Leadership Team
Wycliffe Canada leaders share a common passion to glorify God through the ministry of Bible translation. They have confidence in the sovereignty of God, a profound respect for others demonstrated through service to all, a life of integrity and strong commitment to the vision of Bible translation.
Our senior leadership team, under the direction of the president, apply biblical principles and values in their decision making and problem solving as they work together.
Jon ImBeau
President
Jon ImBeau is president of Wycliffe Canada, a role he assumed in 2023. He provides both strategic and spiritual leadership for the organization—overseeing operations, building partnerships with churches and global networks, engaging with donors and representing Wycliffe nationally and internationally. His focus is ensuring every aspect of the organization aligns with its mission of supporting Bible translation and with its core values of faithfulness, collaboration and long-term impact.
Before joining Wycliffe, Jon spent 19 years serving as a pastor and 10 years as executive director of Awana Canada. He holds a BA from Northwest Baptist College and an MDiv from Regent College. Known for being relational, visionary and collaborative, he brings a leadership style that empowers others and emphasizes both mission clarity and servant-hearted teamwork.
Jon has long sensed God’s call to ministry and has a deep passion for seeing lives transformed through Scripture. He believes Bible translation is essential because it allows people to encounter God’s Word in the language of their hearts, making the gospel personal and transformative. Jon’s leadership at Wycliffe is shaped by two central priorities: ensuring Wycliffe’s endurance for the future so the unfinished work of Bible translation can continue, and helping staff flourish in the unique callings God has given them.
Based in Cloverdale, British Columbia, Jon and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 30 years and have four children: Benett, Abigail, William and Charlie. In his free time, he enjoys playing guitar and keeping up with his Thursday night hockey league.
Jon shares:
“I believe that God uses His Word to do His kingdom work in the hearts of people.”
Debbie York
Senior Vice President, People, Culture & Administration
Debbie York is senior vice president of people, culture and administration at Wycliffe Canada, a role she assumed in October 2024. She leads human resources, staff care, organizational development and administration. Since joining Wycliffe in 2019, her work has fostered a mission-aligned culture where people are well supported and policies reflect integrity and compassion.
With more than 15 years of experience in human resources and operational leadership, Debbie has brought both corporate and ministry expertise to guide leaders, strengthen teams and build systems that foster growth and effectiveness. She is skilled at leading organizational transitions and designing HR systems marked by clarity and care. Her professional foundation is built on extensive training and certifications in human resources, leadership and organizational practices.
What drew Debbie to Wycliffe was deeply personal: the faith of her grandmother, whose life was shaped by Scripture. That legacy fuels Debbie’s passion for helping others experience the dignity and transformation that come when God’s Word is available in their heart language. She believes that Bible translation nurtures community and invites deep connection with God.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Debbie and her husband, Logan, are raising two lively boys, Levi and Ezra. Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting, cooking, volunteering and caring for their growing collection of pets.
Debbie shares:
“I believe a thriving internal culture is essential to sustainable, impactful ministry.”
John Chiu
Senior Vice President, Global Strategy & Partnerships
John Chiu is senior vice president of global strategy and partnerships at Wycliffe Canada, a position he assumed in 2024. He leads Wycliffe Canada’s strategic positioning within the global Bible translation movement—building high-trust, church-centred collaborations, advancing multilateral initiatives and sharing impact with clarity and integrity.
Since 2012, John has held senior roles at Wycliffe and SIL Global, covering operations, HR, safeguarding and partnerships. In these roles, he guided organizational transitions, strengthened accountability and shaped networks serving local churches. He holds a BA in English from the University of Calgary, along with certificates in leadership, human resources management and private investigation.
John is driven by the conviction that Scripture in one’s heart language restores people and communities. It nurtures families, strengthens churches, dignifies culture and catalyzes hope. Walking with churches and local leaders as they take ownership of translation—and surrounding them with the right partners and resources—is one of the most rewarding parts of his work.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, John lives with his wife, Connie, a marketing content strategist. In his spare time, he enjoys drinking good tea and reading, and confesses an arguably nerdy interest in watches.
