Former NFL player, Family Research Council director tapped to lead Gateway Mission

Austin Metz, The Holland Sentinel
·2 min read
After a brief tenure as interim executive director, Jay Riemersma has been tapped permanently for the job at Gateway Mission.
After a brief tenure as interim executive director, Jay Riemersma has been tapped permanently for the job at Gateway Mission.

HOLLAND — After a brief tenure as interim executive director, Jay Riemersma has been tapped permanently for the job at Gateway Mission.

As the new director, Riemersma will manage day-to-day operations, continuing his work in development, donor relations and operations.

“This is so clearly the work of our God ... as He has provided for Gateway Mission for such a time as this,” said board chair Bryan Linn. “We are grateful to God for Jay, and we are grateful to Jay for the energy, passion and leadership that he will bring to this organization.”

Riemersma takes over for Darryl Bartlett, who retired in December 2022 after 30 years with the nonprofit.

More:Gateway Mission director Darryl Bartlett retiring after 30 years

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Bartlett orchestrated the creation of several initiatives and programs in his time at Gateway. He helped open the Gateway Mission Women and Children’s Center, the Gateway Center and worked on the Gateway Spoon Cafe and Grill, slated to open in 2023.

Riemersma brings a unique range of experience to the position, drafted into the NFL as a seventh-round pick with the Buffalo Bills.

After a nine-year career, he worked as Regional Director of Development for evangelical activist group and think-tank Family Research Council. In 2022, he ended his tenure with FRC as a senior director of development.

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“Gateway Mission has been a beacon of hope for over 115 years,” Riemersma said. “I commend Darryl Bartlett’s faithful service and leadership for the past three decades. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead Gateway as we meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of our community with the love of Jesus Christ.”

Gateway will host a "Meet Our Mission" event at 7 a.m. Wednesday, March 15. Donors and community members will have the opportunity to meet Riemersma and participate in a question and answer session.

Visit hopefoundhere.org/meetourmission to register.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Former NFL player, Family Research Council director tapped to lead Gateway Mission