Joni and Friends President Laura Gardner Announces Her Role Change
AGOURA HILLS, California, October 9, 2024 – After overseeing two years of strong growth and globally expanding ministry among individuals living with disability, Laura Gardner has announced she is stepping down from her role as president of Joni and Friends. A leading international disability ministry that offers practical help and Gospel hope, Joni and Friends has touched 14 million lives since 1979.
After more than a decade of exemplary service, Laura has made the decision to step away from the role of president to dedicate more time to her family, which will require relocating to Florida. Laura will remain involved with the ministry in a less intensive capacity. She joined the ministry in 2011 as volunteer coordinator before serving in a variety of roles including executive vice president and chief financial officer before being appointed president in 2022.
“It has been my great privilege to serve Joni and Friends for these past 13 years and as president for the past two years,” she said. “I will always support this ministry. Joni and Friends will always have my heart.”
During Laura’s tenure as president, Joni and Friends:
Received the Ukrainian White Cross Award for providing aid during the Ukraine war.
Celebrated the grand opening of a state-of-the-art Joni’s House disability center in Brazil.
Broke ground on the first domestic Joni’s House disability center in East St. Louis.
Commemorated 45 years in ministry, including more than 230,000 wheelchairs distributed around the globe.
As we prepare for a thoughtful transition in leadership, Joni and Friends will not waver in our commitment to be worthy of the trust of our participants and donors while cultivating a positive, faith-based work culture. The ministry has retained the search firm CarterBaldwin to lead the executive search committee, and Laura will continue to serve as president for a transition period.
Joni and Friends has been a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability since 1987, and we’ve been certified as a Best Christian Workplace for 18 years in a row. In addition to professional excellence, Christ-honoring faith and integrity will be primary considerations in this executive search.
Founder and CEO Joni Eareckson Tada said Laura’s tenure has been distinguished by service, wisdom, and prudence.
“I’ve seen her time and again lead with consummate integrity and such amazing skill, as well as brilliant intellect. But she doesn’t let that get in the way of her rolling up her sleeves and loving people,” Joni said. “May the Lord richly reward Laura for her years of faithful service.”
Joni and Friends is committed to a rigorous search process steeped in prayer.
We invite you to get to know our ministry.
About Joni and Friends: For more than 40 years, Joni and Friends has provided the hope of the Gospel and practical care to people living with disability around the globe. Ministry programs include Joni’s House, Wheels for the World™, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Joni and Friends also delivers daily inspirational media through radio programs and podcasts.
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Learn More About Joni and Friends
Since 1979 Joni and Friends has committed to reaching and serving people with disabilities with practical help and the saving love of Jesus.
