--- title: "National Office" date: 2018-12-06 author: "Jonathan May" featured_image: "https://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dylan-gillis-533818-unsplash-e1548264937825.jpg" --- # National Office The Adult & Teen Challenge National Office exists to provide a leadership role while functioning as a service and resource agency for the Adult & Teen Challenge ministries throughout North America. In addition, the national office serves as an ombudsman and public relations liaison for the ministry. The services provided include [accreditation standards](https://teenchallengeusa.org/accreditation/); Christ-centered, biblically-based student curriculum; staff training; promotions and media support; management and financial guidance; a student information system; and a referral service to help Adult & Teen Challenge USA ministries accomplish their mission of evangelism and discipleship to people with life-controlling problems. ## Gary Blackard, President & CEO Gary is currently the President and CEO for Adult & Teen Challenge. Prior to this role, Gary was Vice President, Strategy & Innovation and Chief Information Officer for Evangel University. He is also an Adjunct Professor for the graduate program in Healthcare Administration at USC, a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt leader, and executive consultant. Gary has extensive global experience as Vice President for Client Operations and Strategic Services Delivery for Xerox Corporation where he led organizations as large as 700+ people and managed annual revenues of $540M. Gary earned his B.A. in Business Administration with emphasis in Organizational Management from Vanguard University in Southern California and his Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Southern California. He also served as the chair of the board of directors for Teen Challenge USA. He has served in a variety of ministry roles including interim youth pastor, lifegroup leader, men’s ministries director, worship team member and church board trustee. Gary and his wife Debra have been married for over twenty-eight years and have four grown children (including spouses), and four grandchildren. They currently reside in Ozark, Missouri. ![Gary Blackard ATC CEO](http://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Gary-Blackard-768x1033.png "1") ## Board of Directors **John Rossi**, Chairperson *U.S. Army Officer, Retired* **Dr. Sue Gengler**, Vice Chairperson *Health Education, Retired* **Daniel Ruiz**, Secretary *Institute for Learning and Innovation* **Ted Papit**, Treasurer *Adjunct Professor of Business – Evangel University* **Malcolm Burleigh** *Assemblies of God, Executive Director of US Missions* **Juan Cruz, Jr.** *Senior Technology Manager – Clinical Engineering* **Dave Phillips** *District Superintendent, Montana Ministry Network* Paul Eckels *Businessman, Retired **Chris Hodges**, Regional Rep *Adult & Teen Challenge, Northwest region* **Jeff Richards**, Regional Rep *Adult & Teen Challenge, Southwest region* **Tom Truszinski**, Regional Rep *Adult & Teen Challenge, North Central region* **George Thomas**, Regional Rep *Adult & Teen Challenge, South Central region* **Jeff Bonzelaar**, Regional Rep *Adult & Teen Challenge, Great Lakes region* **Gary Bentley**, Regional Rep *Adult & Teen Challenge, Gulf region* **Mike Zello**, Regional Rep *Adult & Teen Challenge, Northeast region* **Brice Maddock**, Regional Rep *Adult & Teen Challenge, Southeast region* **Steve Paulson**, Regional Rep *Adult & Teen Challenge, Canada region* ## National Office Staff ![Lisa Bornert](http://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Lisa-Bornert-768x1033.png "2") ## Lisa Bornert ###### Executive Administrator Lisa manages the day-to-day office operations and assists the president. [ Email Lisa ](mailto:lisab@teenchallengeusa.org) ![Wendy Buttacy](http://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Wendy-Buttacy-768x1033.png "3") ## Wendy Buttacy ###### Chief Operating Officer Wendy works closely with ATC staff, field leaders, and partners to develop, communicate, and execute the operational strategy. [ Email Wendy ](mailto:wendyb@teenchallengeusa.org) ![Rebecca Mitchell Adult & Teen Challenge](http://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Rebecca-Mitchell-768x1033.png "4") ## Rebecca Mitchell ###### Chief Development Officer Rebecca coordinates fund development, addresses advancement issues, and oversees communications at ATC. [ Email Rebecca ](mailto:rebeccam@teenchallengeusa.org) ![Shanon Blankenship](http://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Shanon-Blankenship-768x1033.png "5") ## Shanon Blankenship ###### Director of Field Operations Shanon provides oversight and direction to ATC accreditation, provides support regarding program operations and best practices, and facilitates resolutions for program-related grievances across the ATC network. [ Email Shanon ](mailto:shanonb@teenchallengeusa.org) ![Sarah Walters](http://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Sarah-Walters-768x1033.png "6") ## Sarah Walters ###### Director of Ministry Intelligence & Research Sarah’s role includes empowering, educating, and equipping ATC corporations with various information related to the faith-based recovery. She is a resource for those wanting to learn more about ministry health, stewardship and student outcomes. She also advocates for faith-based recovery at the local, state, and national levels. [ Email Sarah ](mailto:sarahw@teenchallengeusa.org) ![Unknown](http://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Unknown.jpeg "7") ## Shawn Blankenship ###### *Director of Ministry Development* Shawn brings over eleven years of experience and an invaluable perspective from his service as an Executive Director in Oklahoma, along with eight years of global ministry experience. His deep background in leadership, program development, and mission-focused service uniquely equips him to strengthen and support our organization’s work. [ Email Shawn ](mailto:shawnb@teenchallengeusa.org) ![Erica Carter](http://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Erica-Carter-768x1033.png "8") ## Erica Carter ###### Online Learning & Publication Manager Erica oversees ATC’s national curriculum-based publication initiatives. [ Email Erica ](mailto:ericac@teenchallengeusa.org) ![Scott](http://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Scott-768x1034.png "9") ## Scott Nessel ###### Accreditation Manager Scott provides assistance to ATC corporations and centers to help ensure compliance with organizational standards, policies and best practices. Assisting to coordinate evaluations, provide guidance and maintain quality. He also collaborates with leadership to support program development and improve outcomes in the field. [ Email Scott ](mailto:scottn@teenchallengeusa.org) ![Boyd](http://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Boyd-768x1024.jpg "10") ## Boyd Patterson ###### RNR Program Coordinator Boyd assists all RNR facilitators as they move through the process of becoming an approved facilitator and launching their groups. He also assists with facilitator coaching, group launch, and group dynamic questions. [ Email Boyd ](mailto:boydp@readynow.org) ## Assemblies of God U.S. Missionaries ![Jimmy Yvonne Oakes](http://teenchallengeusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Jimmy-Yvonne-Oakes.jpg "11") ## Jimmy & Yvonne Oakes ###### Ready Now Recovery Directors Jimmy and Yvonne help expand the reach of Adult & Teen Challenge into communities through recovery support groups. [ Email Jimmy ](mailto:jimmyo@teenchallengeusa.org) [ Schedule a Meeting with Jimmy ](https://meetings.hubspot.com/jimmy-oakes) [ Email Yvonne ](mailto:yvonneo@teenchallengeusa.org) [ Schedule a Meeting with Yvonne ](https://meetings.hubspot.com/yvonne-oakes)