John shares:
“For me, strategy in the Bible translation movement is less a blueprint than a cartography of trust: patient map-making where churches draw the first lines and we learn the borders by walking with them.”
Leigh McGough
Senior Vice President, External Engagement & Development
Leigh McGough is senior vice president of Wycliffe Canada’s external engagement and development teams. Since joining Wycliffe in 2022, his focus has been inviting the Canadian church to engage in Wycliffe’s work and the broader Bible translation movement. He believes that access to Scripture is central to the gospel and the Kingdom of God.
With more than 20 years of experience in youth ministry and education leadership, Leigh brings both pastoral and organizational expertise to his role. He holds a BA in youth work and community development and spent 10 years in education leadership in the UK, supporting families facing social challenges. He also served as a youth pastor, elder and eventually executive pastor in the church he and his family attended for 17 years. In 2017, Leigh relocated to Canada to oversee Awana’s ministry in Western Canada, helping churches run Scripture-based discipleship programs.
Leigh is driven by a passion for equipping the global church and seeing lives transformed through Scripture access.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Leigh lives with his wife, Sam, a science teacher, and their two sons, Ben and Josh. The family is all about basketball—playing, coaching and cheering it on—and also enjoys coffee, food, easy hikes in the mountains and travel.
Leigh shares:
“My passion is to see the Canadian church engage in Bible translation because it’s central to the Good News of Jesus.”
Don Buhler
Senior Vice President, Finance
Don Buhler is senior vice president of finance at Wycliffe Canada, guiding the organization in stewardship, accountability and the wise use of resources. He joined Wycliffe Canada in 1994 and began his first assignment in East Africa the following year. In his current role, he ensures finances are managed with integrity and that leaders have the information they need to make sound decisions.
With a BComm, a CPA designation and an MA in leadership, Don brings over 40 years of experience in accounting and administration to his role. In addition to three decades with Wycliffe and SIL Global, he has experience in both private industry and the non-profit sector. He is valued for his careful analysis, steady presence and collaborative style—qualities that help strengthen trust across the organization.
Don’s own life has been shaped by Scripture, and he believes strongly that others should have the same opportunity. His work in finance is one of the ways he supports Wycliffe’s mission of making the Bible available in every language.
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Don and his wife, Jackie, are part of Highland Community Church. They enjoy spending time with their three married children and ten grandchildren. In his spare time, Don is often outdoors—skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or biking—or watching just about any sport.
Don shares:
“I believe handling finances with integrity strengthens trust, honours our calling and enhances the mission of making Scripture available.”
Board
Those selected to serve on the board must demonstrate Christian character, enthusiastically support the work of Bible translation and be committed to full participation in board work. Using their ability to think strategically and futuristically, with a consistent emphasis on discerning God’s will, the board sets the direction for Wycliffe Canada. The president of Wycliffe Canada, Jon ImBeau, and the leadership team under his direction is responsible for achieving the desired results set by the board.
Randall Visser
Chair
Randall grew up in Wycliffe, spending his formative years in Cameroon as his parents Bert and Wilma Visser served with Wycliffe. Since moving back to Canada to complete a Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University, Randall has gone on to become a chartered professional accountant, and has spent over a decade working for various cabinet ministers and ministries of the Government of Canada. He previously served his church as a board member and treasurer and as a general director of a private Christian school. Randall, his wife Cassandra and their three young children live in Manitoba.
Peter Moore
Vice Chair
Rev. Peter Moore has served as lead pastor of Douglas Baptist Church in New Brunswick since 2005. He grew up in New Brunswick and has been in local church ministry for 27 years, with all but three years of his pastoral ministry having been at the same church. Peter is ordained with the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) and serves locally on the executive of the York Baptist Association of Churches. He has participated in missions to the Dominican Republic, Cameroon, as well as Argentina and Bolivia. Peter has been married to Patricia for 28 years, is the father of 5 children ages 18 - 28 and has two grandchildren. He enjoys getting outdoors to cycle, fish, skate and snowshoe.
