Captain Michael Hanton Territorial Youth Secretary
Captain Mike was inspired by The Salvation Army at a young age. After serving as an employee in youth ministry for more than 20 years, he was led by the Holy Spirit to full-time ministry as an officer. Commissioned in 2013, Captain Mike loves being an officer, serving alongside his wife Captain Kelly (territorial candidates’ secretary), and their four children, Keegan, Cole, Madden and Ryan. He was appointed territorial youth secretary in 2019.
The captain cherishes opportunities to connect and share Jesus with others and has devoted his life to creating intentional relationships. He has a passion for sharing God’s Word, music and sports, especially the Detroit Lions.
Peggy McGee Assistant Territorial Youth Secretary
With over 20 years of experience, Peggy has spent her career developing strategies and practices that ensure participants feel welcomed and safe. With an educational background in youth development, she will graduate in May 2025 with a MA in Trauma-Informed Leadership. Peggy’s passion for youth ministry stems from her own experiences growing up in The Salvation Army where programs and leaders helped shape her Christ-centered worldview and laid a solid foundation. Peggy’s love for Jesus motivates her to ensure young people have the opportunity to experience God’s love.
She resides in the Chicago suburbs with her daughter and their pets. When she’s not busy leading, she’s likely starting a new art project or reading a book.
Ben Dial Christian Education for Outreach Director
Ben loves Jesus, his family, sports, Star Wars, superheroes, and everything in between! He was a senior in high school when God turned his world upside down and called him into full-time youth ministry where he’s been serving for 10 years. In his position, Ben partners with the divisional youth departments and corps to help develop strategies for corps to strengthen community resourcing that allows connectingpoints to Jesus.
Ben is blessed with his wife Katie, son David,and their dog Raven.
Jeanie Dobney Director of Camping and Outdoor Ministries
Jeanie’s love for the outdoors began as a young camper in Salvation Army programs and grew into a passion for camping ministry. Turning that into a career, she earned a Bachelor’s in Outdoor Education and is working toward her Master’s in Outdoor and Adventure Leadership.
She has a deep appreciation for how creation points to the Creator and wants to remove barriers that keep people from experiencing the outdoors. When she’s not leading outdoor adventures, you’ll find Jeanie with coffee or tea in hand, reading, by any body of water, playing games with friends, or pursuing her next personal challenge. Jeanie has been married to Brian for 10 years.
Zane Koehler SA Gaming Director
Zane has a passion for creating experiences and environments people will remember. Whether at youth events, gaming online or in-person, he wants everyone to feel welcomed and for each young person to see and experience Christ. Connecting with them through video games is the starting point but bringing the gospel to them is the mission. Zane and his wife, Catherine, have one daughter, Hazel. He loves root beer, chicken wings, gaming, and playing music.
Taylor Senak Christian Education for Discipleship Director
Taylor oversees youth programming focused on youth development in corps, including but not limited to junior soldiers, character-building programs, and corps cadets. While new to this position, Taylor is not new to youth ministry. He has held various roles in youth ministry, including his most recent position in the Western Pennsylvania divisional youth department.
Taylor is married to Sofia. They have a son, Michael, and a new baby daughter Olivia. His hobbies include golf, lawn care, and smoking meat.
Camila Yanez Youth Production Specialist
Cami provides support to the youth department team through multimedia, including photography, graphics, video production, and more. Born in Santiago, Chile, she grew up as an officers’ child, living in various parts of the world, which instilled in her a love for diverse cultures and experiences. A follower of Jesus, Cami is fueled by a passion for serving God and His Kingdom and sharing her faith with others.
She enjoys traveling, creating memories with friends and family, reading rom-coms and engaging in artistic pursuits like film, dance, and music.
