope to meet you soon.”

Please join us in welcoming Eric Palmer back to the YOKE family. We can’t wait to see what God will do next.