Wesley Kenneth “Wess” Stafford was the president and CEO of Compassion International and an advocate for children. Stafford is the author of two books, 'Too Small to Ignore' and 'Just a Minute', and until August 2015 hosted the daily national radio short feature Speak Up With Compassion. As a part of his position with Compassion, and his advocacy for children, Stafford is often invited to speak to audiences around the world. In 2008, Stafford was a guest of President George W. Bush and his wife Laura at a State Dinner. In 2009, Stafford spoke at the Willow Creek Association's Global Leadership Summit alongside Bill Hybels, Henry Cloud, Patrick Lencioni, Tony Blair and Bono. Stafford retired from his position of President and CEO of Compassion International in September 2013, giving that title to Santiago Mellado.

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