ADRA Welcomes New Vice President for Sustainable Development

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Thierry Van Bignoot as its new vice president for sustainable development. 

“It is a profound honor to step into this role at a time when the world is facing increasingly complex humanitarian and development challenges,” said Van Bignoot. “I look forward to working alongside our global network to strengthen resilience, expand opportunity, and ensure that the communities we serve are not only supported in times of crisis but empowered for long-term, lasting change.” 

Van Bignoot is an experienced international development and humanitarian leader who has served as country director for ADRA Yemen since 2021. During his previous tenure with ADRA International he held several key leadership roles, including senior emergency management advisor and director of the emergency management unit. He also previously served as associate director for ADRA Asia, supporting country offices across the region in strengthening program quality and impact. 

“Thierry brings a rare combination of field experience, strategic leadership, and deep commitment to our mission,” said Paulo Lopes, president of ADRA International. “His leadership in complex humanitarian contexts and across our global network positions him well to guide our sustainable development work with clarity and purpose. I am confident this next chapter will strengthen our impact and reinforce our commitment to lasting change.”

Van Bignoot steps into this vital new leadership role that was previously held by Sonya Funna, who served ADRA for more than 18 years before leaving in January 2026 to pursue new opportunities.

ADRA board chair Audrey Andersson expressed her appreciation for Funna and the impact she left on ADRA globally. “Sonya’s leadership has left a deep and lasting mark on ADRA,” Andersson said. “She brought wisdom, integrity, and genuine care to every conversation and every decision. We are deeply grateful for her service and the heart she poured into this organization.”

As ADRA moves forward, the organization remains committed to its mission of serving humanity so all may live as God intended. We are sure Van Bignoot will bring renewed energy and vision to ADRA’s global efforts to build a just world through justice, compassion, and love. 

The original version of this story was posted by ADRA International.