Bob Vander Plaats is President and CEO of The FAMiLY Leader. His passionate leadership for the betterment of America's family has earned The FAMiLY Leader the "Family Champion" award presented by CitizenLink, an affilation of Focus on the Family.

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His leadership and voice for the family is frequently noted and his comments are widely requested by a vast array of national and international media outlets. The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and many others have referenced Bob as, “Kingmaker,” while Bob prefers the designation of “Standard Bearer.”

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Bob is author of Light from Lucas, a true story of how God uses the weakest among us to have the greatest impact. The book, recently updated after Lucas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in November 2022, gives a poignant account of Bob’s son, Lucas, who although severely disabled at birth, offers important life-changing lessons. Light from Lucas is a Barnes and Noble “Recommended Read” and has earned the authentic “Chuck Norris Approved” seal.”

 

In addition to being an author, Bob is a highly sought after speaker. His passion to make a difference is contagious and his insight intriguing as he weaves lessons from his various experiences and leadership successes in education, in health care and human services, in politics, in business and in ministry.

Bob received his Master’s and Specialist’s Degrees from Drake University in Educational Leadership.  He is a recipient of Northwestern College’s (Iowa) “Distinguished Alumni” in the area of professional achievement.

 

Bob and his wife, Darla, have been married for nearly 40 years and have been blessed with four sons.