Bethany Christian Services Announces Bill Blacquiere as Interim Chief Executive Officer
July 19, 2022
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Bethany Christian Services is pleased to announce Bill Blacquiere has been named interim Chief Executive Officer. Current president and CEO, Chris Palusky, will depart from the organization at the end of August 2022 when he will return to international humanitarian work. Blacquiere previously served Bethany for 35 years, his last 12 years as the head of the organization until his retirement in 2018. Bethany’s Board of Directors, led by Mark Augustyn, will work closely with CarterBaldwin Executive Search to find the next Chief Executive Officer.
“Since 2018, Chris has played a critical role in Bethany’s development and success, and we express deep gratitude for the passion, enthusiasm, and commitment he has dedicated to us and those we serve together. We look forward to following the success of his career and will be praying for his new endeavor leading a team we know will bring hope and healing to our neighbors suffering unfathomable loss overseas. We look forward to welcoming Bill Blacquiere back to his service at Bethany and have full faith that he will be a valuable asset as we work with CarterBaldwin to determine the right candidate to lead Bethany,” said Mark Augustyn, Chair of the Board of Directors at Bethany Christian Services.
“It has been a tremendous honor to serve Bethany for the past five years. I am exceedingly proud of our staff as they work tirelessly to serve children, youth, and families–their commitment to our mission and to the Lord is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a privilege to walk alongside them. While I look forward to my next chapter serving the international community, I will deeply miss the excellent and dedicated team at Bethany. I have full confidence that my friend Bill Blacquiere will empower them to continue their crucial work as the hands and feet of Jesus for the orphan, the widower, and the foreigner. I will pray for their effective ministry across the globe, and I look forward to celebrating every success,” said Chris Palusky, current president and CEO of Bethany Christian Services.
“It is a great privilege to serve as Bethany’s interim CEO during this next season and I thank the Board of Directors for their trust. My goal will be to maintain stability and continuity, focusing on our work to effectively serve vulnerable children and families, and ensuring our staff is empowered to do so. I want to thank Chris Palusky for his steadfast commitment to Bethany and for championing its vital work both domestically and worldwide over the last five years. I have no doubt our Board of Directors and CarterBaldwin will find the right candidate to lead this tremendous organization as we all seek to further our mission of ensuring every child feels safe, loved, and connected,” said Bill Blacquiere, incoming interim CEO of Bethany Christian Services.
About Bethany Christian Services Bethany Christian Services is a global nonprofit that supports children and families with world-class social services, all designed to help families thrive. Over 75 years ago, we began our work by serving a single child. Today, we work in more than 30 states and around the world, impacting hundreds of thousands of lives every year.
