Featuring Santiago Mellado, President and Chief Executive Officer, Compassion International
December 2022
Santiago Mellado, President and Chief Executive Officer of Compassion International learned about serving the poor at an early age in his life. He grew up in Latin America with a father who worked as a civil engineer. Once a project was completed, his father and family would move and before he was an adult Santiago Mellado had lived in seven countries, allowing him to gain a unique perspective on the impact a person can make when they serve and help those who are in need.
In 2013, Santiago Mellado became President and CEO of Compassion International. The perspective and experience he gained as a child growing up in different cultures equipped Santiago Mellado to serve with Compassion International as they work in countries facing crises around the world. When conflict and suffering occurs, children often pay the highest price which is where Compassion International comes in to serve. For instance, when Russia invaded Ukraine, Santiago Mellado requested prayer for children and families caught in the middle of this conflict.
Compassion International recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. Over its 70 years of existence, Compassion has grown to partner with over 8,000 local churches in 27 program countries to provide care to over two million babies, children, and young adults living in poverty. The aim of Compassion International is to release children from poverty through holistic transformation that takes care of children physically, cognitively through education, and the socio-emotional and spiritual side. Compassion recognizes that to fully help the child they also need to be involved with the family of that child as well as the local church that is involved in the child and family’s life.
Santiago Mellado not only leads an organization dedicated to ending poverty among children around the world, but has personally invested in the future of children with seven sponsored children of his own from around the world.
Prior to serving with Compassion International, he served for 20 years as president of Willow Creek Association, a ministry based in Chicago that is dedicated to helping local churches thrive. He also was a vital player in the launching and hosting of The Global Leadership Summit, which brings leadership development to churches and organizations annually. During his time with The Global Leadership Summit, the Summit grew to reach over 100 countries and 170,000 individuals.
Santiago Mellado is a dedicated leader who cares deeply about serving the vulnerable around the world and equipping Compassion International to meet the needs of thousands of children and families.