Chip Gramke joined the World Impact team as Chief Financial Officer in March of this year.
Why are you excited to be joining the World Impact team?
I’m excited to be joining the World Impact team because of our tremendous mission and the impact we have on those we serve. I’ve worked for over 30 years in industries such as banking, construction, manufacturing and aviation. Those are all good industries, but they don’t make a lasting and eternal impact on lives like World Impact. Our target mission is the urban poor, and the common enemy in those neighborhoods is hopelessness. Without Jesus Christ, there is no hope. Our mission of making Christ real in these areas offers hope, which in turn changes lives. No legislation, program or movement can change lives the way Jesus Christ can.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I view my role as CFO as that of an Equipper. A CFO oversees Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Benefits/Insurance, Information Technology and Legal. My areas of responsibility are important and World Impact will struggle if any of these areas are broken. My attention to these areas allow those in ministry and missionary positions go about their important work in an efficient and focused way.
What are you reading, watching, or listening to this week?
I’ve loved reading biographies my entire life. I’ve read hundreds of biographies since reading my first book on Abraham Lincoln in 4th grade. I just finished a biography on LBJ written by W. Marvin Watson (who World Impact National’s Watson Building was named for). If I have free time and the Kansas City Royals are playing, odds are I’m watching them. I was fortunate that my first trip to National coincided with the Royals traveling to LA to play the Angels. I took the opportunity to go watch my Royals play in beautiful Angel stadium.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Southwest Wichita. My two brothers and I all graduated from Wichita South High School. I then went on to graduate from Wichita State University majoring in Accounting. I served on the Wichita Board of Education for 12 years.
Tell us about your family.
I’ve been married to my wife Nancy for 32 years. We have three beautiful daughters that we are very proud of. My two oldest daughters have a tremendous heart for disadvantaged children and are both teachers serving low income children. My youngest daughter just finished playing college volleyball and is now seeking God’s guidance.
