Samaritan's Purse Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Samaritan's Purse has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, program management, financial oversight, operational logistics, and medical relief.

Driven by a commitment to global humanitarian aid, Samaritan's Purse delivers essential spiritual and physical support to communities facing crisis, disaster, and poverty through diverse international ministry projects.

Leadership Roles at Samaritan's Purse

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Franklin Graham
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer & 's Program Master - Robert Shank
  • Chief Financial Officer - Brandon Sutherland
  • Chief Operating Officer - Ron Wilcox
  • Purse Chief Operating Officer - Edward Graham
  • Logistical Aide To the Chief Operating Officer - Chase Eighmy
  • President, Banyan Air Service - Don Campion
  • Chief Medical Officer - Lance Plyler
  • Franklin Graham - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Franklin Graham, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Samaritan's Purse, directs the overarching strategic vision for this international non-profit organization. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages global evangelical outreach and disaster response initiatives, ensuring alignment with the core mission of providing physical and spiritual aid. By coordinating with the Board and senior leadership, Graham maintains the integrity of ministry projects like Operation Christmas Child and the Children's Heart Project. This leadership role involves navigating complex international landscapes to deliver relief where needs remain most acute. Franklin Graham oversees the expansion of humanitarian efforts across diverse regions, ensuring that resources reach vulnerable populations effectively. Through rigorous oversight of organizational goals, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term sustainability of global programs. Ultimately, Graham drives the mission forward by fostering partnerships that amplify the impact of aid delivery in crisis-stricken areas worldwide.

    Robert Shank - Founder & Chief Executive Officer & 's Program Master

    Robert Shank, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer & 's Program Master at Samaritan's Purse, architects the foundational frameworks for specialized ministry programs. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer & 's Program Master designs operational protocols for complex aid delivery, focusing on the integration of spiritual and physical support services. By refining program methodologies, Shank ensures that initiatives like the Children's Heart Project maintain high standards of care and efficacy. This role requires constant collaboration with field teams to optimize resource allocation during international crisis response efforts. Robert Shank monitors the performance of various humanitarian projects, adjusting strategies to meet evolving global needs. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer & 's Program Master strengthens the organization's capacity to serve marginalized communities. Ultimately, Shank secures the operational success of these vital programs by aligning daily activities with the broader mission of providing relief to those in need.

    Brandon Sutherland - Chief Financial Officer

    Brandon Sutherland, the Chief Financial Officer at Samaritan's Purse, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for this global non-profit. The Chief Financial Officer oversees financial reporting, budgeting, and audit compliance to ensure transparency across all ministry projects. By directing capital distribution, Sutherland supports the scaling of international disaster response and water hygiene initiatives. This leadership role involves working closely with the executive team to align financial strategies with the organization's humanitarian objectives. Brandon Sutherland monitors global economic trends to mitigate risks associated with international aid operations. Through rigorous financial stewardship, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that donor contributions translate directly into tangible relief for communities in need. By optimizing internal financial processes, Sutherland maintains the fiscal stability required to sustain long-term programs. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary economic foundation for the organization to execute its mission across diverse geographic regions.
    Brandon Sutherland

    Ron Wilcox - Chief Operating Officer

    Ron Wilcox, the Chief Operating Officer at Samaritan's Purse, directs the day-to-day operational activities that sustain global humanitarian efforts. The Chief Operating Officer manages the infrastructure required for disaster response, ensuring that teams possess the necessary tools to provide aid in challenging environments. By streamlining internal processes, Wilcox enhances the efficiency of supply chains and field operations. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure that organizational goals remain synchronized with the mission of providing physical and spiritual support. Ron Wilcox oversees the implementation of large-scale projects, including medical missions and hygiene programs, across multiple continents. Through strategic management of operational assets, the Chief Operating Officer drives the successful execution of relief efforts in crisis zones. Ultimately, Wilcox ensures that the organization maintains the agility required to respond rapidly to global emergencies, thereby maximizing the impact of every humanitarian initiative.