Heather Geertsma
Board Director
Heather is a lawyer in the Greater Toronto Area and has practiced law for the last nine years. She currently runs and operates her own law firm specializing in family law issues.
Heather was brought up in a strong Christian family in Southwestern Ontario who supported Wycliffe’s ministry. Her older sister, who had a career in education, joined Wycliffe and moved to South Asia to develop literacy programs. This sparked a deeper interest in Wycliffe and a commitment to Wycliffe’s mission.
Heather believes strongly in serving in any capacity that God calls her, whether that be in private legal practice, at her church through Bible study, or leading a ministry. She brings her education, life experience and passion for God’s kingdom to the Board.
She lives in Mississauga with her husband and her two beautiful daughters.
Kirstyn Mackie
Board Director
Kirstyn first became involved with Wycliffe as a volunteer when she was completing her undergrad in linguistics at the University of Calgary. She was part of a small group that dreamed up and launched Café Wycliffe (now Café Logos) which spread across Canada and then internationally. She went on to work in education, marketing and communications and then completed her MBA, focusing on strategy, marketing and business law. Since her first encounters with Wycliffe, her passion for promoting and advocating for Bibleless people groups has only grown. She was the chair of the missions committee at her church, Bethany Chapel, when they initiated a Kingdom Friendship with Wycliffe Thailand, a major partnership that directly impacts the efforts of engaging the Thai church and mobilizing local missionaries. She and her husband, Aaron, have been involved in supporting a number of Wycliffe initiatives, including visiting projects in multiple areas of Thailand. Kirstyn and Aaron live in the Calgary area with their three children, whom she homeschools. In her “free” time, she teaches a classical dialectic literature class and is very active in her home church in the missions, Awana and worship ministries. Kirstyn is honoured to have the opportunity and privilege to support the mission of Wycliffe in its critical Kingdom-building work.
Mario Swampy
Board Director
Mario has served as pastor for the Louis Bull All Nations Church in Maskwacis Alberta since 2014, and on chief and council for the Samson Cree Nation from 2011-2023. He believes these positions have given him a unique perspective on some of the challenges that exist when it comes to reconciliation both politically and at the church level between Indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. Given Canada’s controversial political past concerning its First Peoples, which includes the residential schools, Mario believes that the body of Jesus Christ has an amazing opportunity right now to demonstrate true reconciliation in tangible and practical ways through the Gospel.
Joan Macdonald
Board Director
Joan and Bill live in Stratford PEI and have two married sons and three grandchildren. They spent most of their married lives in business, having been leaders in the agricultural and transportation industry on PEI. They were the first to offer bulk agricultural lime spreading and to open a trade school for truck and transport heavy equipment and school bus training. BJs Truck Centre was opened to provide much needed parts and service for their own businesses and all others with such need. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, they managed to include a total of seven businesses in the span of many decades; all were sold by the end of 2021.
All the while they managed to serve in leadership roles at Central Christian Church, where Joan served as chair of the board. She also served as vice chair of Skills Trades PEI and as a board member of Canadian Trucker Sector Counsel, where she was awarded for her work with HR in the transportation industry.
They are now free to share in other areas that have been a passion for them throughout their lives. Joan serves on the mission team and leads the prayer ministry at Central Christian. They have provided prayer and financial support for missions ever since close friends went to Chiang Mai, Thailand over four decades ago and have supported Wycliffe since the Vissers went to Cameroon.
Joan and Bill also enjoy boating and spend their winter on their boat, aptly named Tis A New Life.
Ryan Graham
Board Director
Ryan Graham serves as the senior pastor of Southview Alliance Church in Calgary, Alberta, bringing nearly 30 years of ministry experience in Canada. Before joining Southview, he spent nine years in denominational leadership with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, most recently as national vice president.
Earlier in his ministry, Ryan pastored two churches in the Calgary area. He served as lead pastor at Westlife Church for 10 years and as director of student ministries at First Alliance Church for eight years.
Ryan and his wife, Christana, have been married for 29 years. They have three adult children—Cailey, Zach, and Abby—and a son-in-law, Aidan.
