Wess Stafford
Wesley Kenneth “Wess” Stafford (born June 26, 1949) is the former President and CEO of Compassion International and an advocate for children. Stafford is the author of two books, Too Small to Ignore and Just a Minute as well as the host of the daily national radio feature, Speak Up With Compassion®. As a part of his position with Compassion, and his advocacy for children, Stafford is often invited to speak to audiences around the world. In 2008, Stafford was a guest of President George W. Bush and his wife Laura at a State Dinner. In 2009, Stafford spoke at the Willow Creek Association’s Global Leadership Summit alongside Bill Hybels, Henry Cloud, Patrick Lencioni, Tony Blair and Bono. In September 2013, Stafford retired from his position of President and CEO of Compassion International, giving that title to Santiago Mellado.