King of Prussia, PA — International Ministries (IM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Courtny Davis Olds as Chief Operations and Culture Officer, a new leadership role focused on the organization’s long-term health, strategy, and culture. Courtny brings extensive experience in ministry and organizational leadership, along with a longstanding relationship with IM and American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA).

Courtny’s connection to global mission and IM began early in adulthood. After earning her degree in physical therapy, Courtny volunteered with Joni and Friends/Wheels for the World, using her skills on short-term mission trips. After several trips, she was invited to remain in Ghana to teach others about wheelchair seating and mobility.

As a lifelong American Baptist, Courtny was familiar with IM and, in 2001, was commissioned for ministry by Emmanuel Baptist Church in Charleston, West Virginia. From 2001 to 2004, she served in Ghana as an IM special assignment missionary.

Courtny attended Palmer Theological Seminary after returning from Ghana and was ordained in 2011 by Second Baptist Church of Germantown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has served as an associate and bivocational minister, intentional interim pastor, and adjunct professor with Palmer Seminary. Most recently, she served as executive minister of American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island.

Throughout her ministry, Courtny has maintained a close relationship with IM. In 2014, she joined IM’s staff to assist in the leadership of Responding to the Call, a discernment and strategic planning process that collected data through appreciative inquiry. She has also deepened churches’ relationship with IM, regularly hosting global servants and creating opportunities for them to engage with congregations.

While earning a PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University, Courtny worked as a change consultant with churches and non-profits. Her doctoral work grew out of a desire to better understand how people experience change, specifically within faith communities.

“Courtny brings us operational expertise, intentionality in leading change, cross-cultural ministry experience, and a deep love for IM and IM personnel,” said IM Executive Director and CEO Rev. Dr. Sharon Koh.

As Chief Operations and Culture Officer, Courtny will help IM explore and consider new and effective ways to carry out its ministry while remaining grounded in the organization’s values. This return to IM is a fitting opportunity to bring together Courtny’s experience in pastoral and cross-cultural ministry with her expertise in organizational and strategic leadership as IM looks toward the future.

“I am very excited to be part of an organization that has such a long and rich history,” Courtny shared. “I’m looking forward to exploring how we honor that history and reflect the values IM holds as we find new ways to make a bigger, broader, and deeper impact now and into the future.”

Please join us in welcoming Courtny Davis Olds to IM’s leadership team as she helps support the organization in carrying out God’s mission around the world.