World Renew Introduces Global Executive Team
As part of its ambitious vision to combat hunger, enhance economic opportunities, and improve health worldwide, World Renew underwent a restructuring and is now pleased to introduce its Global Executive Team. This team reports to World Renew’s executive directors in the U.S. and Canada and serves staff and programs around the world.
With more than 100 years of combined experience in their respective fields, the members of World Renew’s Global Executive Team manage the international, domestic, and internal systems of World Renew’s development, disaster response, and justice ministries with 67 local partner groups in 29 countries.
“These outstanding professionals provide visionary leadership and strategic direction on a global scale to World Renew’s ministry and mission,” said Carol Bremer-Bennett, director of World Renew-U.S. “The Global Executive Team lays the path for World Renew’s ongoing development as a global and multilocal organization.”
While direction and control for World Renew continue to be housed within the United States and Canada through the codirector and ministry board model, the Global Executive Team fosters worldwide collaboration and integration in a way that the organization hasn’t attained before.
“Our global executive team’s strategic insights and commitment to World Renew’s values will propel us further in achieving our global objectives,” Bremer-Bennet added. “In a time of growth and change for World Renew, we’re excited to add each member’s skills and expertise to our executive team.”
Some information about each of the Global Executive Team members follows:
Brittani Anthony (Chief People and Culture Officer)—Based in Detroit, Mich., Anthony began her work as global head of people and culture in November 2024. In her role, Anthony provides strategic leadership in human resources planning, policy, organizational development, and transformative change, overseeing all people and culture-related activities. She brings more than 17 years of experience in human resources to her position, having served in various executive and leadership roles in diverse work environments in the past.
“I am joining World Renew’s ministry with a commitment to holistic service and in alignment with people-focused strategies to do justice, love mercy, and serve Christ,” Anthony said.
Bernad Ojwang (Chief Operations Officer)—Ojwang began his position as chief operations officer for World Renew in November 2024. Based in Uganda, Ojwang plays an essential role in furthering World Renew’s mission through effective and strategic management of the organization’s operations. He has about two decades of experience in the development and humanitarian sector, with previous positions focused on such areas as health and nutrition, human rights, displacement and migration, and people management.
“I aim to serve others with love and compassion, reflecting the Light that guides our mission,” Ojwang said.
Christi Schaefbauer (Chief Financial and Investment Officer)—Schaefbauer joined World Renew as chief financial and investment officer in July 2024. In this role Schaefbauer ensures World Renew’s financial sustainability by managing the organization’s investment strategy and portfolio, overseeing financial strategies and budgets, and collaborating with executive leadership as well as with both boards of directors to drive growth. Based in the U.S., Schaefbauer brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to World Renew, as well as extensive financial leadership experience across the education, nonprofit, government, and private sectors.
“I am eager to bring my strategic mindset, collaborative leadership style, and passion for making a positive impact to this esteemed organization,” Schaefbauer said.
Ru Waddell (Chief Program and Impact Officer )—Waddell began his role as chief program and impact officer for World Renew in January 2024. As CPIO, Waddell’s work includes implementation of strategic initiatives, program budgeting, field funding, and ensuring high-quality programming that creates measurable impact in the communities World Renew serves.
Waddell has worked with World Renew since 2014 in Africa and Asia, including regional responsibilities in Zambia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Laos, and other locations. He brings more than two decades of experience in international development, disaster response, and justice programming to his role. He is based in Thailand.
“The engagement of a chief program and impact officer as part of a broader executive team is a significant step forward in the growth of World Renew,” Waddell said.
Mike White (Chief Marketing and Philanthropy Officer)—White began his role as chief marketing and philanthropy officer for World Renew in February 2024. His position provides visionary leadership and strategic direction on a global scale, aiming to boost giving potential and ensure financial sustainability to help drive World Renew’s mission.
White has 15 years of experience in leading marketing and development efforts in nonprofits focused on international development, and he has more than 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry.
“Serving as CMPO is a deep honor,” said White. “I look forward to learning from our supporters, partners, clients, and staff.”
White is based in World Renew’s Canadian office and also serves as acting executive director in Canada while World Renew searches for a candidate to fill that role in 2025.
