Rich Cummins-Career HighlightsIf there’s one word that might be used to describe much of Rich Cummins’ life, “transformation” would be at the top of the list. Early in his career, he led the charge to reestablish and grow his family’s business. As a business leader in Fort Wayne, Ind., he helped cast the vision that saw the downtown area revitalized. Later in his career, he saw daily evidence of lives changed while serving as executive vice president for The Rescue Mission. And most of all, he has seen the power of the Gospel transform his own life in powerful ways.
 
Now, as Bethel’s new vice president for institutional advancement, he is excited to join the work of transformation at Bethel College.
 

“A Bethel education combines academic excellence and spiritual formation in order to equip students to fulfill God’s calling on their life,” says Cummins. “Being part of developing future leaders for the Kingdom of God is an awesome responsibility and I feel blessed to be here.”

Cummins brings a variety of career experience to his new role, where he will lead the team for Bethel’s fundraising, marketing, communications and alumni services. Most recently, as executive vice president at The Rescue Mission, he served on a leadership team overseeing nearly 100 employees, 1,500 volunteers and 14,500 donors. During his tenure, giving increased from $3.2 million to $5.7 million and he solicited and secured two $1 million contributions. He co-led the fundraising strategy for the mission’s $17.5 million capital campaign and secured more than $6 million in support in 18 months.
 
“Rich’s passion for developing people and organizations will be an asset to Bethel as we continue moving the institution forward,” says President Gregg Chenoweth, Ph.D. “He brings a depth and breadth of experience that will give added momentum to the mission and vision of the college.”
 
A native of Fort Wayne, Cummins is a licensed minister in the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. He and his wife, Danielle, have been married for eight years and are raising a family with four daughters and one son.
 
“I look forward to building on the legacy of leadership and transformation here at Bethel,” says Cummins. “The future is bright and I am thrilled to be a part of what God is doing in and through our faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends.”