World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals, has elected Stephan Bauman as the 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.

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.

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

“Our search for a CEO who could take World Relief into its next stage of vital, sustainable and high impact ministry has been highly focused,” Arbeiter said. “The board search committee created a specific CEO profile in keeping with our mission, vision and values. Stephan’s unique set of experiences and gifts and his ability to lead effective teams and drive change quickly stood out. 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.”

Bauman said, “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. It is a privilege to lead such a compelling organization.”

Bauman holds a master’s degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University, a master’s degree in Missiology and Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College Graduate School, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business from University of Wisconsin. He is a Certified Public Accountant and an ordained minister. 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.

World Relief’s calling is to stand in the gap connecting churches in the United States with local churches both abroad and in the United States to empower them to serve the suffering in their communities. World Relief champions the cause of the poor and serves the world’s most vulnerable by providing life changing, proven programs and services. Its programs are implemented through grassroots community institutions including local churches, volunteer groups and indigenous non-governmental organizations. World Relief spans 24 countries and 24 U.S. cities to provide world renowned initiatives in maternal and child health, AIDS prevention, child development, agriculture, food security, disaster response and finance.