LONDON, Ont. - International Justice Mission Canada announced Wednesday, April 8th, 2015, Kevin Dixon as Vice-President of Operations. Kevin joins IJM Canada with 28 years of pastoral leadership experience, most recently as Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, Ontario. Kevin was a priest in the diocese of New Westminster for 13 years most of those years as incumbent of St. Mary's, Kerrisdale.
"The values and impact of International Justice Mission inspire me” says Kevin. “IJM's global reach, inspired by God’s call to love all people and seek justice for the oppressed, is consistent with my aspirations. I am committed to working toward a world characterized by justice with peace.”
A seasoned professional, Kevin has provided executive oversight for staff and operations, developed and implemented visionary strategic plans, steered organizations to financial stability, and managed human resources—including the effective recruitment of executive-level staff.
“As Vice-President of Operations, Kevin will draw on his well-recognized skills and tested experience in spiritual leadership, operations management, and financial analysis to guide IJM Canada to even greater operational excellence, so that we can provide victims of violence with the quality of service they deserve,” says Executive Director Ed Wilson.
With a passion for human rights, Kevin most recently served for 10 years on the Board of Directors for Cristosal Foundation, a human rights and development agency working to strengthen the ability of the poor to act for justice and development as equal citizens in a democratic society. In that role, he initiated a project that led to the construction of a community centre and worship space that is a safe refuge in an area of El Salvador prone to seasonal flooding. He also established a network of North American Base Communities to support the ongoing work of the Foundation in El Salvador.
“With four billion poor still living outside the protection of the law in this world, we are committed to recruiting the best talent possible to accelerate achievement of our vision. Kevin’s experience with Cristosal will be a valuable asset to us as we seek to deploy Canadian resources to strengthen justice systems in the developing world,” adds Ed.
"With God's help, my skills, professional experience and training will contribute to IJM's continued growth in effectiveness. I anticipate tremendous satisfaction in my new role with IJM Canada. It is a privilege to work with a human rights organization that makes such a constructive difference among the world's most vulnerable," says Kevin.
Kevin has an undergraduate degree from the University of Windsor, and a Master of Divinity from Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario. He also holds a certificate in Organization Development through the NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science in Washington, DC. The mission of NTL is to advance applied behavioural science in the service of social justice, oppression-free societies, and healthy individuals, groups and organizations in the world.
Kevin has accompanied numerous groups of North Americans to bear witness to the realities of poverty and human suffering in El Salvador, and on two occasions served as an international observer at that country's presidential elections.
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International Justice Mission is a global organization that protects the poor from violence throughout the developing world. IJM partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems. International Justice Mission Canada shares in this mission.
In nearly 20 communities throughout Africa, Latin America, South Asia and Southeast Asia, IJM combats slavery, sex trafficking, sexual violence, police brutality, property grabbing and other forms of violence.