    Edward Graham - Purse Chief Operating Officer

    Edward Graham, the Purse Chief Operating Officer at Samaritan's Purse, focuses on the tactical execution of specialized ministry programs and organizational growth. The Purse Chief Operating Officer manages the integration of new humanitarian initiatives, ensuring that field operations align with the broader evangelical mission. By overseeing the deployment of resources for women's and children's programs, Graham enhances the reach of the organization's support services. This leadership role involves collaborating with regional directors to address specific community needs in diverse international markets. Edward Graham monitors the progress of ongoing projects, implementing improvements to increase the effectiveness of aid delivery. Through careful management of operational workflows, the Purse Chief Operating Officer supports the scaling of programs that provide essential care to vulnerable populations. Ultimately, Graham drives the operational success of these initiatives by fostering a culture of accountability and excellence in every aspect of the organization's humanitarian work.

    Chase Eighmy - Logistical Aide To the Chief Operating Officer

    Chase Eighmy, the Logistical Aide To the Chief Operating Officer at Samaritan's Purse, coordinates the complex supply chain and transportation requirements for international aid. The Logistical Aide To the Chief Operating Officer manages the movement of essential goods, medical supplies, and equipment to regions affected by disaster. By optimizing logistics, Eighmy ensures that field teams receive critical resources without delay. This leadership role involves working with the Chief Operating Officer to plan and execute the delivery of aid across challenging geographic landscapes. Chase Eighmy monitors global shipping and distribution networks to maintain the flow of support for various ministry projects. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Logistical Aide To the Chief Operating Officer minimizes operational bottlenecks and enhances the speed of crisis response. Ultimately, Eighmy supports the organization's mission by ensuring that the physical infrastructure of aid delivery remains robust, reliable, and responsive to urgent humanitarian needs.

    Don Campion - President, Banyan Air Service

    Don Campion, the President, Banyan Air Service at Samaritan's Purse, manages the aviation and transport capabilities that facilitate rapid humanitarian response. The President, Banyan Air Service oversees the maintenance and operation of aircraft used to transport personnel and relief supplies to remote or disaster-stricken locations. By directing aviation logistics, Campion ensures that the organization maintains the mobility required to reach areas inaccessible by traditional transport. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive team to align flight operations with the urgent needs of international crisis response. Don Campion monitors aviation safety and regulatory compliance to ensure the reliability of the organization's transport fleet. Through the strategic management of air services, the President, Banyan Air Service enables the swift delivery of aid to communities in need. Ultimately, Campion supports the mission by providing the critical aerial infrastructure necessary for effective and timely humanitarian intervention across the globe.

    Lance Plyler - Chief Medical Officer

    Lance Plyler, the Chief Medical Officer at Samaritan's Purse, directs the clinical strategy and medical relief operations for the organization. The Chief Medical Officer oversees the World Medical Mission and other health-focused initiatives, ensuring that medical teams provide high-quality care in crisis-affected areas. By managing clinical protocols and staffing, Plyler ensures that health services meet international standards during disaster response. This leadership role involves collaborating with global health partners to address systemic medical needs in underserved communities. Lance Plyler monitors health trends and disease outbreaks to prepare the organization for rapid medical intervention. Through the strategic deployment of medical resources, the Chief Medical Officer enhances the impact of health programs on vulnerable populations. Ultimately, Plyler drives the success of medical relief efforts by ensuring that clinical operations remain effective, safe, and aligned with the organization's commitment to providing compassionate care to those suffering from illness or injury.
    Lance Plyler

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Samaritan's Purse Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Samaritan's Purse?
    Samaritan's Purse is led by Franklin Graham (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Robert Shank (Founder & Chief Executive Officer & 's Program Master) and Brandon Sutherland (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Samaritan's Purse’s executive team?
    The executive team of Samaritan's Purse includes leaders such as Franklin Graham (President & Chief Executive Officer), Robert Shank (Founder & Chief Executive Officer & 's Program Master), Brandon Sutherland (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Samaritan's Purse have?
    Samaritan's Purse has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Samaritan's Purse’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Samaritan's Purse includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer & 's Program Master, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Purse Chief Operating Officer.