Bob Pierce, Founder - 1950 to 1967
In response to suffering he saw in Asia, Bob Pierce founded World Vision in 1950 to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ by meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of children. His leadership continued until 1967. By then, World Vision was caring for more than 23,600 sponsored children in 19 countries.

Stan Mooneyham - 1969 to 1982
In 1969, Stan Mooneyham was named president. He worked to increase public awareness of poverty, its results, and its solutions during his 13 years. With the overwhelming number of girls and boys living in desperate situations, World Vision shifted its emphasis from helping orphans to offering help and hope to all impoverished children.

Dr. Ted Engstrom - 1982 to 1987
In his five years as president, begun in 1982, Dr. Engstrom guided the organization through its benchmark response to the deadly Ethiopia famine. These efforts resulted in creating strategies for long-term sustainability through community-based development. Recognizing growing levels of hunger and poverty in the United States, World Vision committed to programs addressing the significant needs of children and families.

Robert Seiple - 1987 to 1998
When Robert Seiple took on the role of president in 1987, nearly 500,000 children were sponsored and the organization was conducting programs in 82 countries. During his 11 years, World Vision increased its annual budget from $145 million to $348 million, allowing staff to minister to millions more people worldwide. As countries in Eastern Europe shook off the bonds of communism, World Vision established programs to help children living in horrible circumstances and to restore families, communities, and hope.

Richard Stearns - 1998 to present

Richard Stearns became president of World Vision in 1998. Because of a marked increase in natural disasters and human-caused destruction, he plans to lead the organization into the 21st century through a vigorous commitment to serving the poor in Christ's name by engaging, encouraging, and empowering World Vision staff, supporters, and beneficiaries.