JobfitMatters and Christianity Today (CT) are pleased to announce the appointment of Gail Obenour to the position of Global Director of Development at Christianity Today. CT was founded in 1956 by the Rev. Dr. Billy Graham and is regarding worldwide as the leading evangelical publication for news and opinion. Over five million Christian leaders are reached monthly through the ministry’s print and digital resources.
As a recipient of the Lilly Endowment grant last December, a search began for another fundraising professional to come alongside their Executive Director Cory Whitehead to assist them as they continue to focus on broadening their horizons in this important ministry effort.
Dr. Tommy Thomas, Managing Director of JobfitMatters said, “Gail will enjoy her work with Christianity Today. She resonates with the theme of Beautiful Orthodoxy. She is a proven fundraiser, but more importantly she touches donors’ lives in a way that meets their needs, stimulates their thinking, and inspires their imagination.”
Gail has expertise in cultivating and stewarding donor relationships and extensive experience with large gala events and donor outings. She lives in New York City which will allow CT to expand its major donors and vision nationwide. Her commitment to Christ and her passion for the mission of Beautiful Orthodoxy are clearly evident. Gail notes, “I have engaged donors from Wall Street to the Middle East, from the penthouse at the Plaza to the Bowery homeless mission. My professional journey has instilled in me the belief that beauty, goodness and truth can strengthen, bring meaning, and transform culture anytime and anywhere.”
Upon graduating from Clemson University and Westminster Theological Seminary, her desire was “to use the knowledge of Christ to impact the realities of everyday life.” She then served in the local church (Church of the Good Shepherd in Durham, NC) for 13 years as Director of Children’s and later Women’s Ministry, and worked with events for Anthropologie. While at Anthropologie, she led seminars in the Middle East, encouraging women living and working overseas. Prior to this appointment she served as the Campaign Director for Young Life Greater New York.
Carol Thompson, Executive Vice President of Christianity Today stated, “I am both excited and privileged to work with Gail, as we continue to grow the mission advancement efforts at CT.”