The Board of Directors of JUMPSTART has named Cary Sanders as the organization’s new Executive Director. Cary will succeed current Executive Director, Tommy Moore, who is moving into a new role as Director of Development, Restoration Village, and President of JUMPSTART (USA). As Executive Director, Cary is responsible for the leadership team and overall operations for the organization while utilizing staff and volunteers to achieve the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.
Prior to this appointment, Cary served as the Inside Program Director at JUMPSTART for 5 years. During this time, he successfully recruited, developed and managed volunteers; coordinated numerous fundraising efforts; nurtured and mentored leaders; and represented the organization through speaking engagements at various events. Cary was also instrumental in authoring the program participant and leadership curriculum for JUMPSTART’s 40-week discipleship programs at 17 South Carolina prisons and the development of volunteer training programs currently used within the prisons throughout the state.
Cary brings a unique perspective to this leadership role for JUMPSTART after having served 9 years in prison. Through turbulent teen years full of bad decisions that led to 17 arrests by the time he was 17 years old, Cary found himself serving time for armed robbery and attempted murder. When life no longer looked worth living, God revealed Himself to Cary in a very profound way that changed his life forever. Through this experience, Cary knows first-hand the critical importance of discipleship for those in prison who feel they have no hope. His dedication to serving those inside prisons with the Gospel and seeing lives transformed is what motivates him to pursue his passion for the lost and hopeless.
“We are extremely pleased to have Cary in this key role at JUMPSTART,” said Michael Scharff, Board Chairman. “Cary’s back story of having experienced the depths of hopelessness to becoming a Christ follower and now a leader at JUMPSTART enables him to relate to those we minister to in prison every day. He lives out our mission and has demonstrated effective discipleship over the past 5 years he has been with the organization. Without question, Cary will lead us well now and into the promising future that awaits us.”
Cary furthered his education by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies from North Greenville University and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from North Greenville University.
About JUMPSTART
In cooperation with our donors, churches and the community, JUMPSTART disciples current and former prisoners and assists with re-entry to society. We accomplish our mission through Community Partnerships to address the spiritual, educational, employment, healthcare, housing, and family relationship needs. Our leadership team and staff work tirelessly to bring hope to those in prison who have often given up. Today, more than 150 volunteers each week serve the needs of those in 17 prisons located throughout South Carolina where lives are being transformed by God’s grace – from the inside out. For more information, visit www.jumpstartvision.org.