Patrick Stayton has joined IJM as the field office director in Cambodia. In this position, Stayton will work with local authorities to investigate cases of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of women and children and prosecute the perpetrators responsible for these crimes. IJM’s Cambodia office has proved particularly effective in securing arrests of perpetrators, and Stayton will continue to build on this momentum as the office works toward structural change that will bring protection to those vulnerable to trafficking.

After graduating from Baylor Law School, Stayton practiced law for 12 years in Houston, Texas. He held the position of assistant district attorney for almost a decade and prosecuted an extensive range of criminal cases. He also has experience working in commercial litigation.

Three years ago, Stayton moved to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where he taught law classes for students in English legal terminology and concepts. Says Stayton, “I came to Cambodia in 2004. As I invested in language, culture and relationships, I fell in love with Cambodia. Now, I have the opportunity to join in the incredibly difficult but infinitely rewarding work of IJM in this land that has become my home.”

IJM also welcomed new leadership at headquarters this summer, as Bill Clark, formerly director of church mobilization, stepped into the role of vice president of donor relations.

Before joining IJM, Clark most recently worked in management for Principal Decision Systems International, a privately-held software company. He also spent several years working with at-risk youth through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Since first joining IJM in 2005, Clark has worked to connect supporters with the work of justice in relevant and meaningful ways and will bring this passion to his new position. As vice president of donor relations, Clark will team with IJM’s supporters in developing the financial partnerships that ensure the continuation of IJM’s work. Clark notes, “I am excited to leverage the remarkable good will that IJM has established into tangible resources to help pay for the rescue that the poor cannot afford. The donor relations team at International Justice Mission is top notch. Together, we are working on plans to give donors a deeper connection to the work in the field so that they have a strong sense for the amazing return on investment that results from their gift.”