Denver Rescue Mission’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce Dennis Van Kampen as our new President and Chief Executive Officer. For the first time in 25 years, the Mission is transitioning its top executive.
Dennis Van Kampen has been leading West Michigan’s largest agency serving individuals experiencing hunger and homelessness for more than 10 years as President and CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was also previously VP of Programs.
Under his leadership, MTM expanded shelter services, developed important wraparound services that included new medical, mental health and recovery resources, workforce development initiatives, as well as prevention and diversion programs that resulted in housing more people each year.
“Our mission has been to provide a beacon of hope and to bring dignity to our neighbors who need us to help them break free of the cycle of homelessness,” Dennis said.
His community knows him to have a compassionate heart for those who are lost, experiencing poverty, suffering from addiction, trauma and/or mental illness.
Prior to joining MTM, Dennis worked as an executive director for a camp and retreat ministry and served as a pastor. He also worked as a part-time deputy sheriff for 15 years, as well as taught as an adjunct faculty member at Cornerstone University. He holds a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in organizational/leadership from Cornerstone University.
He and his wife Kelly live in Rockford, Michigan, and are proud parents of four young adult children.
Dennis will transition from his role at MTM through the end of the year and start as President/CEO at Denver Rescue Mission January 16, 2024. He and his wife look forward to becoming part of the Denver and Northern Colorado community and working to continue the life-changing work that the Mission has been doing since 1892.
“God’s heart for the poor is unwavering. The challenges facing the Denver community are big. However, for over 130 years at Denver Rescue Mission, God has been bigger. I have admired the staff and ministry of Denver Rescue Mission, and I am humbled and excited by the opportunity this position brings,” Dennis says.
Passing the Torch: A Journey of Impact
This decision is the culmination of a national search that started in March of this year when Brad Meuli announced his retirement. Brad will become President Emeritus starting February of 2024 through September. With more than 30 years of involvement at the Mission he is deeply committed to serving those experiencing homelessness in our community. From starting as a volunteer to joining the Board, and then becoming the CEO in 2001, Brad leaves a remarkable impact on everyone he touched with his humble leadership, patience and love.
“These past 25 years have been humbling to watch God work at Denver Rescue Mission. As I start to move on, I am excited to hand over the leadership of this organization to Dennis Van Kampen. I am fully supportive of the Board’s decision and so appreciative of their commitment to find someone who is well-experienced and has a huge heart for serving the most vulnerable. I look forward to a smooth transition in 2024. Welcome to the Mission, Dennis!”
Brad Meuli, President/CEO
We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, our extraordinary supporters, for your steadfast dedication to caring for the most vulnerable in our community. Your unwavering generosity has been instrumental in allowing us to continue our essential work in Denver and throughout Northern Colorado.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dennis and sharing our enthusiasm for the promising future that lies ahead under his capable leadership. Together, we can continue to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of those in need.
In the coming months, we look forward to sharing more about Dennis. Thank you for being an integral part of the Denver Rescue Mission family.
