Over the past several months, the COVID-19 pandemic has required all of us to make drastic changes in our lives. Unfortunately, the time has come for LEAP to make another difficult change in light of this ongoing global health and economic crisis.
With heavy hearts, the Board of Directors has voted to eliminate the Executive Director position. This means our dear friend, longtime supporter, and champion of LEAP, Rick Wyman will step down from his role. His responsibilities will be transferred to key members of our Medical Committee – Drs. Craig Hobar, Evan Beale, and Eric Payne. Dr. Eric Payne will serve as CEO of LEAP Global Missions. Staff members Ashley Winder and Donna Matthews will continue to serve LEAP in their roles.
Since 2012, Rick has graciously offered LEAP his services and leadership tirelessly, initially joining the LEAP family as a member of the Board, and then when the need arose, Rick accepted the invitation to step in as our Interim Executive Director during a time of transition. Witnessing growth and vitality in our mission through Rick’s guidance, we were grateful when Rick agreed to continue to serve as our ED on a permanent basis.
During his tenure, Rick helped all of us at LEAP strengthen our relationships with our global ministry partners, launch our Faith Ministry initiatives, expand the reach of the Cheryl Lamon Memorial Fund, cultivate connections with our donors and supporters, transition our local inventory to a new warehouse location, supervise and support our staff, and navigate our organization through the uncharted waters of this current global crisis.
Join us in giving thanks to Rick for his faithfulness to LEAP and his demonstration of love, especially to the patients and families, who have come to know LEAP through you – our medical volunteers, supporters, and global partners.
In His service,
The LEAP Board of Directors
Dr. Eric Payne (CEO)
Dr. Craig Hobar (Founder and Medical Director)
Michael Byrd (Board Chair)
Dr. Evan Beale
Dr. Cheryl Cermin
Dr. Grant Gilliland
Chris Jackson
Rev. Kathy Lee-Cornell