PHILADELPHIA, October, 28, 2019 – American Bible Society President and Chief Executive Officer Roy L. Peterson announced today that he will retire from the organization, after serving in the role since 2014. The Board of Directors has appointed Robert L. Briggs, who served as Senior Vice President in U.S. Ministry, as Interim President and CEO, effective immediately. Peterson will continue to serve the organization as Ambassador at Large for the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center, set to open in November 2020.

Peterson said, “It has been an honor to serve the dedicated team at American Bible Society for nearly 6 years. I’m proud of what we accomplished together and want to express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the Board of Directors, staff, and our ministry and financial partners for placing their trust in me and allowing me the privilege to lead this great organization. I will devote my efforts in the coming months to advocating for the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center through the final stages of the capital campaign and construction.”

American Bible Society Chairman of the Board Jeff Brown said, “Roy Peterson has served American Bible Society with dedication and distinction since 2014. He led the organization through an historic move from NYC to Philadelphia and into its third century of Bible ministry. He dedicated his life and career to serving the Bible cause, and his leadership at American Bible Society is a reflection of that deep commitment for which we will forever be grateful.”

For 23 years, Peterson has held the role of President and CEO at three of the world’s leading Bible translation agencies. Prior to joining American Bible Society, he led both Wycliffe Bible Translators and The Seed Company as CEO. He served with SIL International in Ecuador and Guatemala after enjoying a successful career in business management. Peterson’s heart to see lives transformed by Christ stems from his own life-changing experience with the Scriptures as a young man. In 2017, he released his autobiography, Set Free, in which he shares how God called him from the depths of a Mexican prison into a lifetime of service on the frontlines of Bible ministry. Drawing on his personal love of Scripture and desire for others to experience its life changing message, he sparked a renewed passion at American Bible Society for Bible translation that will continue to grow following his tenure.

The Board of Directors will engage in an executive search to identify a new President and CEO and will be working closely with Robert Briggs as Interim President and CEO to facilitate an effective transition.

Brown said, “Robert has served in several leadership roles within American Bible Society for almost 20 years. He has the full confidence of our Board and Leadership team as he takes on this assignment and will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge of the organization to the task of overseeing a successful transition.”