OUR TEAM

Josué brings extensive expertise garnered over a decade in the ever-evolving marketing landscape. His dynamic experience spans diverse industries, crafting strategic initiatives and cultivating thriving client relationships.

With a successful seven-year tenure at a digital marketing agency, Josué has navigated the nuances of marketing in sectors ranging from Banking and Retail to Consulting and E-Commerce. This extensive journey has cultivated a deep understanding of market dynamics and a keen insight into consumer behavior across varied landscapes.

As the Marketing Manager at Convene, Josué channels his passion for marketing and technology to elevate Convene's presence. He pledges his unwavering dedication to serving the Convene team, chairs, and members by providing robust marketing support to fuel growth and engagement.

Settled in Chattanooga, TN, Josué draws inspiration from the boundless wonders of the great outdoors, finding tranquility in adventurous cycling escapades and embracing the natural world for renewed creativity and energy.

Sheryl Clutter is passionate about developing leaders and working with teams to create higher levels of engagement, continuous innovation, and successful execution. She currently serves as Convene’s CFO / COO where she works to identify and develop new resource tools and product offerings. She has the privilege of working with Convene Chairs to implement the resources within member organizations.

As part owner of a SoCal based software company, she serves on the board and acts as an advisor to their leadership team. MIE Solutions has been included on the Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list for 5 years. Sheryl’s career in finance and technology began when she was 19. Since then, she’s held multiple c-suite roles, been instrumental in growing the companies and for some negotiated a successful sale after adding significant value to their bottom lines.

As a fractional CFO / COO, Sheryl enjoyed working with startup and smaller companies, specializing in family-owned businesses. She guided them to implement more efficient processes, turnaround significant cash flow issues, coach leadership teams, develop programs to foster continuous innovation and then coach teams through execution. It was during this time Sheryl was introduced to Convene and after serving them in a fractional role, came aboard full time and has been leading the operations team for the last 12-years.

Sheryl has served on the boards of several for-profit and non-profit organizations, and presently is serving on the board of CDF Capital, a 70-year-old organization providing transformational capital to churches.

Sheryl is a maximizer. She maximizes organizational productivity and fosters employee engagement for healthy collaboration and working relationships. She and her husband Don live in Southern California and have one daughter who is a middle school science teacher in LA County.

Before coming to Convene, Nolan graduated from Corban University in Salem, OR where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Biblical Studies. While attending Corban, he served as the captain of the Men’s Soccer Team and worked at a local bank in town. Working at multiple financial institutions, in a variety of different roles, Nolan brings to Convene a passion to serve others.

Nolan and his wife, Hilary, have two sons Mason and Crew, and attend Ranch Church in San Juan Capistrano, CA. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, attending sporting events, and spending time with friends and family.

Prior to joining Convene, Johnny created a social media marketing business. It grew quickly, and he discovered there were many companies who wanted to grow authentic brands without having to sacrifice integrity. While juggling his budding business, he was a youth pastor with a local church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Johnny has also worked in the pharmaceutical returns industry in Tennessee and Southern California. When he's not working, he enjoys cheering on the University of Central Florida Knights and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Johnny met his wife, Christin, while traveling on a mission trip called the World Race. They spent 11 months in 11 countries serving alongside various ministry partners. Today they live in Knoxville, TN with their two beautiful daughters, Ellie and Emma. Their family loves spending time on the beach, traveling, and grilling out together.

Mark has previously started multiple companies and worked with small business owners and entrepreneurs through the University of Georgia and Kennesaw State University. He owns an executive coaching company called Intaba Coaching that is powered by Convene. He also serves as Chief Mission Officer of a CPG sales agency.

Previously, he completed an M.A. in Christian Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and an M.S. in Christian Psychological Studies from Richmont Graduate University. He is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies from Regent University with a concentration in industrial-organizational psychology so that he can continue to apply modern psychological theories and spiritual practices to the leadership training of entrepreneurs.

As the Program Director of the Intrapreneurial Leadership Program and a Chair for virtual Convene groups, he is passionate about helping shape an entrepreneurial mindset in members through experiential learning and spiritual formation, both for entrepreneurs within a company and those who lead their own. Mark and his wife, Sarah, attend Prince Avenue in Bogart, GA, and enjoy spending time with their children and extended family.

