Over the years, Lamar Keener journeyed with Magazine Training International as a friend, a faithful partner, and a passionate supporter—we’re honored to welcome him as our new executive director.

When Lamar became the executive director of the Evangelical Press Association (EPA) in 2015, he wasted no time building bridges. One of his first initiatives was to partner with MTI, giving EPA members access to MTIOnline’s live workshops and online courses—a collaboration that continues to bless publishers around the world.

Over the years, Lamar’s dedication ran deep—as a board member, a donor, and an advocate for Christian publishers in less-resourced countries. Through his leadership, EPA not only strengthened its mission but also expanded its vision to embrace global Christian publishing.

After a decade of fruitful collaboration, MTI officially joined the EPA family this summer—a milestone that ensures our mission to equip Christian publishers in less-resourced countries not only continues but flourishes.

By joining EPA, MTI gains the administrative strength and network of a U.S.-based association while maintaining its international focus. This structure allows more resources to go directly toward equipping and empowering publishers, expanding the reach of training and mentorship to those who need it most.

Reflecting on this new season, Lamar says, “I am both humbled and grateful for this opportunity to continue the legacy of MTI as a vital resource for Christian magazine publishers worldwide.”

With more than 35 years of experience in Christian periodical publishing, Lamar brings both expertise and heart to MTI. A Liberty University graduate with B.S. and M.A. degrees, his entire career has been deeply rooted in Christian media and ministry.

Under Lamar’s leadership, EPA launched initiatives to include and support Christian communicators from less-resourced countries. These efforts mirror MTI’s global heartbeat and open new doors for cross-cultural collaboration.

As executive director of both MTI and EPA, Lamar continues to champion Christian publishers — nurturing growth, inspiring excellence, and advancing the reach of Christian media across the globe. With vision, humility, and a heart for collaboration, he steps into this new role ready to build on the legacy of MTI while guiding it into a new era of impact and innovation.