Christian Reformed World Missions had no employed leader from 1888 to 1920. Instead, the mission's affairs were administered voluntarily by the board and its officers.
In 1920 Synod appointed the first foreign mission director. CRWM's directors over the years are as follows:
- 1920-1939 Rev. Dr. Henry Beets
- 1940-1952 Rev. John C. De Korne
- 1952-1975 Rev. Henry Evenhouse
- 1975-1985 Rev. Dr. Eugene Rubingh
- 1985-1996 Rev. William Van Tol
- 1996-1997 Mr. David Radius (Interim Director)
- 1997-2000 Rev. Merle Den Bleyker
- 2000-2001 Mr. David Radius (Interim Director)
- 2001-present Rev. Dr. Gary Bekker
