Tompkins to join staff as Kuiper retires

Dr. Troy Tomkins (left), a family practice doctor from Arizona plans to join the Luke Society staff as the Chief Medical Officer in August when Chief Operating Officer Dr. Greg Kuiper (right) retires following 17 years on staff.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.―The Luke Society is preparing for a change to its staff later this summer. Executive director Dr. Brent Van Andel has announced that Dr. Troy Tompkins has been named the Chief Medical Officer, a role in which he will replace Dr. Greg Kuiper who is retiring in August after more than 17 years as the Luke Society’s Chief Operating Officer.

Tompkins, 53, is a native of Tucson, Ariz., and has spent most of his career as a family practice physician in southern Arizona. He also has experience in international health having worked for five years as a medical missionary in Ghana, including work at a rescue home for victims of child trafficking in the southeast part of the country. He started a clinic there and began a community development program, empowering Ghanian villagers to know Christ and improve their communities.

“I look forward to joining the Luke Society team so I can use my medical background to encourage and empower other medical professionals to bring spiritual, emotional and physical healing among their own people,” Tompkins said. “I love helping others reach their potential and fulfill their God-given calling, and am blessed that God has opened this door for me to be a part of the amazing work the Luke Society is doing around the world.”

Tompkins is married to his wife, Jammie. They have five children and three grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and cheering on the Arizona Wildcats. Troy and Jammie plan to move to Sioux Falls this summer.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Troy Tompkins as Chief Medical Officer,” Van Andel said. “Troy’s background in community health evangelism, along with his experience working in Ghana and other underserved communities, makes him an excellent fit for this role. We look forward to what God has planned for the years to come.”

Kuiper, 66, has experienced the Luke Society from almost every angle in his career ― a relationship spans parts of five decades. He served as a physician in a Luke Society-supported clinic in Dermott, Ark., from 1988-91, followed by a seven-year stint on the board of directors, 1995-2002. He and his wife, Marg, were PMTs to Rev. Ben and Dr. Susie Cayaon’s ministry in Quezon, Philippines, beginning in 2000 up until he joined the Luke Society staff full time in May 2008.

“The privilege of working in the Luke Society has been a life-transforming event, not only for me, but for my entire family,” Kuiper said. “I've been blessed with a front row seat to witness how God is building His kingdom globally, among ‘every nation, tribe, people and language.’ The courageous faith of our Luke Society partners has been an inspiration in my personal walk with God. Precious friendships have developed that will remain intact eternally. Stepping aside from this role will perhaps be the biggest challenge I've faced, but I also look forward to the plans God already has in place for this next season of life.”

Van Andel said Kuiper’s knowledge and gifts have been valuable assets to the Luke Society over the years.

“We are grateful for Dr. Greg Kuiper’s 17 years of service on staff and the additional years he served with the Luke Society before that,” Van Andel said. “We are thankful for the work God has done through him. Greg’s commitment to excellence and humble service has truly had an impact on the organization and the communities we serve around the world.”