Haggai International Appoints Staci Thomas as CEO
The Atlanta-based organization selects its former COO and interim leader to serve as the new chief executive officer.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in People
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The board of Haggai International has officially appointed Staci Thomas as the organization's new chief executive officer. Thomas, who previously served as the nonprofit's chief operating officer, held the interim CEO role earlier this year.
Why it matters
Thomas was selected for her leadership during her interim tenure, which the board cited as evidence of her ongoing commitment to the mission of the Atlanta-based global ministry.
Haggai International has equipped 176,000 leaders across 180 nations throughout its history. Thomas managed the organization during a 100-day interim leadership period prior to her permanent appointment.
The players
Staci Thomas
Staci Thomas is the newly appointed chief executive officer of Haggai International and a former chief operating officer.
Dr. Bev Upton Williams
Dr. Bev Upton Williams is the outgoing leader of Haggai International who served in the role for two decades.
Haggai International
Haggai International is an Atlanta-based nonprofit founded in 1969 to equip leaders for global ministry.
Dr. John Edmund Haggai
Dr. John Edmund Haggai is the founder of Haggai International who established the organization in 1969.
The details
Staci Thomas succeeds Dr. Bev Upton Williams, who served as the organization's leader for two decades. Before her time at the nonprofit, Thomas served as chief operating officer at the nonprofit Chosen and holds a civil engineering degree from Virginia Tech.
Timeline
Haggai International was founded in 1969.
Staci Thomas began serving as interim CEO in early 2026.
The board named Staci Thomas as the permanent CEO on October 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
The leadership change marks a significant transition for the organization, following the two-decade tenure established by Dr. Bev Upton Williams. This appointment positions the group to balance institutional legacy with new operational oversight.
The transition ensures continued operations for the ministry's programs within the Global South. Donors and stakeholders should expect ongoing consistency in the organization's mission as the new leadership team settles into their roles.
The takeaway
When organizations transition after long-term leadership, stability is often prioritized through internal promotions. Prospective nonprofit leaders should note that interim roles are increasingly used as a vetting period for permanent executive appointments.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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