Former Dow Chemical Executive Brings 35 Years of Corporate Experience to the Battle Against Modern-Day Slavery and Violent Oppression

WASHINGTON, DC — Gary Veurink, former Dow Chemical Corporate Vice President, has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of International Justice Mission (IJM). Mr. Veurink will report to CEO Gary Haugen and will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of IJM’s Business Operations Division and for leading the charge to achieve IJM’s ambitious 10-year vision.

Announcing the hire, Mr. Haugen stated: “Gary’s sharp intellect, remarkable corporate experience, and passion for the poor are exactly what we need to advance our mission boldly into our second decade of exponential growth. Gary is a world-class executive who has achieved phenomenal success in an international company that is a global leader. The experience and insights he brings to IJM will help catapult us to the next level of organizational effectiveness and further our capacity to end modern-day slavery and advance rule of law for the poor around the globe.”

After accepting the offer, Gary Veurink said: “My wife, Ruth, and I have spent the last two years exploring how to use my corporate experience to serve the poor and needy of this world. We found many wonderful ministries doing excellent and exciting work, but it is with IJM that we felt called to serve. We are excited about the opportunities lying ahead for IJM and I consider it a privilege to be asked to help lead in this next season. IJM is well-poised to bring structural transformation to broken public justice systems and I am eager to be part of a team bringing tangible relief to victims of violent oppression.”

Mr. Veurink had a successful 35-year career with The Dow Chemical Company, most recently serving as Corporate Vice President – Manufacturing & Engineering. In that role, Mr. Veurink had direct oversight of 23,000 employees working in more than 150 manufacturing sites in 39 countries, a $4B annual operating budget and a $2B plus new projects budget. Since retiring from The Dow Chemical Company in 2007, Mr. Veurink has been serving as Board Member and Advisor to the CEO of the Dow Corning Corporation. He is also an active board member of Point Hope Energy, an alternative energy start-up company.

Mr. Veurink sits on the board of the National Association of Manufacturers and has served on the boards of numerous companies and organizations, including: The Nature Conservancy, Dornico Insurance Company, and on regional boards of Young Life and the Boy Scouts of America. He is a graduate of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, with a major in chemical engineering and is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree/Outstanding Alumnus Award from his alma mater. Mr. Veurink is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France. He is a proud husband, father of three and grandfather of seven.