Joe LaRussa has a unique calling in the intersection of Faith and Business, working with Christian business owners and CEOs as a Convene executive coach and peer advisory group Chair, helping them to build excellent, God-honoring businesses based on Biblical values. Degrees from the University of San Diego in Business Administration and Practical Theology, along with six decades of business and life wisdom, have prepared him for the role of mentoring men and women through their journey as Convene Chairs. Joe is a native San Diegan with experience as a husband for 43 years, a father of three adult daughters, and proud grandfather of four boys. He is involved with Saint Brigid parish in San Diego, facilitating a Connection to Christ group and other Men’s small groups, and recently served as Rector for a Men’s Cursillos in Christianity weekend. Joe’s personal trials and lessons in life and business, with the understanding that his identity as a Catholic Christian must permeate all his roles, motivate him to be a servant leader. It is a continual life journey for him.

Greg Leith is a CEO to CEOs as he stewards the role of CEO at Convene Corporation, which has served thousands of Christian CEOs and leaders for almost 30 years. He was born in Canada and lived in all four corners of North America. His career spans over 45 years of senior leadership roles in Fortune 500 corporate, franchising, nonprofit and academic sectors, including as Director of Strategic Alliances at Biola University in California where he helped architect and lead a $180 million capital campaign.

Greg has served the persecuted church with food, brought relief and long-term jobs to Orissa, India, assisted mission agencies in China with strategy, planted house churches in Nepal and helped envision a School of Journalism in Haiti. Greg was a senior executive for 20 years with the $9 billion ServiceMaster company, serving in various leadership capacities. He was Vice President of Arrow Leadership and led the leadership development programs at Christian Leadership Alliance, creating learning experiences for the most influential Christian leaders and organizations in the world. Greg and Shelley have managed to break a multi-generational chain of divorces, and they have been married for 45 years. They have crisscrossed Canada for over a decade speaking on marriage and parenting for FamilyLife, helping thousands of marriages. They have raised five thriving young adults and they live in the foothills of Southern California.

Driven by her deep-seated passion for communication, interpersonal relationships, and turning strategies into systems, Marissa brings a wealth of experience in account management, sales, and marketing to the Convene team. With an insatiable thirst for excellence, Marissa has honed her skills in the financial services and real estate investment industries and now seeks to leverage her expertise to champion new Convene members, facilitate their onboarding process, and explore foundational programs that add value to the Convene community.

As a seasoned professional with a keen eye for detail, Marissa is committed to serving the needs of Convene staff, Chairs, and members. Marissa holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and a minor in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University, as well as an M.A. in Organizational Psychology from the Vanguard University of Southern California.

Outside of work, Marissa loves spending quality time with her husband, Vince, and their son, Jude. They reside in Irvine, CA, and enjoy trips to Disneyland, traveling, and attending The Father's House OC.

Sharon interacts with the Convene Chair Community regarding monthly content and speaker needs and serves our guests in the Convene Service Center. Sharon has a 25 year background in office operations in various industries and managed her own day care business while raising her family. She loves serving and helping people and her caring spirit and warm heart are her trademark. Sharon loves to go above and beyond! She recently relocated back to Southern California from Oregon with her husband Scott. Their son Colten attends the USC School of Dentistry. In their free time they enjoy church, family and the great Southern California weather for their outdoor activities.

Brian Thatcher has 31 years of experience working with Christian CEOs. He founded Convene in 1996 (originally as BBL Forum). Brian motivates and mentors CEOs, presidents, and business owners to increase their leadership impact and grow their profitability through peer-to-peer collaboration and one-to-one coaching.

He is actively leading Convene’s expansion efforts throughout China and Southeast Asia, operating from his base in Chiang Rai, Thailand. He is also the Founder of Convene International Ministries.

Founder, Convene International Ministries
Resides in: Chiang Rai, Thailand
USA: +1 949-636-1124
Thailand: +66 6126 52392

A dynamic servant leader, Truax brings a wealth of experience in spearheading leadership development and driving both digital and organizational transformations. At the helm of LCT Consulting, he aids a diverse array of for-profit and faith-based non-profit organizations, enhancing their leadership and operational strategies.

As Vice President of Business Development and International Initiatives at Convene, Truax is instrumental in scouting and nurturing executive talent across the USA and globally. His role is pivotal in expanding the organization's reach and impact through strategic leadership initiatives.

Truax has an extensive track record in IT and technology sectors, holding senior roles in pre-sales solution architecture, management, sales, and marketing, as well as business development at major corporations including Tandem Computers, Compaq Computer Corporation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). His expertise in these areas has been a cornerstone of his professional journey.

His past leadership roles include President of the Fellowship of Companies for Christ International (FCCI) and President/CEO of CBMC, Inc. (USA), as well as VP of Strategic Initiatives for CBMC International.

