John A. Bernbaum (PhD, University of Maryland) worked for the U.S. Department of State from 1972 to 1976 and then spent nearly two decades with the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities in Washington, DC, where he founded and directed the American Studies Program, served as CCCU executive vice president, and developed the Russian Studies Program. He also served as president and CEO of the Russian-American Christian University (RACU) in Moscow, from 1996 to 2011. He is the author of Why Work? and Perspectives on Peacemaking.

Bernbaum is also president and CEO of BEAM, Inc., where he searches for ministry partners in the post-Communist world who are committed to raising the next generation of young Christian leaders, creates networks between them, and recommends grants to BEAM's board of trustees. He lives in Rockville, Maryland.