This month, Executive Director Debbie Wisdom will be stepping away from the role she has held since 2013. While she will be greatly missed, we have a highly capable team in place to aid in a smooth transition. We would like to take this moment to celebrate all she has done on behalf of LEAP to enable us to enhance our specialized surgical services around the world in the name of Christ.
For over four years, Debbie humbly led LEAP through many transitions and achieved a great deal on behalf of the organization. She first hired an excellent staff to assist her in reaching—and often surpassing—ambitious goals as set by the LEAP leadership team and via recommendations provided by a thorough Excellence in Giving evaluation held in 2016.
Debbie, along with her talented staff, is responsible for strengthening our professional infrastructure, guiding LEAP through an extensive rebrand and marketing strategy, increasing both our volunteer retention and recruitment, implementing a useful database for our entire known patient population of over 5,000, and bringing 12 Landmark recipients to the U.S. In addition, she was instrumental in raising substantial funds that will support our mission for years to come and more importantly grow our mission for future children in need.
Debbie also oversaw fundraising for three major Legacy Projects: a Pediatric Ward in Haiti, an O.R. in Zimbabwe, and a massive Haiti expansion project honoring the Hobars for their 25 years of humanitarian service in 2016. Along with her dedication to the LEAP mission and inspiring vision for our future, Debbie’s impeccable care and attention to detail with regard to donor communications, sold-out events, and partner relationships will certainly benefit our organization for years to come.
Please join us in wishing Debbie well on her career journey and in thanking her for the incredible ways she served LEAP during her time with us.
Michael S. Byrd
Board Chair