The Gem Leadership Change

On May 30, 2026, Dwight Saunders retired as the Director of U.S. Operations of The Gem Foundation after serving for over 11 years in this important role. The Board of Directors wants to take a moment to express our deepest professional and personal gratitude for his leadership. Dwight has poured prayer, time, energy, and "blood, sweat, and tears" into this organization, all in an effort to follow God's calling to help bring Emma's vision of rescuing the abandoned Gems, restoring their God-given value, and releasing every Gem into their God-given destiny. His unique ability to tell the story of the Gem and his passionate advocacy for special needs orphans in Uganda have helped shape this organization into what it is today.  While he will be deeply missed, his legacy is firmly planted in the lives of the children he championed.

As we look toward the future, the Board is thrilled to announce that Jennifer Pfleging will be stepping into the role of Executive Director in the US. Jennifer is uniquely prepared for this responsibility. She has been highly involved with the Gem for quite some time and has most recently worked as our Director of Advancement for the last two years. She possesses a profound passion for our mission. Having traveled to the Gem Village in Uganda many times, she carries the faces and stories of our Gems in her heart.

Beyond her heart for the mission, Jennifer brings a formidable background in non-profit organizational leadership and fundraising. Emma and Josh have expressed how much they love working with her, and that synergy is vital as we continue to grow and serve the needs of the Gem. We are confident that Jennifer is the perfect person to lead us into this next season.

Please join us in thanking Dwight for his years of dedicated service and in offering a warm welcome to Jennifer as she takes the lead as Executive Director in the US and takes the lead in caring for our precious Gems.