Simon Cox Blog: Richard Stearns Is Leaving World Vision

Tuesday 9 January 2018

Richard Stearns Is Leaving World Vision

The Christian relief organization's longest serving leader leaves the organization poised to help millions more than before.

After two decades as president one of the country’s largest charities, Richard Stearns announced his plans to retire from World Vision at the end of 2018.

“I feel privileged to have had this opportunity to serve with some of the most amazing faith heroes on the planet—my colleagues all across the world,” tweeted Stearns, who has led the popular Christian relief organization since 1998. “Thank you Lord!”

The ministry has launched national search to select its new CEO, and Stearns will continue at the helm until it has brought in his successor, according to a statement.

During Stearns’ time as CEO, World Vision’s annual revenue grew to more than $1 billion, and the ministry reports that it is on track to serve more than 30 million children by 2022. During his tenure as president, the organization has responded to global poverty, human trafficking, the refugee crisis, water sanitation, famine, and dozens of natural disasters.

“Rich was a pioneer. He helped World Vision evolve in both growth and scale without losing its values and focus,” said former World Relief president Stephan Bauman. “They really stayed anchored in the gospel.”

“When World Vision speaks, people listen,” said Bauman, adding that this sentiment “only increased during Stearns’ time there.”

Prior to World Vision, Stearns had little experience in the humanitarian or parachurch world. Instead, he spent 23 years in corporate leadership, serving as the CEO of Parker Brothers Games (maker of Monopoly) and Lenox (the fine china and crystal company).

Stearns acknowledged that he felt unqualified to accept the position back in 1998,

“I said, ‘You’re looking ...