Pine Cove names new president

Published 11:06 pm Friday, May 29, 2015

Reed Livesay, a nine-year veteran of Pine Cove Christian Camps, has been named the organization’s next president and chief executive officer.

Livesay succeeds Mario Zandstra, who led the organization for 17 years. Zandstra stepped down in January and accepted the position of regional director, partner engagement at Redeemer City to City for Texas and the Southeast. Livesay has served as acting president of Pine Cove since Zandstra’s departure.

Livesay joined Pine Cove in 2006 as senior director of the Columbus location. Since 2012, he has lived in Tyler and served as executive vice president of the organization. He has played a key role in leading the expansion of the organization’s ministry, according to a news release.

Livesay will continue to oversee the organization’s continued growth and mission.

“As Pine Cove begins a new chapter, I am confident that Reed is the right person to lead this ministry,” Pine Cove’s founder Bill McKenzie said, according to a news release. “He has a proven ability to create strategic clarity, drive managed growth and ensure disciplined execution. Coupled with his passion for the Gospel, he will help ensure that Pine Cove continues to exist to be used mightily for God’s purposes and His glory.”

Pine Cove’s board chairman Stan Upchurch said the board is confident God has specifically prepared Livesay to be the ministry’s leader at this time.

“We are certain that under Reed’s servant leadership, Pine Cove will continue to serve the Lord by ministering to families, couples, students and children for His glory,” Upchurch said. “We could not be more excited about what the future holds for Pine Cove.”

Pine Cove has been ministering to youth and family campers since 1967. Livesay is its fourth CEO.

“It is an honor to be able to serve Pine Cove in this way,” Livesay said, according to the news release. “I look forward to seeing how God will continue to use this ministry for years to come.”

Pine Cove serves youth and families and comprises six camps in Tyler and three camps in Columbus, Texas. It is in the process of developing land in South Carolina for camps.

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