FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Pam Purcell
OPERATION ONE NAMES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
RICH WARD TAKES THE HELM OF THE GROWING NONPROFIT
PORTLAND, OR (July 30, 2021) Operation One announced Rich Ward has been named executive director of the nonprofit devoted to providing education, training, health care, and spiritual development to vulnerable children and their families in East Africa.
Ward, a successful business owner, chaplain, communications instructor and trainer has served in a number of organizations in the Pacific Northwest and is also an avid cross-fit athlete. He succeeds Laurie Gift Harris, who held the post for seven years and led the organization in dramatic growth and strategic expansion.
“All of us at Operation One see an opportunity to have a major impact on the population of vulnerable children in Uganda and throughout East Africa and are thrilled to have Rich lead us in this exciting stage of growth,” Charles Ross, Board Member said. “I’m really excited about this next step for the organization and I can’t wait to see where we can go.”
Ward’s hiring comes as the organization implements a plan of strategic growth, development and outreach, building on the successes of the previous years.
Ward holds a master’s of arts degree from Gonzaga University, in Spokane, Washington and a bachelor’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California. He also earned a certificate in Transformational Coaching from Western Seminary.
