New York, Jan. 15, 2014 – American Bible Society has selected a new leader to helm the historic ministry. Dr. Roy Peterson, who is currently serving as president and CEO of The Seed Company, will join American Bible Society in February in the ministry’s Manhattan office.
“We are thrilled to welcome Roy Peterson to American Bible Society,” said American Bible Society Board Chairman Pieter Dearolf. “Roy’s decades-long leadership in Bible translation and depth of experience will serve him well as he helps lead American Bible Society into our third century of ministry.”
Peterson joined The Seed Company in 2003 after serving with Wycliffe USA and its affiliates. In 1997, he was appointed president and CEO of Wycliffe USA, a role he continued until leaving for his current position with The Seed Company. During his tenure at Wycliffe USA, he spent eight years in Ecuador and Guatemala, serving in various leadership positions. Prior to his ministry work, Peterson held management positions with U.S. Shoe Corporation, Florsheim Corporation and American Greetings Corporation.
“American Bible Society’s history and influence in the world of all-things Bible cannot be overstated,” said Peterson. “I am looking forward to joining this dynamic organization, especially within this historic moment for Bible mission.”
Peterson earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Roger Williams College and a Master’s Degree in Social Science/Leadership Studies from Azusa Pacific University. He recently completed the Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders at Stanford. In May 2009, Peterson was awarded an honorary doctorate from Taylor University in recognition of his work in Bible translation. Peterson was a founding board member for the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics in Dallas and also serves on the CEO Council of the International Forum of Bible Agencies.
Peterson and his wife, Rita, have three children and three grandchildren.
About American Bible Society:
Headquartered in Manhattan, the 197-year-old American Bible Society exists to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message. One of the nation’s oldest nonprofit organizations, today’s American Bible Society provides resources across a variety of platforms, enabling first-time readers and seasoned theologians alike to engage with the best-selling book of all time. For more information, visit AmericanBible.org.
