Our Team

With more than twenty-years of senior leadership and c-suite experience, Rich is a life-long learner who is oriented toward growth and constantly pursues ways to challenge himself, others, and organizations to lead with excellence. As such, he has earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership at Huntington University, an Advanced Executive Coaching credential from the Townsend Institute, the Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, and is a Certified Fundraising Executive with CFRE International. He desires to help others lead and develop resources at the highest level possible.

Rich has evidenced God’s great provision in the organizations that he has served. Early in his career, he led the charge to reestablish and grow his family’s business. As a business leader in Fort Wayne, Ind., he helped cast the vision that saw the downtown area revitalized.

Later in his career, Rich decided to pursue a calling in ministry with parachurch organizations. He began by helping to purchase and operate a Christian radio station (STAR 88.3 in Fort Wayne, IN). While with the radio ministry, Rich led several campaigns to expand the footprint of the radio network by purchasing stations and translators. Additionally, while leading the promotions efforts, his team won the prized Christian Music Broadcasters Radio Station of the Year award twice (2009 & 2013).

Rich also saw daily evidence of lives changed while serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer for The Rescue Mission in Fort Wayne. While at the agency, he served on a leadership team overseeing nearly 100 employees, 1,500 volunteers and 14,500 donors. During his tenure, annual giving increased from $3.2 million to $5.7 million. Rich also developed and launched a successful $22 million campaign to build a new men’s shelter which transformed a once abandoned property into a highly regarded gem of the community.

While serving as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Bethel University, Rich launched a comprehensive campaign to build a new track training facility, fund operations for multiple years, and transform the school’s image through branding and marketing efforts. The school transitioned from Bethel College to Bethel University under Rich’s guidance.

Before the pandemic, Rich was recruited by Newsong Ministries to create an advancement division to grow and sustain Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, the nation’s largest and longest running Christian music tour. More recently, Rich served as the President and CEO of Lead Like Jesus, expanding the global leadership and development movement from 17 nations to 29 by the end of 2021.

Rich’s passion for developing people and organizations will be an asset to any agency, school, or ministry seeking to move forward. He brings a depth and breadth of practical experience that will give added momentum to the mission and vision of the organizations and people he consults with. Beyond consulting, Rich loves to spend time with his wife Danielle and five amazing children and serves his church as an ordained minister.