Citygate Network Announces Tom De Vries as President-Elect

Colorado Springs, Colo. (March 23, 2023) — The board of directors of Citygate Network is excited to introduce Tom De Vries as incoming president and CEO. De Vries will soon lead this 117-year-old association that provides education, resources, guidance, representation, and connection for some 315 rescue missions and similar ministries throughout North America. He will succeed John Ashmen, who has overseen tremendous membership growth, expanding influence, and financial stability over his 16 years as leader. De Vries, who will start at Citygate Network on May 1 as president-elect, has served as CEO and president of Global Leadership Network (GLN) for the past six years.

At GLN, De Vries strategically increased the accessibility of leadership resources to the organization’s global audience by driving the digital expression of The Global Leadership Summit (GLS) during COVID and expanding access of GLS to 200 prisons. He also led the launch of several new initiatives, including GLSNext, GLS: Special Edition, and the newly created Women Leaders Network.

De Vries is moving into a ministry that, under Ashmen’s guidance, has achieved high levels of credibility for, not only stellar member services, but also for enhanced government relations, creative public relations, effective advocacy, and an increased appreciation for the frontline work its members do every day, serving people experiencing hunger, homelessness, abuse, and addiction. On August 1 of this year, Ashmen will assume the title president emeritus, as De Vries will drop elect from his title.

“We love what Tom has been able to do at GLN on both a national and international scale,” said Citygate Network Board Chair Donovan Coley of Fort Wayne, Indiana. “We believe his skillset and experience will help Citygate Network build on the amazing success we’ve experienced with John at the helm.”

Before beginning his tenure at GLN, De Vries served as general secretary of the Reformed Church in America (RCA) from 2011 to 2017. At the RCA, he provided leadership to more than 1,100 congregations and new church starts and guided the work of 100 missionaries in 40 countries around the world. De Vries has a Doctorate in Ministry from Western Seminary, a Master of Divinity Degree from Fuller Seminary, and a B.A. from Wheaton College. He is married to Laura, and they have three adult children — Trey, Ty, and Torri.

About Citygate Network: Colorado Springs-based Citygate Network is North America’s oldest and largest association of independent, faith-based crisis shelters and life-transformation centers, all offering radical hospitality in Jesus’ name. Through addiction recovery, education, counseling, job training, housing services, and more, hundreds of thousands of people in need receive help and hope every year. To learn more, visit www.citygatenetwork.org.