FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
International healthcare and nonprofit leader to succeed longtime CEO Rick Allen, continuing MedSend’s mission of equipping healthcare professionals for global service
FORT MILL, S. C. — [August 11, 2026] — MedSend announced today that, following a year-long, intentional CEO succession planning process initiated by current CEO Rick Allen and the Board of Directors, the organization has selected its next Chief Executive Officer to build upon MedSend’s strong foundation and continue its global impact.
The Board of Directors has unanimously appointed George Gavrus as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective August 17.
Gavrus brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience serving international nonprofit organizations across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for MedSend as the organization continues its mission of equipping healthcare professionals to serve God throughout the globe while building on a foundation of more than three decades of global impact.
“George’s experience, vision, and commitment to Christ position him well to lead MedSend into its next season of ministry,” said Dr. Douglas A. Drevets, Chairman of the MedSend Board of Directors. “Throughout the search process, we sought a leader with demonstrated experience in Christian healthcare, international leadership, organizational development, and partnership building. George embodies those qualities and brings a deep commitment to developing local leadership and strengthening healthcare ministries around the world.”
Gavrus holds degrees in Pastoral Theology, Biblical Theology, and Business Administration and is an ordained minister. Throughout his career, he has led mission hospitals, directed complex international operations, developed strategic partnerships, and guided multicultural teams serving in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Most recently, Gavrus served as Country Representative for Mennonite Central Committee in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, where he provided executive leadership for a diverse portfolio of programs implemented through local partners. Prior to that role, he spent six years as Executive Director of CURE Children’s Hospital in Niger, leading significant organizational growth, strengthening operational systems, expanding patient care, and deepening relationships with churches, government leaders, and donor partners.
During Gavrus’s leadership at CURE Children’s Hospital in Niger, he worked alongside MedSend-supported healthcare professionals and experienced firsthand the impact of the ministry’s investment in medical missionaries. In addition, a former MedSend Board member served on the hiring team that first recruited him into executive leadership at CURE. Those longstanding connections have given him a deep appreciation for MedSend’s mission and position him to build on its legacy of equipping healthcare professionals to share the love of Christ through compassionate care.
Throughout his leadership, Gavrus has consistently demonstrated a commitment to strengthening Christian healthcare ministries, investing in local leadership, and building organizations that create lasting impact—priorities that closely align with MedSend’s mission of supporting and sustaining healthcare professionals serving in resource-limited communities worldwide.
The Board also expressed its deep gratitude to Rick Allen, who has served as MedSend’s Chief Executive Officer for the past 18 years. During his tenure, MedSend expanded its global reach, strengthened its programs, and significantly increased its capacity to support healthcare missionaries serving around the world.
To ensure a seamless leadership transition, Allen will continue serving as CEO Emeritus, working closely with Gavrus during the transition period to provide continuity and position the organization for continued growth and effectiveness.
Reflecting on the transition, Allen shared:
“George will step into this role with a prayer filled confidence and commitment to lead this impactful ministry forward. MedSend has a history of God providing the right people at the right time for His will to be accomplished. I believe George is one of those right persons at the right time.”
As Gavrus assumes leadership, MedSend remains focused on its mission of enabling healthcare professionals to provide compassionate, Christ-centered care in communities with limited access to healthcare around the world. The Board believes the organization’s strong foundation, combined with Gavrus’s international leadership experience, positions MedSend well for continued impact in the years ahead.
The Board also invited supporters to welcome George, his wife Georgiana, and their three children—Aida, Paul, and Mateo—and pray for them as they relocate to the United States and begin this new season of ministry. Supporters are also encouraged to pray for Rick Allen and his family as they conclude this significant chapter of faithful leadership.
About MedSend
For more than 35 years, MedSend has equipped healthcare professionals to serve where God has called them by removing financial barriers, supporting long-term missionary well-being, investing in the advanced training of Christian national physicians, and helping launch healthcare leaders into underserved communities around the world. Through these strategic initiatives, MedSend strengthens healthcare systems while expanding access to compassionate, Christ-centered care in some of the world’s most underserved regions.
Media Contact
Rebecca Wadas
V.P., Communications
MedSend
(203) 891-8223
Info@medsend.org
Medsend.org
