Wright Bates, Jr., M.D, M.B.A. was born in Boston, Massachusetts but spent the majority of his childhood in Huntsville, Alabama. Wright received a B.S. in biology from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, M.D. from the University of Alabama
School of Medicine, OB/GYN residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School.

In addition, while studying in Boston, Dr. Bates obtained a
certificate in Healthcare Leadership from Harvard’s T.H.Chan
School of Public Health - and an MBA with healthcare focus
from University of Massachusetts. While in college, Wright was elected to the Student Government Association and was a 3 year starter as well as
College Athletic All Conference football player. As a Health Professions Scholarship awardee, Dr. Bates entered the US Air Force and was a decorated officer. Dr. Bates is currently the Grimes Endowed Chair at Baylor
Scott & White Health Temple’s Department of OBGYN and
the physician lead for the system wide, Perinatal and
Gynecology Coordinating Council.

He is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Baylor
College of Medicine and the Department Chair for the
Department of OB/GYN. Dr. Bates is a board-certified OB/GYN specialist and a
subspeclialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
When Dr. Bates is not practicing medicine or involved in a leadership role – he enjoys traveling with family & friends and outdoor activities especially walks with his dog, Pip, and caring for his herd of dwarf goats.

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Gracie has been faithfully serving with Samaritan’s Purse for over a decade and currently leads as the Director of the Strategic Partnerships & Promotions team for Operation Christmas Child. In this role, she oversees the development of impactful, mutually enriching ministry partnerships.

In addition to her work with Samaritan’s Purse, Gracie enjoys speaking at local and national events, and is the founder of The Gathering, a non-profit organization dedicated to hosting bi-annual events for women and worship nights for the local community. These gatherings are designed to unite the body of Christ and inspire individuals to live out their faith more deeply and boldly.

Gracie and her husband, Sean—who also serves at Samaritan’s Purse—have been married for 20 years. Together, they cherish time with their many nieces and nephews and share a love for outdoor adventure, including snowboarding, hiking, and rock climbing.

Operation Christmas Child

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Scott Wiggins has been leading organizations and staff for nearly 40 years. As a general officer in the United States Air Force, he commanded elements ranging in size from 10 to 3,000 personnel and budgetary resources of over $4 billion dollars. He flew multiple airplanes in the Air Force amassing over 6,000 flight hours including 900 hours in combat. Additionally, he held special duty assignments with Air Force One and as the commandant of the Air Force’s Officer Training School.

Following his 27-year military career, he served as an executive at one of the 30 largest churches in the country for 12 years overseeing a staff of 170 in five different locations. Currently, is an executive coach with the Conducere Group who provides executive and staff consulting and mentoring. His book, “Leadership Under Fire: Developing Courageous Leaders for the Church” will be released by 1106 Design in March. He and his wife Jenna, have been married for 39 years and now live in Birmingham, Alabama.

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