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.
There are four 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 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.
The Board of Directors is composed of 18 members, among whom are four officers who are elected to annual terms in May. Wheeler President/CEO Rick Alvis is also an officer.
Jim Fountain, Chair
2010‐2022
Shepherd Insurance
Executive VP of Benefits Division
Scott Kiesel, Treasurer
2012-2023
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
2012-2023
Genezen Labs, Inc.
Vice President and COO
Brent Benge
2014-2021
KennMar
President/CEO
John Corbin
2015-2022
Huntington Bank
Indiana Region President
Gerald L. Cowan
2001-2021
Law Offices of Gerald L. Cowan
Lawyer
Ryan Davis, Sr.
2020-2023
Fifth Third Private Bank, Indiana Gateway Region
Sr. VP / Director
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
2015-2023
OneAmerica
Chairman of the Board, Retired
Mike Rasor
2006-2021
L. M. Henderson & Company, LLP
CPA, Retired
Dennis D. Smith
2016-2021
Merrill Lynch
Financial Advisor
Larry Smith
2017-2023
LEAF, LLC
Founder/CEO
S. Edward Torres
2015-2022
Lilly Ventures
Managing Partner, Retired
Sandy Ward
2006-2023
JPMorgan
Asset Management Relationship Manager, Retired
Charles Kerkhove, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
Retired
Perry R. Meek
Attorney
Gary Reinwald
Steak ‘n Shake
Former Executive VP, Franchisee
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
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
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
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.