KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 11/16/24)—Rainbow Acres is pleased to announce that its Board of Trustees has extended the offer of the permanent Chief Executive Officer position to Paul 
Higgins, who has been serving as Acting President & CEO, as well as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The official announcement was made during Rainbow Acres’ annual Family & Friends Weekend, with Karla Dye, Board Chair, delivering the news to a crowd of Ranchers, Rancher families, friends, staff, and community members at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Rainbow Acres’ 50th-anniversary celebration and newly started Solar Project.
Paul stepped into the role of Acting President & CEO on July 5, 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and commitment to Rainbow Acres and its mission. He joined Rainbow Acres in 2010 as Vice President of Finance, later assuming the role of CFO, where his financial leadership and dedication to Rainbow Acres’ core values earned him recognition and respect. Prior to joining Rainbow Acres, Paul served as Vice President of Finance for the American Baptist Assembly/Green Lake Conference Center and held multiple leadership roles, gaining experience in nonprofit management, finance, and community service.
“When considering what Rainbow Acres needs in its leader at this time, the Board unanimously agreed that Paul Higgins’ financial expertise, integrity, and commitment to service were of utmost importance,” said Karla Dye, Chair of Rainbow Acres’ Board of Trustees. “For over 14 years, Paul has served the Ranchers, Rancher families, and the mission of Rainbow Acres. We are excited to have him lead Rainbow Acres into the future.”
The announcement was made during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 26, surrounded by enthusiastic supporters, including Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce members, city officials, Camp Verde’s Mayor, Dee Jenkins, and many well-wishers. Among the congratulatory crowd were the Ranchers themselves, who expressed heartfelt excitement for Paul’s new role.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony also celebrated the culmination of Rainbow Acres’ 50th anniversary and the long-awaited launch of the Solar Project. Thirteen years in the making, this project highlights Rainbow Acres’ dedication to sustainability and innovation, and its success is a testament to the organization’s forward-thinking approach under the stewardship of leaders like Paul.
Paul’s diverse background includes serving on the American Baptist Churches Board of General Ministries since 2012, including service as Budget Review Officer and Finance Committee Chair since 2014. His dedication to ministry, stewardship, and service extends into community life, with leadership roles in preaching, teaching, and technology administration. He holds a B.S. in Information and Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine, and dual degrees (M.Div. and MBA) from Emory University in Atlanta.
In his new capacity as CEO, Paul looks forward to building on Rainbow Acres’ legacy of care, compassion, and community.
About Rainbow Acres:
Rainbow Acres is a residential Christian community in Camp Verde, Arizona, dedicated to empowering adults with developmental disabilities, known as Ranchers, to live with dignity and purpose. Offering exceptional housing, life-enriching programs, and holistic care, Rainbow Acres provides a safe, inclusive environment where Ranchers thrive, build meaningful friendships, and actively engage in the local community. Ranchers work closely with professional Resident Care Coordinators to create individualized plans, enabling them to achieve personal goals and grow through collaboration with staff across all departments. Committed to supporting individuals throughout their lifespan, Rainbow Acres helps Ranchers explore their abilities, discover their purpose, and lead fulfilling lives. As an Associated Ministry Organization of American Baptist Churches USA and with accreditation by the EAGLE Commission of the Methodist Ministries Network, Rainbow Acres continues its mission of advocacy and empowerment through faith-based values. Learn more at www.rainbowacres.org.
Rainbow Acres in an Associated Ministry Organization of American Baptist Churches USA.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.