Today, Carol Bremer-Bennett begins her first day as U.S. Director of World Renew, joining Ida Kaastra Mutoigo, Canada Director, in leading the bi-national organization’s work in international development, disaster response, and community transformation. Together, they guide World Renew’s ministry among communities experiencing hunger and poverty across North America and in more than 35 countries around the world.
“I am honored to take on the U.S. directorship at World Renew, with great joy and hope for the work that the organization accomplishes,” Bremer-Bennett says. “World Renew is a life-changing organization, showing compassion and alleviating poverty by caring for the orphaned, widowed, displaced, hungry, and neediest people of the world.”
Carol Bremer-Bennett Brings Decades of Leadership Experience
Bremer-Bennett assumes the U.S. Director position following the retirement of Andrew Ryskamp on June 30, 2015.
During his 17 years as U.S. Director, Ryskamp helped oversee the organization’s operations and served in several leadership roles, including Agronomist in Asia, Regional Director, and Director of Diaconal Ministries in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, office. He will return briefly to support Bremer-Bennett during the leadership transition.
Bremer-Bennett was selected by an Executive Search Committee with approval from the organization’s Joint Ministry Council. Her appointment was subsequently ratified by the Board of Trustees and Synod of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA).
She holds undergraduate degrees in education and political science from Calvin College (now Calvin University) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a graduate degree in educational leadership from Western New Mexico University.
Leading World Renew’s Mission in the United States
Bremer-Bennett brings more than 20 years of experience in Christian ministry, organizational leadership, leadership development, and administration. She has served in a variety of teaching, principal, superintendent, and director roles within the Rehoboth, New Mexico, private school system.
Her professional involvement also includes work with the Van Lunen Center for Executive Management in Christian Schools, Gates Millennium Scholarships, and the Ford Foundation.
As U.S. Director, Bremer-Bennett will provide overall leadership for World Renew’s U.S. operations, oversee executive and administrative functions, and support both the U.S. Board and the joint U.S.-Canada Ministry Council.
She is the first woman and the first Native American to lead the organization in the United States, and the fifth person to serve as U.S. Director since World Renew’s incorporation in 1962 as the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC).
Continuing World Renew’s Work of Justice and Compassion
“Carol has a deep passion for justice and addressing poverty as well as a wealth of practical experience in approaching its root causes in the North American context,” says U.S. Board Chair Jodi Cole Meyer. “We are excited by her heart for empowering people and continuing World Renew’s amazing work.”
As U.S. Director, Bremer-Bennett will help guide World Renew’s ongoing work with communities around the world as they overcome poverty, respond to crises, and build sustainable futures. Her leadership comes at a time when World Renew continues to invest in locally led development, disaster response, and community transformation.
To learn more about the organization’s approach and the difference it’s made, explore Our Work, How We Work, and Our Impact.
Editorial note: This story was originally published in 2015. It has been updated for World Renew’s current website, audience, and editorial standards while preserving the original announcement and historical context.
