Cook Communications Names New President
Cris Doornbos was named President and CEO of Cook Communications Ministries, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., concluding a six month search.
Cris Doornbos was named President and CEO of Cook Communications Ministries, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., concluding a six month search.
He will replace David Mehlis, who is retiring as President after more than 38 years with Cook, 18 years of which was in the position as president. Mehlis will stay on as head of Cook Communications Ministries International, and will lead as Chairman of the Board of Trustees during the transition.
Currently Executive Vice President of Sales for Zondervan Publishing, a division of Harper Collins, Doornbos has worked in Christian publishing for 22 years.
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“We are excited to find a president of Cris’ caliber to lead our ministry to the next level in the coming decades,” Mehlis said in introducing his successor. “We believe God will bless Cook under Cris’ leadership as we share the message of the Gospel around the world.”
Doornbos will be responsible for all publishing activities, Canadian and United Kingdom subsidiaries, and global distribution of Cook’s English language product. He will also establish new strategies on board with Executive Committee and will be elected to the Board of Trustees.
After accepting the position, Doornbos said, “For the last 12 months, I’ve known the Spirit of God has been preparing me for a change and sees a "unique and exciting opportunities for communicating the Gospel to people of all ages around the world.”
“I don’t believe there has been a more exciting time for the church, both in the United States and in the world,” said George Brushaber, Cook Board member and President of Bethel College and Seminary in St. Paul. “It will take a special person to meet the challenges of this new millennium and we believe Cris is that person.”
“I’m delighted to have the privilege of leading a company with a tradition of global ministry,” said Doornbos. “Cook sustained a ministry to local churches for over 130 years, and I intend to enhance all relevant ministries on a global scale.”
Christian Booksellers Association's President-CEO, Bill Anderson, expressed his enthusiasm for the Christian retailers: “Cris will lead in creative ways that will increase the working relationship between Cook and Christian retailers--resulting in growth for both partners.”
The company was founded 130 years ago to serve Christians and every church after founder David C. Cook asked God to "make all you can of my life," when he was 14 years old.
Barry Swenson, Vice President of Milbank Corp. and Cook Board member said, “We believe Cris Doornbos is that same kind of leader," Swenson said.
In 1871, David C. Cook began printing Sunday school materials in his father's shop. Until this time, Sunday schools had no help for lessons. He and his wife, Marguerite began to devote all of their time and energy to writing, editing and printing Sundays school quarterlies, take-home papers, magazines for boys, girls and parents, and greeting cards.
From there, Cook expanded to include non-traditional church resources (NexGen), Biblical studies (Victor Books), children’s materials (FaithKidz), fiction books (RiverOak), family and marriage (LifeJourney) and devotional/gift books (Honor). But, Cook did not change their commitment to the Christian message, said Swenson.
Cook continues to distribute widely so that people everywhere will come to Christian faith, said Swenson. Last year, Cook partnered with indigenous publishers to distribute 12 million pieces of literature in over 50 languages.
Koch concluded by saying, “Cris was the unanimous choice of the Board to lead Cook into the future.”
Doornbos will assume responsibilities on September 6th.