Truax is also recognized for his role as an NFL statistician, having dedicated 34 seasons to the NFL Official Stats Crew for the New England Patriots as a GSIS Stadium Technician.

Truax is happily married for 38 years to Lisa, his college sweetheart. Together, they have seven children and six grandchildren, forming a vibrant and close-knit family.

Kimberly graduated from Biola University with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Biblical Studies. She began her career with Convene as a Content Coordinator and has since transitioned to the role of Member Recruiting Manager. Passionate about service and process efficiency, Kimberly, with her positive and can-do attitude, plays a key role in launching Convene teams.

Kimberly met her husband, Marcus, while attending Biola University. They reside in Bakersfield, CA, with their two sons, Elias and Theo. Kimberly and her family attend Crossroads Christian Fellowship and enjoy spending time together as a family.

Jim Woodward spent 30 years building and running businesses as large as $100M, primarily in management and technology consulting to Fortune 500 companies, with full responsibility for marketing, sales, operations, service, and profitability. He also helped to found a highly successful full-service ice machine leasing business that has become the nation’s largest. Today, Jim is a peer-advisor board chair and a business growth coach for Convene with a PCC coaching certification from the International Coaching Federation. In this work, Jim helps Christian business owners and CEO’s grow high performing businesses on a Biblical foundation so that people thrive and the Kingdom grows. In addition, Jim leads the Chair Coaching team for Convene that helps new chairs recruit, launch, and grow their peer-advisory boards.

His life purpose is to help people get unstuck, achieve their potential, and grow closer to Jesus. As part of this purpose Jim designs adult learning experiences like The Work Exchange (www.theworkexchange.org) which Convene and Biola’s Talbot Center for Faith, Work & Economics published. In addition, Jim has designed a variety of other adult learning experiences including Answering the Big Questions of Faith, Bible Reading and Reflection, Restoring Freedom to Overloaded Lives, Spiritual Conversations: Tilling Soil for the Gospel, Teaching to Transform Lives, and Transformational Bible Study.

Jim and his wife Julie have 3 children and 2 grandchildren, golf regularly together, and live just outside of Dallas, TX.

Melody takes joy in her 30+ years experience with corporations, small businesses, and non-profits - helping define marketing strategies, develop messaging, create impactful experiences, engage customers, and raise funds. Melody has spent the last 12 years developing partnerships and connecting people in the workplace-faith movement. She is known for her hospitality (and smokin’ good BBQ), and building strong, lasting relationships around shared values and causes.

Melody holds a BA in Communications from Seattle Pacific University, and lives in Washougal, WA (just 20 minutes from Portland International Airport) with her husband Mike Burkesmith, and their ever-present Portuguese Water Dog, Rio. Mike and Melody have five great ‘kids’ and three grandchildren.

Bob Brumleu is one of the early founders of Convene. He helped shape the organization for success, taking it from ideation to early-stage growth. He is the Owner of Omni Duct Systems, a manufacturer of sheet metal for the air conditioning industry, with locations in Buena Park and Sacramento, California, Phoenix, Arizona, and Everett, Washington. Bob leads Omni Duct with the primary goal of honoring God in all that is done, based on the company's core values of Integrity, Caring, and Stewardship.

Bob accepted Christ as his savior in 1982 and joined Calvary Church of Santa Ana in 1983. He also has served on the boards of Convene, The Sheepfold, The Pocket Testament League, The Barnabas Group, and Christ the Center Ministries. Bob graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Architecture. He has received the Faithfulness and Excellence Award from Concordia University, given to business leaders who demonstrate the highest ethical standards and excellence in their companies. He is also a graduate of The Master's Program. He lives in California with his wife, Anne.

Dean has more than 30 years of entrepreneurial experience in brand strategy and development. He has had the pleasure of being directly involved in the brand creation and/or development of over 800 companies and has generated over $1.6 billion in measurable profitability for clients in the technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services sectors.

Today Dean runs Venthio, a boutique branding agency that focuses on brand strategy and development for clients in the B2B and B2C sectors.

On the ministry side, Dean is a keynote speaker, published author, and counselor. With the personal mission statement: "To be a graceful interruption to whatever is not working in people’s personal or business lives," Dean thrives on helping people get from Point (A)nywhere to Point (B)etter in life, business, and relationships. He’s married to his wife, Kitt, and they live in Irvine, California.
Today Dean runs Venthio, a boutique branding agency that focuses on brand strategy and development for clients in the B2B and B2C sectors.

