A Moncton native has been named to head up World Vision Canada.
Starting June 1st, Michael Messenger will become the new President and CEO for the international humanitarian aid agency. He takes over for Dave Toycen who is retiring.
Messenger graduated from Moncton High in 1986. He was the Valedictorian, and looking back on his speech in a YouTube video, he says he knew even then that he would do something to help fight the injustices in the world.
He says, “Clearly, right at that stage, at the end of my Moncton High career, I was interested in these issues of poverty and injustice and that set me on the path where I am today.”
Messenger has taken part in World Vision’s efforts around the world, including an on-the-ground assessment during a Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, and an extended visit to Zimbabwe in 2013 to participate in community development and humanitarian relief programs.
He has been the agency’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since 2010, giving oversight to the senior leadership team and to all operations, including sponsorship activities that benefit over 480,000 children, emergency response in a variety of crises, and revenue of more than $415 million. Prior to 2010, he was Vice President of Public Affairs for three years, giving leadership to public relations, advocacy and education, government relations and communications.
