ReWire Leadership Transition Announcement

A letter from ReWire Executive Director, JD Ward

Dear Friends,

Twenty years ago, ReWire began with a simple conviction: that God was inviting ordinary people into an extraordinary Kingdom life. None of us could have imagined where that journey would lead. Together we have witnessed lives transformed, leaders formed, communities established, growth into sixteen U.S. cities, and an expanding international presence. I remain deeply grateful for the privilege of serving alongside our ReWire staff, associates, partners, and friends.

Over the past year, my wife Tracy and I, together with the ReWire Board and our staff, have engaged in a process of prayer, discernment, and conversation about the future leadership of our ministry. While I love leading ReWire, we came to the conclusion that it is, in fact, time for someone new to lead ReWire. We believed it was important to prepare thoughtfully for the future so that a leadership transition could unfold with care, collaboration, intentionality and deep hope for what God has ahead.

We are excited to share that the Board has unanimously affirmed Kevin Navarro as ReWire's Incoming Executive Director.

Over the next nine months, Kevin and I will serve together in a deliberate season of transition. During that time, I will continue as Outgoing Executive Director while Kevin gradually assumes the responsibilities of Executive Director. At our Spring 2027 Retreat, Kevin will officially step into that role.

Kevin brings a leadership that is marked by contemplative maturity that he has been cultivated for many years and has earned the deep trust of our staff, Board, and community. His deep wisdom, love for people, collaborative leadership, and commitment to our mission make him uniquely suited to guide ReWire through this next season. As many of you know, our long-term succession plan includes a broader national search and discernment process for ReWire's next permanent Executive Director. Kevin has graciously embraced this transitional leadership role to help provide stability, continuity, and faithful leadership over the next two to five years as ReWire prepares for a new era of ministry.

I also want to reassure you that this is not a retirement announcement. Following the transition, I will continue serving ReWire in a local leadership role as a City Director while also contributing to strategic initiatives, teaching, writing, mentoring leaders, and helping develop new Kingdom projects. While I will no longer serve in executive leadership, my love for this community and commitment to ReWire's mission remain as strong as ever.

One of the greatest gifts a founder can offer is not simply building an organization, but helping ensure that it flourishes beyond any one person's leadership. I have tremendous confidence in Kevin's character, wisdom, and faithfulness, and I believe this season positions ReWire well for the future God is preparing.

Thank you for walking with us over these past twenty years. Your prayers, generosity, encouragement, and friendship have shaped ReWire in countless ways. As we enter this new chapter, I invite you to pray for Kevin, for our staff and Board, and for all of us as we continue seeking God's heart together.

The mission remains the same. Our hope is even greater. And we look forward with gratitude and expectation to all that God has yet to do.

With gratitude and hope,

JD Ward
Founder, ReWire