On the ministry side, Dean is a keynote speaker, published author, and counselor. With the personal mission statement: "To be a graceful interruption to whatever is not working in people’s personal or business lives," Dean thrives on helping people get from Point (A)nywhere to Point (B)etter in life, business, and relationships. He’s married to his wife, Kitt, and they live in Irvine, California.

Dr. Rick Efird is the Director of Church Partnerships for Phoenix Seminary. He has served in pastoral ministry for over 40 years. His work currently involves investing significant time in equipping and encouraging younger pastors and ministry leaders. Rick loves to shepherd God’s people through teaching biblical truth, providing wise counsel and equipping men and women to reach and disciple others. His conviction is that it takes healthy leadership to have healthy churches. Rick is a graduate of Bryan College (BA), Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM) and Phoenix Seminary (D.Min). Rick has served as volunteer staff and committee member for Young Life in Dallas, TX and Phoenix, AZ. He helped in founding Western Seminary Phoenix in 1989 and served as the school’s interim president when the seminary became Phoenix Seminary. He has served for almost 20 years on the Phoenix Seminary Board of Directors, has taught as an adjunct faculty member and continues to mentor students. He has also ministered internationally by leading teams to build homes for orphans in Uganda and in training Christian leaders in Russia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rick and Emily have been married for 46 years and have two adult sons and one daughter-in-law.

Bill Erickson is Partner and Co-Founder of True USA, LLC, a real estate development company partner specializing in hospitality and multifamily properties in the U.S. In addition, Bill is Managing Principal of Viking Capital LLC, a real estate investment banking firm in Southern California. Bill was born and raised in Ithaca, New York and attended college in the Midwest. Bill has 45 years of extensive business practice, with two Fortune 250 companies, as principal of two electronics firms, and with experience in real estate acquisitions, finance, development, and joint venture equity investments. He has been involved in nearly $1 billion of commercial real estate investments involving a variety of product types, geography, and investment structures on behalf of numerous clients.

Bill holds a BS from the College of Business Administration from Bowling Green University. He currently holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses, and is a licensed real estate broker in California. He is a Barnabas Group member, Master's Program graduate, and Biola School of Business MBA mentor. Bill and his wife, Connie, currently reside in Huntington Beach. They have three wonderful adult children and two granddaughters. Bill enjoys golfing, hiking, boating, and traveling with family and friends.

Ric Green was one of the co-founders of Convene in 1996. It was his vision and tactical leadership that helped establish the vision of co-founder Brian Thatcher. He was a member of Convene Group #1 and has continuously been a Convene member for 25 years. Ric started, built, and sold a multi-state, $150+ million distribution business through acquisitions and strategic partnering. Additionally, he built a water management business, which uses computers and high-tech communication technology to control and manage large public institutional water use. He is experienced in and has done consulting in the areas of strategic planning, partnering, turnarounds, operations management, and growth through acquisitions.

Ric graduated from Cal Poly University with a degree in engineering, and later earned an MBA from the University of Southern California with an emphasis in marketing and finance. He was also a member of TEC/Vistage for 17 years and is currently in a business partnership with his son. Ric has been actively involved with Saddleback Church and its founders Rick and Kay Warren for over 27 years. Ric lives in Southern California with his wife, Vicki.

Roy is passionate about chairing a new hybrid Convene group targeting businesses with revenue or valuations in excess of $50 million or those with more than 250 employees. He desires to invest in and encourage Christian CEOs and business owners who want to multiply both their commercial success and Kingdom impact.

Roy is married and has three children and five grandchildren. He resides in Rancho Santa Fe, California. He enjoys traveling, engaging in a number of physical activities, reading, photography, and serving nonprofits.

Cheryl is President of Way of Life Coaching, a coaching firm focused on the professional and personal development of its clients. She is an executive coach with over 12,000 hours of coaching experience and has trained almost 1,000 coaches. Of the 20,000+ coaches in the world, she’s one of the 4% certified as a Master Certified Coach. She has helped thousands of leaders develop high-performance organizations, foster executive health and achieve aggressive personal and team goals that revolutionize how they lead at home and at work.

She is a former executive of a $30 million dollar New York firm and is the founder and president of Promised Land Living. PLL helps Christians achieve abundant lives, break-through personal transformation and visible growth that is sustainable. She was raised in the Midwest and graduated from Pace University. Today Cheryl resides in North Carolina with her husband Tom. Together, they’ve raised two boys.