VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (October 2025) PRESS RELEASE — Operation Blessing, the global humanitarian organization dedicated to bringing help and hope to those in need in the USA and around the world, has announced the appointment of Drew Friedrich as its new president. Drew was previously chief operating officer. The appointment was made by Gordon Robertson, former President of Operation Blessing, who now serves as Chairman of the Board.
Operation Blessing History
Founded in 1978 by Dr. M. G. “Pat” Robertson, Operation Blessing has spent nearly five decades providing clean water, hunger relief, medical care, disaster response, and child development programs across more than 90 countries and all 50 U.S. states. In 2024, Operation Blessing worked in 34 countries, responded to disasters in 12 countries including in Somalia, Brazil and the Philippines, deployed to 19 disasters in 17 U.S. states, and distributed over 25 million pounds of food, drinks and relief supplies.
So far in 2025, Operation Blessing is working in 68 countries, responded to disasters in countries including Ukraine, Indonesia, Myanmar, Burundi, Nigeria and Cambodia, as well as deployed to disasters including the Los Angeles wildfires, tragic flooding in Kerrville, TX, and multiple other locations.
“Operation Blessing has always been about bringing help and hope to a hurting world — and that mission remains unchanged,” said Friedrich. “What will be new is how we broaden our reach, increase our capacity to serve, and expand our readiness to meet needs like never before. It’s an incredible honor to step into this role and build upon nearly five decades of faithful service to those in need.”
Gordon Robertson, who served as Operation Blessing’s president since 2018, said he is confident in Friedrich’s leadership for the organization’s next era. “Drew brings a deep commitment to compassion, innovation, and faith — values that are at the very heart of Operation Blessing,” he said. “As Chairman, I’m excited to support his vision as he leads this incredible team into a new season of global impact.”
Operation Blessing Future Under Drew Friedrich
Under Friedrich’s leadership, Operation Blessing will continue advancing its five core pillars — clean water, hunger relief, medical care, disaster response, and child development — while embracing new strategies for innovation, local partnership, and community-led transformation.
“This appointment isn’t about me, it’s about stewardship,” Friedrich added. “Operation Blessing is a global movement of people — staff, donors, volunteers, and partners — who believe that compassion, innovation, and living one’s faith can change lives. I’m simply honored to help guide that mission forward.”
As the organization approaches its 50th anniversary, Friedrich’s vision is to build on Operation Blessing’s strong legacy and expand its reach through unified global strategy and modernized systems that enable greater agility and impact.
“We are stepping into a new season of impact with gratitude for the past, faith for the present, and great expectation for the future. Our founder’s vision continues to guide us; my role is to steward it forward — to keep the message timeless but make the methods timely,” Friedrich said.
