Timothy Hill Ranch, a multi-campus, faith-based organization dedicated to transforming the lives of at-risk youth, announced today that Executive Director Thaddaeus “Thud” Hill will be transitioning from his current role after 24 years of visionary service as Executive Director and 35 years of faithful leadership overall, after which he will move into an advisory role. His decision follows a season of prayerful reflection and comes with the full support of the Board of Directors, paving the way for new leadership to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. Mr. Hill will continue serving as Executive Director through June 30, 2026, while also shifting his focus to donor engagement and addressing long-standing business needs of the organization. He and his family remain steadfast in their commitment to and support of the Ranch’s mission well into the future.
At the time of this transition, the Ranch will be celebrating its 50th anniversary—a legacy of hope, healing, and transformation. A national search for the next Executive Director has begun, with the process prioritizing the selection of a leader who will honor the Ranch’s legacy, mission, vision, and core values while guiding the organization’s future growth and impact.
“I remember when Thaddaeus was born. I have watched him grow into the leader he is today and have served on the Ranch board during his entire tenure as executive director. In my view, he was chosen by God to lead the Ranch during this time. The impact of Thaddaeus’ leadership on Timothy Hill Ranch cannot be overstated — there are not many Thud Hills. But God loves the Timothy Hill Ranch mission and will provide the one to lead us through the next season. Thud is stepping down from our quarterback position, but in the model of his parents, Fern and Jerry Hill, I know he will serve the Ranch in a meaningful way for the rest of his life,” said Cliff Clark, board chair from 2021 to 2025.
As Timothy Hill Ranch enters its next chapter of growth, innovation, and spiritual impact, we invite all friends, partners, alumni, and community members to join us in a dedicated
season of prayer through July 2026—seeking unity and discernment for the exciting road ahead.
“During my junior year of college, I reached a true crossroads when considering my future and prayerfully sought God’s direction for my life beyond graduation,” Hill said. “I felt Him calling me to step into a role where I could advocate for the fatherless and fight for those often overlooked—the underdogs without a male figure in their lives. That calling became the catalyst for more than 30 years of ministry, and I’ve always seen it as a privilege to stand in the gap where others could not or would not. God led me to this work, and it has been an incredible blessing to serve as a father figure to thousands of young people.”
During his leadership, Hill guided Timothy Hill Ranch through a period of remarkable growth and impact. Under his direction, the organization expanded from a single-site residential program into a multi-campus ministry spanning New York, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana. He launched innovative mentorship and workforce development programs, created a niche program for homeless and previously incarcerated youth aged 18 and over, and led successful capital campaigns and partnerships that strengthened long-term sustainability. Hill also deepened the Ranch’s spiritual foundations while cultivating a culture of compassion, excellence, and Christ-like service. Hill will continue to play an active role in nurturing relationships with the Ranch, helping ensure a thoughtful and seamless transition into the next chapter of leadership.
The board of directors, Ranch staff and the entire Timothy Hill Ranch community extend heartfelt gratitude to Thud — along with his wife, Emily, and their children Elliana, Thaddaeus Jr. and Emilia — for decades of selfless service and visionary leadership. Celebrations and opportunities to honor the Hill family legacy will be shared in the coming months.