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; 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.
Board of Directors
Dr. Ava Oleson, Chairperson
Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Sue Gengler, Vice Chairperson
Health Education, Retired
Daniel Ruiz, Secretary
Institute for Learning and Innovation
John Rossi, Treasurer
U.S. Army Officer, Retired
Malcolm Burleigh
Assemblies of God, Executive Director of US Missions
Juan Cruz, Jr.
Senior Technology Manager – Clinical Engineering
Ted Papit
Adjunct Professor of Business – Evangel University
Steve Trader
CEO of Global Teen Challenge, Appointed
Chris Hodges, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, Northwest region
Jeff Richards, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, Southwest region
Eric Vagle, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, North Central region
George Thomas, Regional Rep
Adult & Teen Challenge, South Central region
Dave Rose, 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
Executive Administrator
Lisa manages the day-to-day office operations and assists the president.
Wendy Buttacy
Chief Operating Officer
Wendy works closely with ATC staff, field leaders, and partners to develop, communicate, and execute the operational strategy.
Rebecca Mitchell
Chief Development Officer
Rebecca coordinates fund development, addresses advancement issues, and oversees communications at ATC.
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.
Sarah Walters
Director of Ministry Intelligence & Research
Sarah develops, analyzes, and visualizes data and information for ATC locations.
Mitchell Easter
Director of Learning
Mitchell identifies and provides a solution for the performance, skills, knowledge, information, and attitude gaps of leaders and staff members serving in ATC centers.
Erica Carter
Curriculum & Publishing Coordinator
Erica oversees ATC’s national curriculum-based publication initiatives.
Brittany Rust
Event Manager
Brittany oversees ATC events and helps with questions related to registration, sponsorship, and more.
Eunice Tyler
Accreditation Manager
Eunice provides accreditation assistance and support to ATC centers.
Kandice Riley
Account Specialist
Kandice handles incoming and outgoing invoices for ATC. She also oversees the store website.
Julie Jones
Donor Engagement Specialist
Julie provides assistance and support to ATC donors.
Dale Gehris
Creative Director
Dale creates visual pieces for advertising, marketing, and in-house publications.
Ben Ward
Communications Manager
Ben oversees all internal and external communications pertaining to media and marketing purposes.
Assemblies of God U.S. Missionaries
Jimmy & Yvonne Oakes
Ready Now Recovery Directors
Jimmy and Yvonne help expand the reach of Adult & Teen Challenge into communities through recovery support groups.
