International (MTI/MNN) — Medical
Teams International is gearing up for some big changes in 2012.
Aside from expanding their work with
partners, president and chief executive officer (CEO) Bas Vanderzalm is
retiring this summer. He will step
down as CEO on June 30, 2012, but will stay on as president through June 30,
2013.
As president, Vanderzalm will continue
leading teams to the field and spreading the word about the mission of Medical Teams
International.
Although he's been working with
Medical Teams International since September 15, 1997,Vanderzalm has worked with other
like-minded groups for four decades.
With the breadth of his experience, the ministry has grown to be one of
the most respected Christian global health agencies in the country.
Each year, more than 2,000
volunteers serve in support of Medical Teams programs, and they've sent more than $1.5
billion in humanitarian aid around the world.
To ensure the organization continues
to build, Jeff Pinneo steps in to replace Vanderzalm, effective July 1, 2012.
The board members' announcement follows a year-long planning and recruitment
process.
Pinneo is the retired CEO and
president of Horizon Air and is familiar with the work of Medical Teams International. Together, he and Vanderzalm will
smooth the transition into the July 1 effective date.
Medical Teams International has a
great history of delivering health solutions through the strength of their staff,
partners and volunteers. Pinneo's compassion and skills match the mission of
Medical Teams International as they demonstrate the love of Christ to those who
are affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world.
Not surprisingly, Pinneo witnessed the
impact of the ministry's global health programs through the experiences of his
wife, Janey Pinneo. She's served as a volunteer since 2005 with Medical Teams
International, providing her skills as a registered nurse on seven different
volunteer teams in Uganda (3 teams), Haiti, New Orleans (Hurricane Katrina) and
El Salvador.
Pinneo's own history with Medical Teams
International stretches back to 2006, when he began volunteering and eventually
served on its board in 2008. He retired
last year after 29 years with Horizon Air and its sister company, Alaska
Airlines.
"The staff and volunteers of
Medical Teams International have earned their reputation as one of the world's
leading global health and disaster response organizations," Pinneo said. "It
will be my privilege to lead and serve them as they further extend their reach
and impact to the benefit of the world's most marginalized people."
