R.J. Crunk
R.J. Crunk Announced as New President & CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis
St. Louis, MO – The Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of St. Louis Board of Directors appoints R.J. Crunk as President & CEO, effective December 9, 2024. In his new role, Crunk will lead the organization’s strategic vision and consistent adherence to its mission. Crunk succeeds the late President & CEO, Dan Harbaugh, who passed away in August 2024.
“We found an absolute gem in R.J. Crunk and are so fortunate for his acceptance of the Board’s offer to serve as President & CEO of our organization. With his heart-led leadership style, humble spirit, competence, and enthusiasm for our mission, there is no doubt the families we serve will be in great hands on his watch,” says Bridget Hoy Beardsley, RMHC St. Louis Board Chair. “I am extremely pleased to witness this pivotal development in the organization’s history.”
With over 30 years of experience, Crunk has developed skills in nonprofit management, strategic planning, and community engagement through various leadership roles. Most recently, he served as the Chief Development Officer of the Greater St. Louis Area Council, the largest youth-serving organization in the region. Before this role, Crunk was the Executive Director of the Mid-America Transplant Foundation and Senior Vice President of Resource Development at United Way of Greater St. Louis.
“I am excited and honored to join the RMHC St. Louis team. I look forward to working with the dedicated staff, board and volunteers to enhance the vision, deepen the compassion, and foster innovation, ensuring we strengthen our legacy while embracing new opportunities to serve families in need,” says Crunk. “By nurturing partnerships, expanding resources, and growing our impact, we will usher in the next chapter of care and community, where every family feels supported and every child has access to the best possible care."
Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis opened its doors in 1981 to provide a home-away-from-home to families with seriously ill or injured children traveling to the region to seek medical treatment. Four decades later, the organization has grown to two Ronald McDonald House locations and four Ronald McDonald Family Room locations in St. Louis, serving thousands of families each year.
“We are very happy that R.J. will be joining the RMHC. His outstanding record of servant leadership will be a big part of our organization’s continued success,” says Steve Hays, RMHC St. Louis Interim President & CEO. “I was fortunate to hire Dan Harbaugh in 1994, and it has been an honor to be part of the process of ensuring his successor is a great fit for this new chapter at Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis.”
Crunk has a proven track record for leading teams, delivering impactful programming, and providing resources to children and families in the greater St. Louis area. He has been involved with the Greater St. Louis Inc. as an Investor Council member and the Southwestern Illinois Leadership Council member. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from McKendree University.