John Rivas joined ENCORE Ministry in 2023 as executive director. Previously he served as senior donor legacy planning advisor at The Gideons International, where he helped individuals and families navigate legacy and philanthropic decisions through their wills, trusts, and estates. Rivas collaborated with estate planning attorneys, financial advisors, and other professionals to raise more than $20 million in current and legacy gifts for The Gideons International since 2020.

Prior to his Gideons International work, Rivas was executive director of New Mexico activities for the Texas Methodist Foundation, vice president of advancement for the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, and director of family philanthropy at Discipleship Ministries/The United Methodist Foundation.

Rivas has held the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation since 2001. He earned master’s degrees in philanthropy and development from LaGrange College and in religious education from Nazarene Theological Seminary after receiving a bachelor’s degree from Southern Nazarene University.

Currently, Rivas is in the process of becoming a Heritage Design Professional through The Heritage Institute.