The Hole in Our Gospel 2025 Edition

Richard Stearns transitioned from a successful corporate career to a role of significance when he became president of World Vision U.S. in 1998. After 20 years as the organization’s longest-serving CEO, he retired in January 2019. Stearns holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. His career included leadership roles at Gillette, Parker Brothers Games, The Franklin Mint, and Lenox Inc., where he became president and CEO in 1995. At World Vision, Stearns implemented corporate best practices and fostered a culture of outcome-focused management. He is recognized for his leadership in calling the American Church to address critical global issues, including the HIV and AIDS pandemic and the global refugee crisis. Stearns and his wife, Renee, reside in Bellevue, Washington, and have five children and five grandchildren.