Serve to Lead

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Leadership

Richard (Rick) A. Alvis has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of Wheeler Mission since 1990. He is a 1977 graduate of Ft. Wayne Bible College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Education and is an ordained Christian Union minister. Just prior to assuming his duties at Wheeler Mission, he served as the Executive Director of the Evansville Rescue Mission for 10 years. In 1992, he was listed in “Who’s Who Among Rising Young Americans” and is a recent recipient of the distinguished Sagamore of the Wabash award. Rick has served the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions in several capacities, including Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President, and President. He has also been on the national Board of Directors of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. He lives in the Indianapolis area with his wife Julie and enjoys spending time with their three adult children and their families.

Executive and Leadership Teams

There are five Executive Team members, including President/CEO Rick Alvis. Others are:

Steve Kerr, Executive VP of Advancement, who is responsible for all fundraising efforts

Fritz Breisch, Chief Operating Officer

Cal Nelson, Executive VP of Men’s Programming

Colleen Gore, Executive VP of Women’s Programming

In addition, there is a Leadership Team, comprising the members of the Executive Team and the heads of certain departments.

Dennis Abrams, Director of Hunt Training Center
Brandon Andrews, Director of Men’s Residential Center
William Bumphus, Director of Shelter for Men
Dana Jones, Bloomington Area Program Director
Braden Pothier, Director of Thrift Store Operations
Natalee Stafford, Director of Volunteers
O’Nealya Gronstal, Director of Community Engagement
Becca Mathews, Director of Women’s Philanthropy

Chef Sam Brown, Food Service Director
Barry Glaser, Director of Facilities
Robert Weller, Director of Human Resources
Tom Johnson, Director of Accounting
Bethany Alvis, Director of Strategic Planning and Engagement
Jared Nelson, Director of Risk Management and Special Projects

Brian Crispin, Director of Marketing
Tammy Ellis, Director of Special Events
Amy Nelson, Director of Communications
Chris-Michael Morrison, Director of Advancement – Bloomington Area
Julie Alvis, Director of Donor Relations
Anna Warner, Director of Donor Services

Board of Directors 2019-2020

The Board of Directors is composed of 20 members, among whom are four officers who are elected to annual terms in May. Wheeler President/CEO Rick Alvis is also an officer.

Officers

Jim Fountain, Chair
2010‐2022
Shepherd Insurance
Executive VP of Benefits Division

Scott Kiesel, Treasurer
2012-2020
Ronald Blue Trust
Financial Advisor

Virginia Cain, Vice Chair
2006-2021
Former City County Councillor
Former Regional Director for US Senator Coats

Richard A. Alvis
Wheeler Mission
President/CEO

David Wilhite, Secretary
2012-2020
Genezen Labs, Inc.
Vice President and COO

Members

Brent Benge
2014-2021
KennMar Commercial Real Estate
President/CEO

John Corbin
2015-2022
Huntington Bank
Indiana Region President

Gerald L. Cowan
2001-2021
Law Offices of Gerald L. Cowan
Lawyer

Gini Elmore
2018-2021
The Bowery Mission, NYC
Board Member

Dr. Clifford Fiscus
2001-2022
Physician/Ophthalmologist
Retired

Lori E. Haniford
2016-2022
Ernst & Young
Tax Partner

Dayton Molendorp
2016-2020
OneAmerica
Chairman of the Board

Mike Rasor
2006-2021
L. M. Henderson & Company, LLP
CPA

Gary Reinwald
1997-2020
Steak ‘n Shake
Former Executive VP, Franchisee

Dennis D. Smith
2016-2021
Merrill Lynch
Financial Advisor

Larry Smith
2017-2020
LEAF, LLC
Founder/CEO

S. Edward Torres
2015-2019
Lilly Ventures
Managing General Partner

Sandy Ward
2006-2020
JPMorgan Asset Management
Relationship Manager, Retired

Emeritus Members

Charles Kerkhove, DDS
1991-2021
Pediatric Dentist
Retired

Perry R. Meek
Attorney

Martha T. Starkey
Harrison & Moberly, LLP
Attorney/Equity Partner

Andrew R. Wiesman
1992-2019
Eli Lilly and Company
Purchasing Consultant,
Retired

Robert B. Wingerter
RBW Advisors
Managing Director

President’s Advisory Council

Kurt Buehler
President; Image Matters, LLC

Cal Burleson
Indianapolis Indians
VP & General Manager

Dave Calabro
WTHR Channel 13
Sports Director

Don Fisher
American Environmental Corp.
President/CEO

Bill and Gloria Gaither
Gaither Studios

Reginald O. Jones
McDonalds-Faith Corporation/Goodness, LLC

Randy Ollis
WISHTV Channel 8
Meteorologist

Don Palmer
The Palmer Group
President

Art Shoener
Kansas City Southern
Former President & COO

Troy Riggs
Executive Director of Public Safety
Denver, Colorado

David Youngblood
Schneider Corporation/Square D
Senior Sales Executive

Staff

Wheeler employs more than 200 full-time and part-time staff members. In addition, many temporary staff members join our work during the busy winter season. All employees are evangelical Christians, attend area churches, adhere to an ethical code of conduct, and sign a statement of faith.

Click here for staff email addresses.