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:

Perry Hines, Chief Development Officer, who is responsible for all fundraising efforts

Fritz Breisch, Chief Financial Officer

Colleen Gore, Chief Program Officer for Women

Terrence Harper, Sr., Chief Program Officer for Men

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, Director of Center for Men
Tommy Featheringill, Director of Volunteers
Shawnna Rice, Director of Administration
Marybeth Hamilton, Director of Emergency Services
Lisa Hoffman, Director of Residential Programs

Chef Sam Brown, Food Service Director
Barry Glaser, Director of Facilities
Robert Weller, Director of Human Resources
Nathan Harden, Director of Accounting
Bethany Wininger, Director of Strategic Planning and Engagement
Jeff Boxell, Senior Director of Donor Relations
Rick Doll, Director of Operations
Elijah Blecha, Director of Pallets and Industry

Brian Crispin, Director of Marketing and Corporate Engagement
Tammy Ellis, Director of Special Events
Chris-Michael Morrison, Director of Advancement – Bloomington Area
Anna Warner, Director of Donor Services
Braden Pothier, Director of Thrift Store Operations
Bethany LaRocco, Director of the Family Program
Steve Germani, Director of Grants and Legacy Giving

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is composed of 19 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
2010‐2025
Meridian Penn
President/Partner

Scott Kiesel, Treasurer
2012-2023
Ronald Blue Trust
Financial Advisor

Virginia Cain, Vice Chair
2006-2024
Former City County Councilor
Former Regional Director for US Senator Coats

Richard A. Alvis
Wheeler Mission
President/CEO

David Wilhite, Secretary
2012-2023
Genezen Labs, Inc.
Chief Business Officer

Members

Brent Benge
2014-2024
KennMar
President/CEO

John Corbin
2015-2025
Former Huntington Bank
Indiana Region President

Gerald L. Cowan
2001-2024
Law Offices of Gerald L. Cowan
Attorney

Ryan Davis, Sr.
2020-2023
Fifth Third Private Bank, Indiana Gateway Region
Sr. VP / Director

Gini Elmore
2018-2024
The Bowery Mission, NYC
Board Member

Dr. Clifford Fiscus
2001-2025
Physician/Ophthalmologist
Retired

Lori E. Haniford
2016-2025
Ernst & Young
Tax Partner

Morgan Lucas
2022-2025
Lucas Oil Products
President

Dayton Molendorp
2015-2023
OneAmerica
CEO, Board Chair, Retired

Mike Rasor
2006-2024
L. M. Henderson & Company LLP
CPA, Retired

Dennis D. Smith
2016-2024
Merrill Lynch
Senior Consultant

Larry Smith
2017-2023
Hamilton County Community Foundation
President/CEO; Fathers and Families Center

S. Edward Torres
2015-2025
Vioplore Ventures
Managing Partner

Tabitha Villarrubia
2022-2025
Villarrubia & Rosenberger, P.C.
Partner / President

Sandy Ward
2006-2023
JPMorgan Asset Management
Relationship Manager, Retired

Emeritus Members

Charles Kerkhove, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
Retired

Perry R. Meek
Attorney

Gary Reinwald
Steak ‘N Shake
Executive VP, Retired

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

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

Robert B. Wingerter
RBW Advisors
Managing Director

President’s Advisory Council

Dave Calabro
WTHR Channel 13
Sports Director

Don Fisher
American Environmental Corp.
President/CEO

Bill and Gloria Gaither
Gaither Studios

Randy Ollis
WISHTV Channel 8
Meteorologist

Don Palmer
The Palmer Group
President

Art Shoener
Kansas City Southern
Former President & COO

David Youngblood
Schneider Corporation/Square D
Senior Sales Executive

Staff

Wheeler employs more than 180 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.