Richard Stearns brought nearly 25 years of corporate experience to World Vision when he became its president in June 1998.
Stearns holds a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. His professional career began in marketing with the Gillette Company. From 1977 to 1985, he held various roles with Parker Brothers Games, culminating in his appointment as president in 1984. In 1985, he became a vice president at The Franklin Mint, then joined Lenox in 1987 as president of Lenox Collections. In 1995, Stearns was named president and chief executive officer of Lenox Inc., overseeing three divisions, six manufacturing facilities, 4,000 employees, and $500 million in annual sales.
As president of World Vision Inc., Stearns is responsible for U.S. operations, which include fund raising, advocacy, and program development. World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. Stearns is passionate about helping children and families affected by the worldwide AIDS crisis and has made this a priority for the organization.
Stearns and his wife, Reneé, have been World Vision supporters since 1984. The couple has five children and lives in Bellevue, Washington.