GMI Announces Appointment of Jon Hirst as CEO
Colorado Springs, CO, September 18, 2020 – The Board of Directors of Global Mapping International has appointed Jon Hirst as president and chief executive officer, effective September 20, 2012. Jon Hirst succeeds Mike O'Rear, who passed away this past January, 2012. Jon is tasked with leading GMI's global efforts in research, mapping and electronic publishing to provide global mission leaders with vital information useful for making informed decisions, such as Operation World and The Future of the Global Church.
"Jon is the board's first choice to build upon the amazing legacy left by Mike O'Rear's leadership of GMI," said Jane Overstreet, chair of the GMI board. "We believe his experience and understanding of the missions community, combined with fresh ideas, create a wonderful blend to take GMI forward into the future."
Jon Hirst comes to GMI with a background in mission innovation, publishing and leadership. Executive Director of Communications for HCJB Global from 2005 to 2009, Jon has developed communications and technology innovation initiatives for many mission organizations, including SIL, The Evangelical Alliance Mission, the Bible League, EMIS, The Seed Company, Converge Worldwide (formerly Baptist General Conference) and the Forum of Bible Agencies. In the early 2000s Jon launched one of the first interactive global evangelistic youth websites while serving with One Hope.
Most recently Jon and his wife Mindy have mentored leaders and authors through their Generous Mind think tank. Jon is co-author (with Mindy Hirst and Paul Hiebert) of Through the River: Understanding your assumptions about truth and co-editor (with Jim Reapsome) of Innovation in Mission. Jon and Mindy, with their three children, reside in Colorado Springs, where they are active members of Fellowship Bible Church.
Interim President Bill Dickson said, "Jon Hirst is a true digital native and has been an excellent advisor to GMI and the broader mission community on how to use new technologies to better do our work. His leadership will resonate with an emerging generation of church and mission leaders as well as a new generation of GMI staff and volunteers who will serve them."
"I am honored to serve the global mission community," said Hirst. "GMI brings together my passion for mission, technology and publishing in innovative ways that resource ministry leaders around the world to make spirit-led, wise decisions that advance the Kingdom."
Jon Hirst can be found online engaging GMI's constituents via his blog http://www.gmi.org/blogs/ceo-blog and twitter http://twitter.com/JonHirstGMI.
GMI is an international team of evangelical professionals in research, mapping and technology who are passionate about informing, equipping and connecting the Church and Kingdom leaders with timely information. Founded in 1983 on the campus of the U.S. Center for World Mission, GMI has a rich history of facilitating strategic mission research and mapping for international Christian churches and ministries. GMI is a member of Missio Nexus and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and subscribes to the Lausanne Covenant.
Jon's GMI Twitter
