Pressroom

Jeff Austin first joined EMI back in 2001, as a Construction Management intern in Guatemala. He joined staff 15 years ago in the Uganda office, serving as the Engineering Manager, a project leader, construction administrator (including for The Amazima Ministries Secondary School, EMI’s largest CM project to date), and was part of recruiting essential new staff for the office. After 6 years on staff, Jeff transitioned to working for EMI USA, where he helped develop and pilot EMI’s Fellowship Programme while continuing his work in recruiting.

Jeff serves as EMI USA's Deputy Director of Mobilization - overseeing recruiting and onboarding of new staff and member care for our expatriated staff.  Jeff also oversees the intern and fellowship programmes at EMI USA.  Jeff also serves as curriculum coordinator for the worldwide fellowship programme and leads EMI's commissioning programme.

Jeff has blessed both offices with leading worship and coordinating office discipleship activities. He is passionate and hard-working. He has a deep understanding of Scripture and theology. His ability to implement new ideas has helped pioneer new efforts in the offices he's served in and EMI-wide.

Jeff and his wife, Jennifer, live in Colorado Springs with their 4 children: Mercy, Haven, Isaac, and Benja. Thank you for many years of service and enthusiasm, Austin family!

We are grateful to celebrate Brittany’s 15 years of faithful service to EMI! From her earliest days as an intern to her current leadership role within the Global Office, Brittany’s journey reflects her passion for people and EMI core values of Design, Discipleship, and Diversity.

Brittany first joined EMI in 2010 as a civil engineering intern with EMI Uganda. What began as a season of learning and discovery soon grew into a longer-term calling, and she went on to serve on staff with EMI Uganda from 2011 to 2017 as Operations Manager. During those years, she helped support the office’s operations and projects while gaining valuable experience working with EMI Uganda’s diverse and growing team.

In 2017, Brittany transitioned to EMI Global as the Deputy Director of Human Resources. In this role – and since 2023 as EMI’s Director of Human Resources – she has played a significant part in strengthening the systems and relationships that support staff across EMI’s global network. Her work has helped equip teams around the world with the resources and encouragement they need to serve effectively in their respective offices.

Brittany has been especially passionate about helping EMI cultivate strong, diverse teams. Much of her work as HR Director has focused on diversity and cross-cultural collaboration, as well as encouraging healthy organizational culture across the EMI offices. She was also a part of the team that helped develop EMI’s fellowship program.

Those who know Brittany often speak of the encouragement and care she brings to her work. One of the aspects of her role she values most is the opportunity to connect personally with staff across EMI’s global offices—offering support, listening well, and building relationships that strengthen the broader EMI community. Her work in supporting staff navigating challenges reflects her steady commitment to serving God through her work at EMI and underscores the organization’s value that people are at the heart of our mission and ministry.

Outside of her work with EMI, Brittany enjoys singing and has served on worship teams both in her church and occasionally within EMI gatherings. She and her husband, Brett, continue to be part of the community surrounding EMI and its mission.

Brittany’s journey—from an intern in Uganda to leading global HR initiatives—has made a meaningful and lasting impact on EMI.

Thank you, Brittany, for your dedication to EMI. We are deeply grateful for your faithful service, your care for people, and the many ways you have helped strengthen our organization.

We are thrilled to celebrate Chris Hardrick on reaching an incredible 10-year milestone with the EMI Cambodia team! 

Chris’s journey with us is truly inspiring and a testament to visionary leadership, commitment, and a deep passion for our mission in Cambodia. 

Over the last decade, Chris has been instrumental in shaping the growth and impact of EMI Cambodia. He began his tenure with a steadfast dedication that quickly set him apart. Through his various roles, Chris has consistently demonstrated the character, humility, and foresight that are essential for long-term success and meaningful service. Whether navigating complex project challenges, fostering strong relationships with our partners, or mentoring new team members, Chris has approached every task with integrity and excellence. 

Chris’s story is a powerful reminder that while technical expertise is vital, it is his character, humility, and vision that creates lasting, impactful growth. He embodies how staying grounded in service and focusing on the bigger picture can lead to transformative results, not only for our organization but for the communities we serve. 

In the challenging and rewarding environment of international development and design, Chris's leadership has been a constant source of stability and inspiration. His ability to manage multifaceted projects, uphold our standards of accountability, and always put the needs of the organization and our beneficiaries first, speaks volumes about his servant's heart. 

This significant milestone belongs not only to Chris but also to his supportive family. We recognize that a decade of service requires immense dedication, which is often made possible by the loving partnership of his wife, Kayle, and their children. Thank you, Kayle, for your understanding, flexibility, and encouragement. Your partnership in this mission is invaluable to the entire EMI Cambodia team. 

Chris Hardrick, we see you. We honor you. We thank God for the incredible gift you are to this organization. Your hard work, honesty, and faith have profoundly impacted our team and our mission. 

Congratulations on 10 years of excellence! May God continue to bless you and your leadership in the years to come.