FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Convene Names Ben Peays Chief Executive Officer
Business and ministry leader will guide Convene’s next chapter of growth, equipping Christian CEOs and business owners to lead with faith, purpose, and excellence.
ANAHEIM, CA — October 3, 2026 — Convene, a national community of Christian CEOs and business owners, today announced the appointment of Dr. Ben Peays as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 2, 2026. Selected unanimously by the Board of Directors and search committee, Peays brings experience spanning executive leadership, entrepreneurship, organizational strategy, and Christian ministry.
His appointment comes as Convene marks 30 years of helping leaders build exceptional businesses and become higher-impact leaders who honor God. Peays will lead the organization’s next phase of growth, with an emphasis on strengthening its nationwide network of Chairs, deepening the member experience, and extending Convene’s reach to more Christian business leaders.
“Ben brings a distinctive combination of business leadership, theological depth, and a heart for serving people,” said Bill Erickson, Chair of Convene’s Board of Directors. “He understands both the responsibility of leading an organization and the importance of helping leaders follow Christ in every area of life. We believe he is well suited to build on Convene’s foundation and lead us into this next chapter.”
The search was conducted by CarterBaldwin Executive Search, an Atlanta-based retained executive search firm. “We’re grateful to David Clapp and the CarterBaldwin team for their rigorous and thorough work throughout this search,” said Erickson. “Their process helped us find the right leader for this moment in Convene’s history.”
Peays has spent two decades building and leading businesses across multiple business sectors. His experience includes senior leadership in healthcare mergers and acquisitions with GlorTex, global private equity with Trivium Global, and the development of franchise brands including Summer Moon Coffee and Waterloo Turf. He also founded BlackBox, a full-stack technology firm, and Carpenter Hill, a commercial real estate design and development firm. Alongside his business career, Peays has served in senior Christian ministry leadership roles, including Executive Director of The Gospel Coalition, Chief Operating Officer at 100Fold focused on ultra-high-net-worth philanthropy, and Managing Director of BLESS, a foundation funding gospel work among unreached people groups. He has also served on numerous boards, published with Baker Academic and Crossway, and done ministry and business in over 100 countries.
He holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, a Doctor of Ministry in Organizational Leadership from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and an undergraduate degree in Business/Economics from Wheaton College.
“We want to help Christian leaders build excellent businesses for God’s glory, grow in their walk with Christ, and lead their families well,” said Peays. “That begins with recognizing that our businesses belong to God and that we are called to steward them faithfully. Profit is a valuable resource for creating opportunity, caring for people, and advancing gospel ministry. The impact we seek reaches beyond financial returns to lives changed and work that bears fruit for eternity. Convene brings leaders alongside one another to pursue that calling with trusted counsel, encouragement, and accountability.”
Founded in 1996, Convene brings CEOs and business owners together in confidential peer advisory teams led by experienced business leaders known as Chairs. Through facilitated team meetings, executive coaching, practical resources, and biblical perspective, members address real business challenges while growing as leaders.
Under Peays’ leadership, Convene will continue investing in the people and relationships at the center of its mission: equipping Chairs to serve effectively, helping members lead thriving businesses, and creating opportunities for more leaders to experience meaningful Christian community.
About Convene
Convene connects, equips, and inspires Christian CEOs and business owners to grow exceptional businesses and become higher-impact leaders who honor God. Through confidential peer advisory teams, executive coaching, and practical resources, Convene helps leaders integrate faith, business, and purpose. Founded in 1996, Convene serves business leaders across the United States. Learn more at convenenow.com.
