Tearfund USA appoints a new incoming Board Chair, Dr. Randy Newcomb
Tearfund USA is delighted to announce the appointment of incoming Board Chair, Dr. Randy Newcomb. Randy is joining as a Board Director with effect from October 1, 2021, and will assume the Chair role in January 2022.
Randy serves as Senior Advisor at The Omidyar Group. The Omidyar Group is a diverse collection of global companies, organizations and initiatives each guided by its own approach, but all united by a common desire to catalyze social impact. As Senior Advisor Randy explores future trends, new and alternative thinking, and diverse points of view to address the challenges of the 21st century. He supports The Omidyar Group by weaving together networks of individuals and organizations working together towards a common purpose.
Previously, Randy was the founding President and CEO of Humanity United (HU) for fifteen years. Randy grew HU as a values-based organization dedicated to cultivating the conditions necessary to address intractable problems like violent conflict, atrocities, human exploitation, and modern slavery. During his tenure, Randy expanded HU’s work throughout the world, with programs in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Liberia, Nepal, Malaysia, Mali, South Sudan, Sudan, and Thailand.
Prior to that, Randy was a Vice President of Omidyar Network, a philanthropic and social investment firm. Before joining the Omidyar Network, he served for 14 years as CEO of Golden Gate Community Inc., a community-based, social impact organization based in San Francisco.
Randy studied as a Fellow at the Center for Social Innovation at Stanford University and an International Development Fellow at the University of Bath, England. He holds a Doctor of Education from the University of San Francisco, a Master of Science in development economics from the University of Bath, a Master of Arts from Fuller Theological Seminary, an undergraduate degree from Northwest Nazarene University, and an honorary degree, Doctor of Laws, from the University of Bath.
Inspired by the 50-year legacy of Tearfund and the exceptional leaders represented among the staff and the board, Randy is honored to serve as Board Chair.
“Early in my career I had the opportunity to lead a Christian faith-based organization in San Francisco that worked among very low-income individuals, including youth and families experiencing homelessness. Through operating an emergency shelter, starting small businesses, and running a public health program, I came to appreciate the extraordinary role the church can play at the community level. Over the years this realization has only grown as I have served in various roles internationally. I’m thrilled to join Tearfund USA as the Board Chair. This organization is uniquely poised to influence the church and communities in the USA and around the globe. I look forward to playing a part.”
Randy will succeed Clive Mather as Board Chair. Clive was the inaugural Chair at the launch of Tearfund USA in 2018, after serving as Chair of Tearfund in the UK. Randy’s appointment comes following an external recruitment process initiated with Koya Partners.
“I am so pleased that Randy has been selected to become our first American Chair. I have prayed without knowing him for years, believing God would bring forward the right person at the right time to advance our mission. Randy’s servant heart and rich experience in leadership, governance, strategy and international development uniquely qualify him. He brings authenticity and living faith to all he does,” said Clive.
Emily Sarmiento, President and CEO, echoed, “God has truly prepared Randy for this task, at this moment. He stands out for strength of faith and character, lifelong commitment to tackling injustice, and a unique combination of experiences -- as an ordained minister, as a leader in local and global development, in start-ups and innovative impact models, and international advocacy networks. We thank God for leading us to collaborate for such a time as this!”
Emily added, “At the same time we welcome Randy, we also prepare to celebrate Clive for his investment in the ministry. His legacy includes decades as a supporter, ten years as Chair of Tearfund in the UK, personal visits to nearly all 50 program countries, and serving as founding Chair of Tearfund USA. His contribution to Tearfund is unmatched, we are deeply grateful and we honor him for it.”
About Tearfund USA
Tearfund USA is a Christian relief and development organization that is the 11th member in a global family of Tearfund organizations. It works with churches and communities all over the world to respond to crises, advance sustainable development, and advocate for systems change to enable human flourishing. Collectively, the Tearfund family holds more than 300 partnerships with national Christian organizations in nearly 50 countries. More than 15,000 churches are currently active in church and community transformation work.
