After 23 years with Charisma House, Tessie DeVore has resigned from her role as executive vice president and publisher to serve as president of a new nonprofit, the Lumo Project, a ministry dedicated to Bible engagement.
Marcos Perez, vice president of sales and marketing for Charisma House, has been promoted to executive vice president and publisher by Steve Strang, CEO and founder of Charisma Media.
“Tessie DeVore’s contribution to the growth and life of our organization is immeasurable,” Strang said. “We’re sad to see her go but believe the Lord has opened a new door for her with this ministry.”
DeVore explained that the Lumo Project will bring the original Jesus narrative to the screen using the Gospel text as its script, word for word, informed by leading world experts’ latest theological, historical and archaeological research.
“This is a groundbreaking project that revolutionizes the way we experience and understand the story of Jesus. Its dramatized action is accompanied by voiceover narration, word for word, and is presently being translated into every major language in the world,” she added.
DeVore started as an assistant editor for Christian Retailing magazine in 1993. One year later, she started the Spanish-language magazine Vida Cristiana, and from there launched Casa Creación, Charisma’s Spanish book imprint, which has published almost 1,000 books. Later she was promoted to head the Book Group, and under her leadership, Charisma House published multiple New York Times best-sellers, including The Harbinger, The Mystery of the Shemitah and more recently The Book of Mysteries, all by Jonathan Cahn. Most recently, she led the team as they launched the Modern English Version (MEV) of the Bible.
“There is no end to what I could write about my years with Charisma Media,” DeVore said. “I would like to think the Lord, in His grace, has used me in small ways to inspire and impact others. Though culture tells us to glory in our achievements, I believe true biblical leadership is about challenging others to be better than you. That is why I’m confident that Marcos Perez will take Charisma House to a new level.”
Perez started with the company in 2000 in the magazine advertising department. In 2007, he moved to the Book Group where he served as CBA sales manager, then director of sales, eventually growing into his role as vice president of sales for several years. In July 2015, Perez became vice president of sales and marketing where he has led sales and marketing through critical transitions in the last 18 months.
“It is an honor to serve in this new role,” Perez said. “I honor Tessie and have learned so much from her. She is a mentor and friend. Here at Charisma House, we have a stellar team in every area, and I look forward to tackling our growth opportunities moving forward. God’s hand has been incredibly evident through this process, and it is an exciting time for our publishing program.”
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