Jo Anne Lyon

Jo Anne Lyon is Executive Director and founder of World Hope International, Inc., a faith-based relief and development organization alleviating suffering and injustice through education, enterprise, and community health.

Following a bachelor of science degree at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Lyon went on to receive a degree in counseling from the University of Missouri. She pursued graduate studies in historical theology from St. Louis University, and has received honorary doctorates from United Wesleyan College and Southern Wesleyan University. Dr. Lyon has assisted the faculties of Asbury Theological Seminary and Indiana Wesleyan University as an adjunct professor of church and society. She serves on many boards, including the General Board of the Wesleyan Church, the Bread for the World Board of Directors, and, for almost twenty years, the Houghton College Board of Trustees. Dr. Lyon is also an ordained minister of the Wesleyan Church. She and her husband, the Rev. Wayne Lyon, have four children and five grandchildren.