GEM Leadership

US Executive Team

The US Executive Team leads the operations for GEM US. The women and men of this team provide oversight and direction in our work of connecting the people of God in the US with the mission of God in Europe.

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Sarah Robins

President, GEM US

Kevin Brown

Chief Development Officer

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Mike Taylor

VP of Mobilization

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Ariel McGehee

VP of Finance

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Tim Smith

Director of People & Culture

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Preston Smith

Director of Marketing

US Board of Directors

GEM’s Board of Directors exists to provide oversight and directional guidance to the organization. The Board contributes not only operational and practical stewardship but also spiritual care, which enables GEM to catalyze Gospel efforts across Europe.

Mrs. Kathy Sharp

Chair

Mr. Carl Hefton

Vice Chair

Mrs. Emily Firnstahl

Secretary

Mr. Corey Grindal Sr.

Finance Chair

Mrs. Sarah Robins

President, GEM US

Mr. Jeremy Fudge

Dr. Andrea Ganahl

Mr. Greg Ladd

Rev. Eric Wakeling

Sarah Robins, GEM US President

Sarah was appointed to the role of Greater Europe Mission's US President in September 2024.

She first joined GEM as a member of the US Board of Directors in 2018 and transitioned to serve on the International Executive Team in 2021. Prior to GEM, she worked in the marketplace in recruiting, consulting, and sales. Most recently, she spent eight years on the executive team at Vanderbloemen, an executive search firm that specializes in faith-based recruitment. While there, she led efforts that more than doubled revenue and had the privilege to work with churches and nonprofits during some of their most important times of transition. Her understanding and love of the local church was deepened in that season. That love is what fuels her desire to shine a brighter light on the overlooked mission field of Europe, especially in the North American church.

Sarah and her husband have two young daughters and reside in Houston, Texas. They enjoy traveling together, playing outdoors, and eating new foods whenever the chance arises.

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International Executive Team

GEM’s International Executive Team consists of men and women serving from various locations throughout Europe and North America, providing oversight and leadership globally for Greater Europe Mission.

Jon Burns

CEO, GEM

Rachelle Neal

VP of Europe

Collin Sanford

VP of Personnel

Thad McAuley

Chief Operating Officer

John Gilberts

SVP of Internationalization

Chris Tweedy

Chief Financial Officer

Sarah Robins

President, GEM US

International Board

GEM’s International Board exists to provide oversight and directional guidance to the organization. The Board contributes not only operational and practical stewardship, but also spiritual care which enables GEM to catalyze Gospel efforts across Europe.

Rev. Eric Wakeling

Chair

Mr. Carl Hefton

Vice Chair

Mr. Duane Martin

Secretary

Mr. Corey Grindal Sr.

Finance Chair

Mrs. Emily Firnstahl

Operations Chair

Rev. Jon Burns

CEO, GEM

Ms. Karina Clausen

Rev. Charlie Lyons

Rev. Karl Martin

Mr. John Rhodes

Mrs. Kathy Sharp

Jon Burns, CEO

Jon was appointed to the role of President of Greater Europe Mission in January 2015 and now serves as GEM's Chief Executive Officer.

Jon’s background is as a pastor and church-planter. He was a senior pastor of a church in England for 10 years, Director of Evangelism for Youth for Christ for six, also in England. He was also heavily involved in More Than Gold for 3 years, working with several hundred churches and organisations, raising several million dollars for the effort.

He is the founder of the ‘Lionsraw’ movement. Jon was recognized for his work with Lionsraw in 2014 as a CNN Hero of the year, and in 2015, he was honored by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the prestigious BEM award (British Empire Medal) for his work around the world with children and communities.

Jon and his wife of 25 years, Sandra, have two daughters, Rosie and Emmie. Jon and Sandra, who are originally from Northern England, have spent many years in London.

Jon is a huge football (soccer) fan, as well as an international preacher and a global mission enabler. He loves to travel, watch sports and spend time with his family and friends.