By Foday Moriba Conteh
World Hope International (WHI) has announced the appointment of Jenn Petersen as its new President and CEO, effective February 1, 2025. Jenn Petersen, a pastor and worship leader, previously served as the Director of Mobilization for the International Justice Mission (IJM) in New York City.
She brings a unique blend of church and non-profit experience to her new role at WHI. Throughout her career, she has worked with teams in the Philippines, Ghana and other countries, focusing on justice and compassion. Her extensive background in church mobilization and leadership is expected to drive WHI’s mission forward.
“I have long been inspired by the tangible, consistent and loving presence of World Hope International, empowering the vulnerable in some of the hardest places so they can flourish, thrive and lead,” Jenn Petersen said. “During this next chapter, we will continue courageously and creatively following Jesus into the work of justice, mercy and compassion.”
She succeeds John Clause, who announced his decision to step down in November to pursue other opportunities. Her predecessor will collaborate with Jenn Petersen to ensure a seamless transition, according to Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, Board Chair and Founder of WHI.
“The Board, Staff and I thank John for developing our new five-year strategic plan, boosting operational efficiencies and sharing his leadership insights with Jenn,” Dr. Jo Anne Lyon said. “Please join me in wishing John well and welcoming Jenn, who is an exceptional and respected leader.”
Before her tenure at IJM, Jenn Petersen served as the Senior Lead of Church Mobilization in the northeast U.S. She is also a co-founder and co-lead pastor of Resurrection Life NYC, where she has served for nearly a decade. Jenn Petersen holds a Master of Divinity from Wesley Seminary and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Northern Iowa.
World Hope International is a faith-based, nonprofit humanitarian organization committed to alleviating poverty, suffering and injustice worldwide. The organization works with vulnerable and exploited communities, providing market-based, community-driven solutions and emergency disaster response. WHI’s programs focus on delivering clean water and energy solutions, healthcare, nutrition, disease prevention and protecting the world’s most vulnerable from abuse and exploitation.
