Terry Fahy brings decades of Christian business experience to Joni and Friends 

Terry brings decades of experience in cultivating dynamic, mission-driven teams to Joni and Friends, a faith-based nonprofit that provides Gospel hope and practical help to people with disabilities around the world. As Joni and Friends continues to deepen and expand its programs across the globe, Terry’s leadership will ensure the ministry continues to benefit from world-class talent and ministry expertise. 

Terry most recently served as Vice President for the Salem Media Group, America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with media properties comprising radio, digital media and book and newsletter publishing. At Salem, Terry oversaw seven major West Coast markets—including Seattle, Sacramento, San Francisco, Ventura County, Los Angeles, Hawaii and San Diego—and provided strategic HR leadership for over 225 employees. 

Joni and Friends is an international disability ministry headquartered in Los Angeles County. It was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada, a Christian disability advocate who was paralyzed in a diving accident as a teen. God’s faithfulness helped Joni grab hold of everything life had to offer following a devastating injury, and she founded her namesake nonprofit to share hope through hardship. Today, Joni and Friends has domestic locations in 19 states and operates programs in over 40 countries. Programs include international wheelchair restoration, family respite retreats, church disability training, local support groups and inspirational media. 

With a passion for building culture rooted in biblical values, Terry’s expertise spans the full scope of human resources leadership: recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, employee engagement, leadership development, and compliance with ever-evolving employment law. 

Joni and Friends President Shawn Thornton said that Terry will help shepherd the ministry through a period of tremendous growth.  

“Our ministry is named Joni and Friends because our founder, Joni, relies on friends to help carry out her Gospel mission. Terry is a valuable friend to help advance that mission,” Shawn said.   

A collaborator at heart, Terry has championed environments of unity, encouragement and support, purposefully fostering conditions where teams can thrive and advance the Gospel in tangible ways. 

Terry has a heart for ministry that goes beyond professional experience. Together with his wife, Cindy, they have been deeply connected to Joni and Friends for years, serving across programs from Wheels for the World to Family Retreats.  

Throughout his broadcast ministry tenure, Terry served as President of the California Broadcasters Association and as a Board of Directors member with several international Christian ministries, further extending his influence in both the secular and faith-based spheres. 

Deeply engaged in his local church, Terry serves as a member of the Elder Board, plays electric bass guitar on the worship team and leads a Life Group. Terry and Cindy have adult twin sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law and six energetic and delightful grandchildren. 

“I look forward to building up the body of Christ as we seek to serve people with disabilities worldwide,” Terry said.

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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