Layoffs at Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Posted by Kevin D. Hendricks on February 23, 2009
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association doesn’t seem to be immune from the economic downturn. Maybe. Last week the organization founded almost 60 years ago by Billy Graham announced the layoff of 55 employees, though the organization says it’s not due to a decline in donations:
“I think people see much more of a need to continue to minister to those who are much more in need and need our services, as well as other ministry services. But in this case, it causes us to take pause and make sure, although this ministry has always been very good financially at making sure we are using the funds that we are entrusted with correctly. I think we continue to do that,” said Ken Barun, a senior VP at the BGEA (if that made you scratch your head, join the club).
Laid off employees will receive severance and job search assistance. The BGEA recently cut back about 100 positions when the organization relocated to Charlotte, N.C., in 2002-2003.
Update: The Ashville Citizen-Times has more (including readable Barun quotes) and the Charlotte Business Journal notes that a company spokesperson said, “the poor economy hastened the association’s plans to reduce costs and boost efficiency.”
