ICOM Press Release
ICOM Names Rob Maupin as Next Executive Director
The International Conference on Missions (ICOM) announced Rob Maupin will become its next ICOM executive director, succeeding longtime leader David Empson. Empson will continue through August 31, with Maupin stepping into the role September 1 and beginning as transitional director April 1.
Takeaways:
- Rob Maupin will succeed David Empson, who is retiring after 25 years of service.
- Empson will remain involved as President of the 2026 ICOM gathering in St. Louis.
- ICOM is launching The Next Chapter Campaign to help fund one-time transition expenses.
The Board of the International Conference on Missions (ICOM) is pleased to announce that Rob Maupin will serve as its next Executive Director.
Rob will succeed current Executive Director, David Empson, who is retiring after 25 years of faithful service. David will continue to serve as Executive Director until August 31, with Rob succeeding him on September 1. During the fall, David will continue to serve the ministry as the President of the 2026 ICOM gathering in St. Louis. Rob will begin serving as transitional director of ICOM on April 1.
Rob grew up farming and ranching on the Wyoming/Nebraska border. While attending Ozark Christian College, he met his wife, Shannon.
As a student at the 1990 ICOM conference, Rob answered the call to missions, eventually serving in Mexico City. Years later, while serving on the faculty at Lincoln Christian University, he earned a doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary. Since 2014, Rob has served on the staff of Compass Christian Church in Dallas, most recently in the role of Executive Pastor of Ministry. Rob and Shannon have a daughter (Kate) and a son (Garrett, married to Rachel Joy) and their first granddaughter on the way.
While reflecting on this opportunity, Rob observed, “When I walked the floor of the Tulsa ICOM in 1990, I had no idea what that meant for my future, but I knew I had to be involved in this work or I would miss my calling. ICOM continued to provide pivotal moments in how God has led Shannon and me, and I am honored and delighted to be a small part of this legacy of ICOM.”
Ben Simms, Chairman of the Board, notes, “We are deeply grateful for David Empson’s leadership and vision for ICOM. As we embrace the next chapter in our story, we are excited to welcome Rob Maupin as our new leader. Rob’s unique blend of missionary service, university teaching, and missions leadership, combined with his passion for inspiring the next generation to fulfill the Great Commission, makes him the perfect fit for ICOM. Personally, I have had the privilege of serving alongside Rob and have witnessed firsthand his remarkable ability to empower and uplift leaders. We look forward to what lies ahead under Rob’s guidance.”
Founded in 1948, the annual ICOM conference serves as an in-person connection for missionaries and organizations to interact with churches and individuals interested in mission work. As a 501c3 non-profit, ICOM seeks to steward ministry funds wisely, diverting nearly every dollar toward the administration of the annual conference. In order to ensure sufficient funding for this leadership transition, the board is unveiling The Next Chapter Campaign, a special fundraising initiative to cover these one-time expenses. To support this effort, go to www.theicom.org.
Author: Christian Standard
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Welcome, Rob! May God richly bless your service.
Thank you, David! Your leadership has been transformative for ICOM!
Congratulations, Rob. We look forward, with prayers, to your leadership in the years to come!
Congratulations, Rob and Shannon! Nebraska is proud of you and praying for you as you make the transition into leadership of ICOM.
Thanks, David, for building a great mission conference. We appreciate you