SAN FRANCISCO — On Tuesday, Rich Stearns, the longest serving president of World Vision United States, announced to the staff of the Christian humanitarian organization that he plans to retire.
Formerly the chief executive officer of Parker Brothers Games, a toy and game manufacturer, and Lenox, the brand known for its china, Stearns led the organization through dramatic growth with its annual revenues topping $1 billion.
Shortly after the news broke, Devex caught up with Stearns by phone. As the World Vision board works with an executive search firm that specializes in Christian ministries to select a new leader, he will continue to lead the organization based just south of Seattle, Washington. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.