World Relief Elects New President and CEO

World Relief announced that its Board of Directors has elected Stephan Bauman as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer and president.

Bauman has served as the World Relief senior vice president of Programs since 2007. He first joined World Relief in 2005 as country director for World Relief Rwanda.

Scott Arbeiter, World Relief’s Chairman of the Board, says that the Board unanimously and enthusiastically selected Bauman based on his track record as an exceptional leader.

“Our search for a new CEO to take World Relief into its next stage of vital, sustainable and high impact ministry has been highly focused,” says Arbeiter. “The board search committee established a specific CEO profile in keeping with our mission, vision and values.

“Stephan stood out because of his unique set of experiences and gifts, and his ability to lead effective teams and drive change. He understands how to seize opportunity and tackle the challenges of running a global organization. His reputation as a person of unquestioned integrity combined with his organizational experience made him an outstanding candidate.”

Prior to World Relief, Bauman served as director of International Programs for World Hope International. Before that he worked for Mercy Ships International directing programs on the Anastasis, a hospital ship based in Africa, and as a business consultant in the private sector.

“I am honored to serve the world’s most vulnerable with an exceptional staff. World Relief reaches around the world through a vast network of churches, volunteers, donors, and partners,” Bauman says. “It is a privilege to lead such a compelling organization.”

Bauman will assume his new role on May 12. He will succeed Sam Wolgemuth, Interim CEO since September 2010 and a member of the Board of Directors since 1999.