FMSC's CEO Transition

After over 20 years of faithful leadership, Mark Crea is retiring as FMSC's CEO. This page is your source for information regarding FMSC's CEO transition.

Why is Mark Crea retiring?

As CEO, Mark has faithfully led FMSC with Christ at the center for over 20 years. Though bittersweet, Mark has been planning his retirement transition with the FMSC board of directors for some time. It was a decision led by much prayer, and both Mark and the board agree that this is the right choice at the right time.

Mark is excited to have more time to be active in his church. He looks forward to spending time with his family, including his lovely wife of 45 years, his three daughters and his 12 grandchildren. He also looks forward to having time to share his abilities to help several smaller nonprofit organizations in a volunteer capacity.

Who will be the new CEO?

We are excited to announce that J.J. Slag will be the new Feed My Starving Children CEO. J.J. joins FMSC from Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge — another uncompromisingly Christian nonprofit — where he has served as the Sr. Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Development. With 20 years of pastoral experience at several churches in the Twin Cities, J.J. brings a wealth of ministry and leadership experience.

In addition to his work in development and ministry, J.J. also served as a financial advisor and has supported his wife, Cheri, in the family real estate business. He and Cheri have five children and one grandson. J.J. has volunteered in FMSC packing rooms with his family for years — and Cheri was even on staff at our Coon Rapids site!

J.J. says, “I am honored to be joining the great team of mission-minded professionals at Feed My Starving Children. I am excited to see what God has in store for all of us as we serve around the world together!”

When will the new CEO start?

J.J. will officially start on January 6, 2025.

How long will Mark continue as CEO at FMSC?

To ensure a seamless transition, Mark will remain on staff as CEO Emeritus until his official retirement in April 2025.

How will this transition affect FMSC’s work?

From the very start, this transition has been covered in prayer. We will continue to pray and work toward a seamless transition, with no disruptions to day-to-day operations. Mark Crea and J.J. Slag, together with the board of directors and the executive team, are already working closely to ensure continuity in our mission and work.

How was J.J. selected?

After Mark Crea announced his intention to retire, the FMSC board of directors began working with Christian executive search firm Vanderbloemen. The board and the search team worked together to discern the right person for the role, looking for a dynamic leader with a strong connection to the FMSC mission and a contagious faith to lead FMSC into the future.

The final hiring decision was made prayerfully by the FMSC board of directors.

Will Mark stay on in any capacity?

Once J.J. officially starts in January 2025, Mark will assist through the transition period as CEO Emeritus. Following his retirement in April 2025, Mark will not have a formal commitment to FMSC, but he believes deeply in our shared mission to feed God’s children, and he will continue to support in new ways as his life leads.

How will Christ be kept at the center of FMSC with a new CEO?

Keeping Christ at the center of FMSC is and will remain central to our mission and identity. The selection process was covered in fervent prayer.

As our next CEO, J.J. is committed to continuing to keep Christ firmly at the center of FMSC. The organization will benefit from J.J.’s decades of pastoral experience and his leadership at Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, another uncompromisingly Christian organization.

How can I support FMSC during this transition?

Please continue to pray for the transition and for Feed My Starving Children. Stay involved! Volunteer to pack meals, start a fundraiser or — to underscore your commitment to the FMSC mission and a thank-you for Mark’s legacy — please consider a recurring gift with Something Greater™ to provide reliable meals to kids and families who need them most.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership to feed all of God’s starving children, hungry in body and spirit.

Can I still contact Mark Crea until he retires?

Yes, Mark will remain active in his role until his retirement in April 2025.

How can I welcome J.J. to FMSC?

Stay tuned for upcoming events where you will have the opportunity to meet and hear from J.J.

Will there be any public events to celebrate Mark’s leadership and legacy?

Yes! We will be honoring Mark throughout the upcoming months, including at our fall Gala in Minnesota. Stay tuned for more details to celebrate his incredible contributions and the ways God has used Mark to feed children around the world.

Is FMSC OK?

• God continues to lead at the center of FMSC.
• FMSC continues to feed God’s children, hungry in body and spirit.
• More people are supporting FMSC than ever before, and donations continue to increase year after year.
• Last year, over 1 million volunteers packed meals to feed more people around the world than ever before in FMSC’s history.