Brian Blackburn

Brian Blackburn is an experienced educator and long-time volunteer with Mercy Ships, a non-profit organization that operates hospital ships providing medical care to people in need.1 He currently serves as the Academy Administrative Assistant at Mercy Ships, based in Lindale, Texas.34

Brian's journey with Mercy Ships began in 1988 when he encountered their ship, Anastasis, at the Pensacola port. This experience led to a short-term volunteer assignment that changed his life forever.1 Since 1994, Brian has been dedicated to Mercy Ships, serving for nearly 30 years in various roles.2

In his current position, Brian is responsible for the Mercy Ships Academy, a K-12 school for the children of crew members aboard the ships.1 He also acts as the primary caregiver for his 11-year-old twins, Addison and Alyssa, who attend the ship school.1

Brian's educational background includes a Master's in Christian Education from Wheaton College, which he obtained in 2001.1 Throughout his career, he has worked as a teacher on the Anastasis ship and later as the Director of the Mercy Ships Academy at the organization's headquarters in Texas.1

In 2017, Brian and his family returned to ship life on the Africa Mercy, where his wife Warrie serves as the Managing Director.1 Together, they continue to contribute to Mercy Ships' mission of delivering hope and healing to people around the globe living in dire circumstances.1