CARY, NC, November 8, 2007—Sensing that the time is opportune for a leadership transition, David G. Tucker has announced his intention to step down from his role as chief executive officer of international Christian broadcaster Trans World Radio.

TWR’s Board of Directors, after extensive deliberation, has accepted Tucker’s decision and appointed a Search Committee to oversee the board’s search for the ministry’s next leader.

Tucker will retain the title of president through April 30, 2008, and will assume the role of providing counsel to the board over the course of the transition.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to David for his 11 years of dedicated service to TWR, first as chief operating officer and then in the combined role of CEO and president for the last five years,” noted Board Chairman Thomas J. Lowell. “As we look to the future, TWR will be seeking an individual who can continue to build on our organization’s strong foundation of ministry while crafting a path that will ensure sustained growth and impact around the world for many years to come.”

Tucker, 63, is only the third person to hold TWR’s top leadership post in the organization’s 53-year history. Lowell, who preceded Tucker as CEO and president, will assume interim CEO responsibilities. Day-to-day operational oversight will be provided by the ministry’s 10-member Global Leadership Team. Werner Kroemer, international director for Europe, CIS and the Middle East, has been appointed team leader.

In making the announcement, TWR’s board cited a number of accomplishments during Tucker’s tenure, including: establishment of a new global vision for ministry, known as the Global Strategic Plan; growth in number of languages aired from 180 to more than 200; implementation of a servant leadership model; and the strengthening of partnerships around the world.

“I have very much appreciated working with our board, especially as our new members have brought great energy, vibrancy and passion to the governance of our ministry,” Tucker commented. “And one of my great joys and privileges has been to work with our staff and partners in our regions throughout the world and to sense their profound heartbeat for ministry.”

He identified a number of global trends as factoring into his decision and the board’s ultimate acceptance of his recommendation.

“We live in a world of change and nowhere is change felt more than in the area of communications and technology, creating new mediums, new channels and new opportunities to communicate God’s Word around the world,” Tucker said. “This, coupled with the continuing acceleration of globalization, significant shifts in Asia with the growing economic powerhouses of China and India, and the maturing and much-strengthened global reshaping of TWR, place the ministry in a unique position to capitalize on these emerging trends.”

For more information: David McCreary 919.460.3778

Frequently Asked Questions About TWR's Leadership Transition

Why is David Tucker leaving?
David suggested to the TWR Board of Directors that this is an opportune time for transition. After extensive deliberation, the board accepted David’s recommendation and will begin the search for the next leader.

The board wishes to gratefully acknowledge the key leadership role David has played in our future positioning and significant progress in becoming a truly global organization—first as Chief Operating Officer for six years and most recently as Chief Executive Officer for the last five years. As we look to the future it is clear that we need to build the tactical underpinnings and organizational capacity in both funding and staff to achieve the Global Strategic Plan and the goals God has given us. The next step in TWR’s growth will require different strategies and leadership gifts than was the case when David assumed his global responsibilities with TWR 11 years ago. Thus, David sensed it was time to transition as TWR continues to turn the vision he has helped us formulate into reality.

How will his successor be determined?
The board has identified several key strategic questions and issues that the ministry must address over the next few years as we pursue the goals we believe God has given us. Based on these needs, we have developed a list of characteristics (skills, experiences, attributes, etc.) we would hope to find in TWR’s next leader.

A board search committee has been formed and will retain expert counsel and resources to implement a global search for TWR’s next CEO and president. We will look globally and will consider candidates both within and outside of the organization. We understand that the selection of CEO is one of the board’s most important responsibilities and approach this task with serious intent. We also appreciate that this is a spiritual exercise and ask that staff and supporters undergird the process with their prayers.

What kind of a person are we looking for?
The process is still in its early stages; however we have developed an initial list of attributes we feel are important going forward. In general, TWR will be seeking someone with the highest qualities of spiritual leadership, international experience, evangelical background and missions orientation.

Will the next president be an American or an international?
TWR is a global organization and will continue to become even more so in the future. The board is searching for the right CEO and president globally, with the selection based on skills and gifting, regardless of nationality.

Can recommendations be made for the position?
The board is very open to receiving recommendations for potential candidates, and will be seeking nominations from the staff worldwide as well as the larger family of TWR friends and partners.

How long will the search for David’s successor take?
We are launching the search immediately and hope to complete the selection process within six months. The board is committed to finding the right leader regardless of the time it takes and will invest the time and resources to do the job right. The ministry is in good shape financially, it has great relationships with our cooperating broadcasters and other ministry partners and a strong leadership team in place globally. Such a context allows for the time and capacity for a quality transition that will serve TWR well as we move into our next phase of growth.

How will TWR be managed in the interim?
As chairman of the board, Tom Lowell will assume interim CEO responsibilities. Day-to-day operational oversight will be provided by the ministry’s 10-member Global Leadership Team (GLT). Werner Kroemer, international director for Europe, CIS and the Middle East, has been appointed team leader.

Thomas J. Lowell served as TWR’s president from 1994 until his retirement in 2002. A native of Williamsport, Penn., he joined TWR in 1965 as field treasurer on Bonaire and was later appointed field director. Since then, he has served as Director of International Operations (’82-’84), Vice President of International Operations (’84-’89), Vice President/International (’89-’90) and Executive Vice President. He received a bachelor’s degree in social science in 1960 from Lycoming College in Williamsport. He is a former member of the board of directors of the National Religious Broadcasters.

A native Austrian, Werner E. Kroemer was appointed as Trans World Radio’s regional director of Europe in April 1994. He earned a degree in communication engineering at the Technical University in Vienna and did post-graduate work in management at the University of Commerce (Vienna). Prior to his appointment as Europe’s regional director, Werner was Vice President of Ericsson-Schrack AG, a large electronic manufacturing company located in Vienna. He is a recipient of the National Religious Broadcaster’s Individual Achievement Award.

Is TWR’s ministry focus changing or will the ministry direction remain the same?
TWR’s board has affirmed the ministry’s mission and vision statements, as well as the Global Strategic Plan. However, as the evaluation process continues, the processes involved in carrying these out may change.

Is TWR in a financially stable position?
Yes, TWR is financially stable. At the same time, the organization sees the importance of seeking new funding opportunities for expanding the ministry. As a faith-based ministry, TWR depends upon the support of many donors and friends and is trusting God to provide resources to capitalize on these opportunities.

What have been some of David’s most significant achievements?
TWR’s board recognizes and deeply thanks David for all he has done for the ministry, especially during a pivotal and challenging period. Among his accomplishments have been:

• Leading the organization to establish a new global vision for ministry, known as the Global Strategic Plan
• Overseeing TWR during a period of significant growth in the number of languages aired—from 180 to more than 200
• Implementing a major leadership and staff training initiative stressing the principles of servant leadership
• Strengthening partnerships around the world