Garden Valley, Texas –(Business Wire)–Mercy Ships, a global, faith-based healthcare charity providing free surgery and healthcare to the world’s most vulnerable through a fleet of state-of-the-art hospitals, today announced the election of Gary Brown as Chairman of the Board or Mercy Ships International effective January 1, 2023.
Brown has served on the Mercy Ships Board since 2006 and has worked in the banking and securities industry for 42 years, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank Limited. Previously, he served as Head of CIBC’s US operations and as President and CEO of CIBC World Markets Corp, a US-based broker-dealer for nine years. He holds a BA in Business Administration from Oral Roberts University and has attended executive programs at Salzburg College and Harvard Business School. Brown also serves on the board of trustees of Oral Roberts University.
“The fact that Gary Brown is the only person nominated by the committee is a testament to the unanimous confidence our Board has in his credentials,” said Nominating Committee Chair and outgoing Chair Ruben Martin.We look forward to his leadership and his ability to continue to drive the organization forward, especially during the growth season as we operate two vessel platforms. We believe we are poised to make a bigger impact for the people of Africa. ”
Martin brings to Mercy Ships four years of commercial leadership experience and a deep understanding of global business operations, particularly in the maritime sector, and said he is honored to serve as Chairman of the Board. In total, he served on the International Board of Directors for 11 years and continues to serve on the Mercy Ships Foundation Board of Directors. “I am proud that the first dedicated hospital ship, the largest in the world, was launched during my tenure and will begin operations in Africa early next year,” he said.
Brown commented, “Ruben Martin delivers on his expected two-year commitment, oversees significant growth of organization, returns African Mercy® After a challenging season due to COVID-19 and the launch of our newest vessel global compassion®. I am honored to be working with our Founder Don Stephens and CEO Gert van de Weerdhof at the board level as we continue the work of Mercy Ships to bring hope and healing to those who need it most. ”
In 2023, Mercy Ships will provide onboard care to three countries: Senegal, Gambia and Sierra Leone, while continuing its ongoing partnership with other countries in Africa.
About Mercy Ship:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that provide free surgery and other health care to those with little access to safe medical care. Mercy Ships is a faith-based international organization that for the past three decades has focused entirely on working with African nations. Working with domestic partners, Mercy Ships also provides training for local healthcare professionals and supports the building of domestic medical infrastructure for lasting impact.
Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from more than 60 countries aboard the world’s two largest non-government hospital ships — African Mercy and global compassion. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, chefs and engineers dedicate their time and skills to expedite access to safe surgical, obstetric and anesthesia care. Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships has offices in 16 countries and an African service center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit mercyships.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.