Alec Hill

Alec Hill
Name	Alec Hill
Birth date	15 October 1950
Birth place	Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Washington (BA), University of California, Los Angeles (JD)
Occupation	Author, Nonprofit Executive
Known for	President of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA
Spouse	Mary Hill

Alec Hill is an American author, attorney, and nonprofit leader who served as president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA from 2001 to 2016. His tenure was marked by significant organizational growth, a focus on multiethnicity, and navigating complex legal challenges related to religious freedom on university campuses. Hill is also recognized for his writings on Christian ethics, leadership, and the integration of faith and work.

Early life and education

Born in Seattle, Hill was raised in a family with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. During this period, he became actively involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship as a student, an experience that profoundly shaped his spiritual and vocational direction. He subsequently attended the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree. His legal training at UCLA provided a foundation for his later advocacy and leadership within religious nonprofit sectors.

Career

Before his presidency at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, Hill's career blended law, business, and academia. He practiced law in Seattle, focusing on corporate and nonprofit law. He also served as a professor of business law and ethics at Seattle Pacific University, a Christian university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. In this role, he taught courses on business ethics, contract law, and theology of work, developing a reputation for integrating rigorous legal analysis with Christian thought. His professional background positioned him uniquely to lead a national ministry facing evolving legal landscapes.

Leadership at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Appointed president in 2001, Hill led InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA through a period of substantial expansion and cultural change. He emphasized the development of multiethnic chapters and leadership, significantly increasing the ministry's presence at Historically black colleges and universities and within Latino and Asian American student communities. A defining challenge of his presidency was defending the organization's right to select leaders based on its Statement of Faith amidst disputes at several public universities, including Rutgers University and the University of Michigan. Under his guidance, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA saw record attendance at its Urbana Student Missions Conference and strengthened its publishing arm, InterVarsity Press.

Publications and thought

Hill is the author of several books that explore the practical application of Christian faith in professional and public life. His notable works include *Just Business: Christian Ethics for the Marketplace* and *Living in Bonus Time: Surviving Cancer, Finding New Purpose*. His writings often address themes of vocation, ethical leadership, and biblical justice, drawing from his experiences in law, business, and nonprofit management. He has contributed articles to publications like Christianity Today and frequently speaks at conferences such as the Global Leadership Summit.

Personal life

Hill is married to Mary Hill, and they have two adult children. A significant aspect of his personal narrative is his public battle with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2012. His journey through treatment, including a stem cell transplant, and his subsequent remission have informed his later writings and speaking on themes of suffering, resilience, and purpose. He and his family have been long-time members of Bethany Community Church in Seattle.

Legacy and recognition

Hill's legacy at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA is characterized by institutional strengthening, a deepened commitment to diversity, and resilient leadership through legal and health challenges. He has been recognized with awards such as the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Washington and has served on the boards of organizations like the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and World Vision United States. His thought leadership continues to influence discussions on faith and work within American evangelicalism.

Category:American Christian writers Category:American nonprofit executives Category:InterVarsity Christian Fellowship people Category:University of Washington alumni Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni