FMSC's CEO Transition
Your hub for information on FMSC's 2025 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.
Mark's Reflections
Mark Crea’s journey as CEO of Feed My Starving Children has been defined by profound moments. But one changed everything.
At the end of his first trip to Haiti, Mark stood overwhelmed by the immense need. A longtime friend and FMSC partner shared lifechanging words that shaped Mark’s path forward.
Mark Crea announces J.J. Slag as next CEO
Dear FMSC Family,
As I prepare to step back after 20 years with Feed My Starving Children, I am filled with deep gratitude for all of you who faithfully journey alongside this organization. Together, we’ve seen the ways God has moved, through each meal packed and every child fed. Lauza. Moses. Rebecca. Gabriel. And so many more.
From humble beginnings to where we are today, God has carried this organization forward with a purpose that continues to unfold in remarkable ways.
Today I am honored to introduce you to FMSC’s next CEO, J.J. Slag, who will officially step into the role January 6, 2025.
J.J. joins us with a wealth of experience — but more importantly, he brings a passion for our mission that is rooted in faith and an unwavering dedication to keeping Christ at the center of everything we do. J.J. has served and led throughout his career with compassion, integrity and a heart that resonates with the FMSC mission of feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit. Over the years, he has spent hours volunteering in the FMSC packing room, experiencing firsthand the hope that fills each meal.
In the many conversations J.J. and I have had, I am deeply encouraged by his vision, his servant’s heart and our shared conviction that the best days for FMSC are still ahead of us. I am confident that God’s hand is at work in this transition and that J.J. will lead with the same faith, resilience and commitment that has come to define FMSC.
FMSC has always been about so much more than any one person — it’s about being part of God’s work in the world, trusting Him to guide our path forward. I believe that together, under J.J.’s leadership, we will see even greater impact as FMSC continues to feed kids around the world.
As we welcome J.J. and start a new chapter, FMSC is serving a world in even greater need. Your support has never been more vital. Thank you for standing with us, now and always.
Will you make a gift today to help FMSC continue to bring food where it’s needed most? Fund meals now
With gratitude and hope — until ALL are fed,
Mark Crea
CEO / Executive Director
Frequently Asked Questions | Updated 10/25/2024
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?
Yes, FMSC remains in a strong position — financially, organizationally and spiritually:- 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.