Dean R. Hirsch

Dean R. Hirsch was the president and chief executive officer of World Vision International from 1996 until 2009, "a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to promoting the well being of people around the world, especially children. Last year alone, World Vision, with a $2 billion budget, assisted 100 million people in 96 countries who were affected by disaster, conflict, or poverty.

"Under Mr. Hirsch’s leadership, World Vision International’s income has tripled, and he has focused its resources on protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. During his tenure, World Vision has recruited sponsors for some 2.6 million children.  A veteran of wide experience in global trouble spots, Mr. Hirsch has set up famine relief efforts in Ethiopia and AIDS prevention programs in Africa and Asia, as well as peace-building efforts in Bosnia, Rwanda, and El Salvador.

"Culminating with becoming World Vision’s chief executive officer in 1996, Mr. Hirsch has enjoyed a phenomenal 30-year career in Christian service at World Vision. He has held numerous positions in the organization including chief operating officer, vice president for development, and vice president for relief operations.

"Mr. Hirsch has been a staunch advocate for the protection of children the world over, drawing attention to the issues of abuse, exploitation, and the promotion of justice with leaders of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and others. He is the chairperson of the Global Movement for Children, an international coalition of organizations, groups, and individuals committed to the well being of children.

"Mr. Hirsch holds honorary degrees from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, and Myongji University in Seoul, South Korea. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Westmont College and a master’s degree from Indiana State University." 

Dean has served on the Australian Board of World Vision Australia "since 1997. He joined World Vision in 1976 and worked in a variety of roles before his appointment as President of World Vision International in 1996. He is based in Monrovia, USA, and travels regularly throughout the WV Partnership visiting projects and offices. He is Chairman of the NGO Advisory Committee to UNICEF and Chairman of the Global Movement for Children. In 1993, Dean was named Alumnus of the Year at Westmont College and in 1996, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in international humanitarianism." Pdf

He "is a regular participant a the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland...

"Prior to his appointment as international president, Hirsch served World Vision as chief operating officer, vice president for development and vice president for relief operations. He has worked in the United States, Africa and Europe and visited virtually all of the 98 nations in which World Vision works. He joined the organisation in 1976."

"Los Angeles, October 1, 2009—Dean R. Hirsch, stepping down as president and CEO of World Vision International, will become the organisation’s global ambassador, beginning October 1."


 * Director, VisionFund International
 * Director, Global Humanitarian Forum