Indianapolis, Indiana … After nearly two years of preparation and grooming Scott Gordon has been selected as the new President of the Malawi Project. This move came at the request of Richard Stephens who has served as the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors since the inception of the Project. Stephens made this observation at a recent meeting of the board.
"At nearly 72 I am aware of the advance of age. While I continue in good health I realize this will not go on forever, and I want to make this change while I am still fully active in the Project, and can assist the new CEO in a smooth, successful, and well planned transition. For this reason I am requesting that Scott Gordon be appointed the new President of the Project. With his first hand experience in Malawi he has already proven himself a very capable leader. If you will approve this move it will allow me to pursue in greater depth a number of the areas that I feel we have yet to explore and programs that need our attention."
It took only moments for the board to review Gordon’s qualifications and unanimously accept his nomination. Stephens remains on the board as Vice President of Marketing and will serve in agricultural development. He is one of the founding members of the Malawi Project and has served as its President since 1999.
Gordon Commits to Proven Course
With his acceptance Gordon made the following observation:
"For as long as I have been on the Board for the Malawi Project I have approved of the course we have charted. To put programs in place that help the people get on their feet and carry out their own work is one of the most critical things we can bring to the table. All too often aid becomes a problem instead of help as it creates dependence instead of independence. The Programs of the Malawi Project have always been designed to encourage self-reliance and independence. It is my intention to steer our work on the same course in the future. We will expand into a number of new programs and work to increase the importance and value of the programs we are currently carrying out. All in all, I see nothing but good things happening as we move forward. Our board members have all been to Malawi, and most of us have been there over and over. We have in-depth experience and a number of great Malawi groups working hand in hand with us to accomplish our goals. It’s a great experience to now hold the position I have been honored with. With the help of God we will not fail."
Ferris Expresses Appreciation
With his move to the Presidency, Gordon vacates the position of Treasurer for the Project. That responsibility will fall to Mike Ferris, who was nominated for Board membership during the same meeting. Mike and Scott recently returned from a trip to Malawi where they visited sites where the Project has programs underway. Mike responded to his acceptance on the board.
"I want to thank you all for the confidence and trust you have placed in me by adding me to the Malawi Project Board. Just 3 months ago, I never would have thought I would have had the opportunity to travel to Africa, let alone a little country known as the warm heart of Africa that I would really fall in love with. However, as you all have observed, it seems God had a plan I did not see at the time. The plan was evident (now) even back at Harding when I took course work in African missions. I thank you all for your heart and passion in the Lord’s work in Malawi. It is also very evident that when a ministry is based on the example of Jesus’ ministry, the fruit of all those years of labor is almost inconceivable. No matter where we went in Malawi, the Malawi Project and Dick and Suzi are known and thought highly of. Thank you both for this."
More information about both Scott Gordon and Mike Ferris can be found in the Board of Directors section.