Edgar Sandoval begins tenure as President of World Vision U.S.

Highlights

  • Sandoval has served as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer for the past three years.
  • Through World Vision’s efforts, every 30 seconds a family gets water, a hungry child is fed, and a family receives the tools to overcome poverty.
Edgar Sandoval poses with 8-year-old Faith, his World Vision sponsored child, in Kapululwe, Zambia. ©2015 World Vision by Eugene Lee

SEATTLE (October 1, 2018)Edgar Sandoval has officially taken the helm as the President and Chief Executive Officer of World Vision United States. Sandoval, 54, has served as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer for the past three years.

In his new role, he will be charged with building on World Vision’s 68-year legacy of bearing witness to the good news of the kingdom of God by partnering with children, families, and their communities to tackle poverty and injustice.

“We are eyewitnesses to the miraculous things God is doing around the world in the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable. It is my honor to lead World Vision and be a part of this inspiring work,” Sandoval said.

World Vision’s impact is far-reaching. The organization works in nearly 100 countries. Last year alone, World Vision U.S. raised more than $1 billion. Through their efforts, every 30 seconds a family gets water, a hungry child is fed, and a family receives the tools to overcome poverty.

Sandoval left a successful career in the corporate sector to serve at World Vision. He spent 20 years in various leadership positions with The Procter & Gamble Company. In his last role, as Vice President and General Manager of Global Feminine Care, he made it his mission to advocate for girls and women around the world and help empower them to live life to their fullest potential, resulting in the internationally acclaimed #LikeAGirl Campaign.

“My priorities will be to accelerate the impact of our work in the communities we serve with the faithful support of our donors and partners, to strengthen our fundraising capabilities, and most importantly, to be a witness to the love of Jesus Christ in everything we do. These challenges and opportunities are both exciting and urgent,” Sandoval said.

Born in Los Angeles, Sandoval grew up in Central and South America, where he first witnessed poverty. With $50 in his pocket, he returned alone to the U.S. at age 18. He worked minimum-wage jobs while pursuing an education that started with courses in English as a second language, culminating with two bachelor’s degrees and an Ivy League MBA.

He and his wife, Leiza, felt a strong calling from God to join World Vision in 2015 and move with their four children to the Pacific Northwest. He regards having been selected as World Vision president, given his humble childhood, “an improbable miracle of God.”

Sandoval will take over from Richard E. Stearns, who announced his retirement in January. Stearns, who will remain in an advisory capacity until the end of 2018, was the longest-serving president of World Vision, with a tenure of 20 years.

Stearns said World Vision staff, management, and the board have been impressed with Edgar’s leadership in his role as COO: “He is a collaborative and decisive leader who brings a fresh perspective and a disciplined approach to the challenges and opportunities we face.”

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.