Halie Proude
Board Director
Halie's passion for missions began as a teenager in Michigan, leading to a short trip to Guatemala and a traveling youth worship choir in North America. She pursued a degree in global missions at Kingswood University, where her interest in linguistics and translation deepened. Learning stories from relatives who worked with Wycliffe inspired her to connect with Wycliffe, leading to a four-month internship in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This experience grew her understanding in a variety of roles in translation work and appreciation for the function of the organization.
Now as a mother of three, Halie lives in PEI serving alongside her husband Tyler where he’s been the Montague site pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church for the last nine years. She currently is on staff as the Montague site ministry coordinator, has been active on the church-wide missions committee, organized local outreach events and led the women’s ministry team.
Halie's education and experiences have fostered her curiosity and desire for connecting with people in their way of life as well as engaging them in spiritual formation. She lights up when people are empowered where they’re at and in their gifting to experience all Jesus desires for them.
Ken Labbé
Board Director
Ken Labbé is a French Canadian originally from the Niagara region in Southern Ontario. He experienced transformation by the power of the Word of Christ for himself as a young man at a Christian summer camp, which drove him to his own passionate study of Scripture, leading to a career in full-time pastoral ministry. Having grown up in multiple Christian denominations, he found a home in the Reformed tradition, where he’s served four churches in Alberta and Ontario since 2002. In addition to local church leadership, he’s also participated in and moderated a number of committees, commissions and task forces at regional and national levels of denominational governance.
Ken encountered the work of Wycliffe already in his seminary days, when he built a relationship with a retired missionary who told him stories about bringing the Word to the Quechua people in Peru. Through that connection and others since, he’s worked to participate in and promote Word-focused missions from the local church setting.
Always working alongside his loving and ever-gracious wife Christina, Ken is currently serving a CRC church in midwestern Ontario. He also occasionally serves his neighbours and church family in his capacity as a licensed electrician. He enjoys playing music, endurance sports and having adventures.
Field Member Advisors
Field member advisors are Wycliffe members who bring extensive field knowledge and experience to the board, offering a broad perspective that helps guide Wycliffe Canada's strategic direction. They contribute to board deliberations in an advisory capacity but do not vote on board decisions.
Rob Bustin
Rob and Kara live in Ethiopia, where Rob first worked with a mother-tongue New Testament translation team (which was dedicated in March 2023). For the past eight years, Rob has been the programs director for the Bible translation services, Scripture engagement, and digital media work conducted by the SIL Ethiopia Branch, one of Wycliffe’s key field partners. Rob is excited to be working with local churches and ministries as they take the lead in identifying Bible translation needs and as they seek community transformation through God’s Word. Kara teaches at a Christian international school in Addis Ababa and is excited to be interacting with the diverse staff and student community who come from over 30 nations. Rob and Kara have been members of Wycliffe Canada since 2012, and they have three daughters.
Jon Jagt
Jon is originally from Southern Ontario. After feeling the Lord’s call to work in Bible translation, he joined Wycliffe Canada along with his wife Candace in 2012. Together with their three children, they have been working in Papua New Guinea since Feb 2013. Jon’s first role was in the area of software development, but during their first term Jon felt increasingly pulled toward administering a translation and literacy program in Madang province. Jon and Candace are currently serving with the Gwahatike multi-language translation program, which is located on the north coast of mainland Papua New Guinea. They spend part of their time in that area and part of their time living in Ukarumpa, the main mission center of PNG.
Alice Reed
Alice is a translation consultant on the SIL Global Consultant Pool who reviews Bible translations, mentors consultants-in-training, and advises translation teams primarily in Canada and Africa—including Blackfoot translation in southern Alberta. Prior to becoming a consultant, Alice was a language program facilitator among First Nations communities in northern Manitoba and Quebec. There, she and her husband Martin worked closely alongside Indigenous church leaders to create Scripture products and promote the use of their languages in church, school and community life. Alice has been a member of Wycliffe Bible Translators since 2015 and is passionate about seeing the Church built up through the unique gifts and theological perspectives of mother-tongue Bible translators. She is currently completing a PhD in intercultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.