Robert Dotson Leaves Mission Predisan

After a five-year tenure as Chief Development Officer, marked with important achievements, Robert Dotson leaves Predisan in April 2009.

Robert Dotson, who has served Mission Predisan for five years as Chief Development Officer of Predisan-USA, Inc., left the ministry in April, announced Eric Thornhill, president of the Predisan-USA board.

Dotson will remain involved with Predisan as a member of the Mission Predisan board, which directs the ministry’s work.

“Few people are as diligent, persistent, savvy and genuinely compassionate as Robert Dotson. He will be greatly missed,” Thornhill said.

Dotson, who began work with Predisan in 2003, is widely credited with moving the fund-raising and development of the mission to a professional realm, and under his leadership Predisan crossed and maintained an annual fund-raising goal of more than $1 million, allowing the expansion of the ministry’s work and programs.

He said of his tenure, “Mission Predisan is stunningly effective, yet tender and loving in the very same breath.  The five years I committed to as Chief Development Officer have flown by, and I hope in some small way the time has woven new threads of strength in our fabric and brought ever-broader acts of mercy and care among many lives in the Lord’s family.  I’ve been so very fortunate to work with the most compassionate donors one could imagine, and equally fortunate to work alongside committed staff and board members who daily put hands and feet to Christ’s mercy."

Dotson directed the establishment of an annual fund drive, began publishing a yearly annual report, initiated an endowment fund, and established a wills and estates program.

Martha Rivera, executive director of Mission Predisan, Catacamas, said, “Robert’s addition to our team has been a milestone in the work of Predisan, as our fund-raising has been taken to a higher level. It has been a pleasure to participate in the amazing and effective way that Robert brought people together for a great purpose.”

A primary goal and success in Dotson’s tenure was to keep Predisan-USA’s administrative and fund-raising costs to 20 cents per dollar or less, which meant that donors in the United States could trust that their funds were providing help directly to Honduras.

Predisan’s founding missionary, Doris Clark, said, “Robert is very passionate about making the world a better place and honoring God with his life. I personally have learned much from him, and am immensely indebted for his personal friendship and unrelenting dedication to the well-being and vision of Mission Predisan.”

Dotson’s continued involvement as a member of the Mission Predisan board, led by Linda Trevathan, FNP-BC, president, will provide continuity during the transition period and afterward.

Dr. Timothy Hill, former president of the Mission Predisan board, said, “As past-president it has been my pleasure to work with Robert Dotson. He has educated me in the fine art of fund-raising. He is a tireless worker. His heart belongs to Predisan and will serve Predisan even after he is no longer our fund-raiser. I consider him a friend.”

Dotson will begin a mid-career sabbatical when he leaves Predisan in April, he said, which will allow time “to reflect upon and enjoy the spiritual and emotional wealth that surrounds us all.”

Eric King, former president of the Predisan-USA board, said, “Robert’s expertise and professionalism simply took Predisan to another level in fund-raising, reporting and organization, as well as accountable decision making. The work ethic Robert brought to Predisan was a great example to all of us. We will miss him more than we realize.”

Predisan-USA, Inc. supports the work of Mission Predisan, Catacamas, Honduras, through fund-raising and development.

Mission Predisan, founded in 1986, is a multi-faceted mission providing more than 42,000 medical and educational contacts each year at nine clinics in Eastern Honduras. Mission Predisan is a non-profit Honduran corporation. Predisan-USA, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. Our Web site: www.predisan.org.