David George, president of the WMU Foundation, plans to retire June 30, 2023. He made the announcement July 28 during the executive committee meeting of the foundation’s board of directors, noting he wants to devote more time to his family, his church and volunteer ministry efforts. He believes the WMU Foundation is in a strong position and ready for transition.
“Serving at the WMU Foundation for 21 years has been the absolute pinnacle of my professional life,” George shared with executive committee members, according to a WMU Foundation news release. “Everything that God led me through up until 2002 was clearly preparing me for this incredible opportunity to serve Him. I will forever be grateful to the WMU Foundation Board — past and present — for their unwavering support. It has taken all of us — board members, staff, volunteers and financial supporters — to accomplish all that God wanted to do through us during these 21 years.
“The foundation is in a very solid position for a transition of leadership,” he continued. “That coupled with the needs of my family and a strong sense that God wants me to step away from leadership make this announcement possible. I will work full-time until my last day as president, and I will always be an advocate, strong supporter and constant resource to the people who make up the WMU Foundation.”
‘Exemplary service and leadership’
Board chair Bob Cardinal said in the news release, “We are excited for David as he begins this new chapter in his life, and we are grateful to him for his exemplary service to and leadership of the WMU Foundation. … Under his guidance, the Foundation has grown and prospered; assets under management of the WMU Foundation have grown to over $50 million at the end of 2021 compared to under $10 million when David took office. Two of David’s greatest attributes have been his leadership of the organization and his ability to connect with all the stakeholders with whom the WMU Foundation interacts: current and potential donors, clients, vendors, WMU Foundation staff and board members, and WMU leadership.”
“David will be greatly missed,” Cardinal added. “His wisdom, vision and leadership under God’s guidance have been vital in helping the WMU Foundation to be poised to enter confidently into a new era with a new president. I am thankful that David has given our board ample notice of his intention to retire. This enables us to plan accordingly and secure a new person to lead as president of the WMU Foundation and to make for a smooth and seamless transition. We know the Lord has already identified that person, and we are excited to see what great things lay ahead for WMU, the WMU Foundation, and for David and his family. We are asking the entire Southern Baptist community to join us in prayer for this process ahead and for the person that God has chosen.”
A search committee for a new president has been appointed and will begin its work immediately. The goal is for the committee to bring a recommendation to the full board at its April 2023 meeting.
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