Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council Members

Erik Dellenback currently serves as the Governor’s Liaison for Faith & Community and the Executive Director of Hope Florida in the Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis for the State of Florida. During his time with the state, Florida has led the nation with faith engagement making Florida the most faith and community-friendly state in the country.  Florida has seen more than 2,200 faith institutions and 5,600 nonprofit partners come together to serve the most vulnerable. Now, with Erik leading Hope Florida, which was created by First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida is showing the country a philosophically different way for government to operate. 

Erik came into this role in government 5 years ago after serving as a consultant to several of the nation’s leading non-profits and helping begin and lead For Others, a non-profit working towards a solution to America’s foster care crisis, with Christian musician Chris Tomlin. 

Prior to that, he served as the founding President and Executive Director of the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF) for seven years, serving from its inception until 2017. During his time at TTF, Erik began many domestic and international ministry programs, including Night to Shine, a prom for individuals with special needs. Night to Shine became a worldwide movement and currently takes place in all 50 states and 24 countries while representing over 32 different denominations of the Christian church.

Before his time at TTF, Erik spent more than 11 years working with the Gator Bowl Association, including a role as the Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer and founding Director of the ACC Football Championship when the conference expanded.

Throughout his career, Erik has been blessed to have had many titles including movie producer, business & non-profit executive, college professor, speaker, and entrepreneur. However, he most desires to simply be defined as husband, father, and follower of Jesus. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and together with his wife, Elizabeth, they have 5 children.

Cullum is the Lead Pastor at Christ’s Church in Jacksonville. He is a member of Florida Church Planters and is a Past President of Christian Financial Resources. Cullum earned his bachelor’s degree from Kentucky Christian University.

Baird is the Director of Pastoral Ministries for Florida Family Voice and is an Adjunct Professor at Southeastern University. Previously, he served as the Lead Pastor at Legacy Church. Baird earned his bachelor’s degree from Mid-American Nazarene University, his master’s degree in divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and his doctorate in ministry from Evangel Theological Seminary.

Dewhirst is a Home Educator teaching classical curriculum to her four children. Previously, she taught elementary education in Kentucky, Virginia, and Washington and she taught post-graduate courses in English and professional development at a premier hospitality university in Switzerland. A longtime leader to women and children in Bible Study Fellowship, Dewhirst earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Kentucky University.

Pastor Gerard Duncan is the Senior Pastor of Prayers By Faith Ministries in Gainesville, FL and President of Innovative Dads Inc. He is a Social Entrepreneur and Civic Engagement Advocate for Children and Families. Pastor Duncan is a native of Andros Bahamas and raised in Carol City, Florida. He is passionate about the wellbeing of Alachua County communities and families. Pastor Duncan through his Church community outreach, recognized the needs of the community and the disconnect between organizations with resources and the community families. Pastor Duncan has been instrumental in developing programs for Fathers, reentry , mentoring programs for at-risk youth and their families as well, parent engagement workshops and seminars. He has organized and collaborated with many organizations for community engagement events that targeted at-risk youth and engaged them with recreational, life enrichment and educational activities. Pastor Duncan has been trained and implemented The National adopt a school initiative Dr. Tony Evans program within the Gainesville, FL school. He is a trained Father Engagement Facilitator for the National Fatherhood Initiative.

Pastor Duncan has trained over 1500 incarcerated men for Bridges of America pre-release 100hr transition program. He and a group of young men he mentored through his fatherhood training program, Innovative Dads, work to help revitalize communities and to create measurable outcomes for sustainability. Pastor Duncan is a member of the United Way of North Central, FL, Black on Black Crime task force, past Chair of the Family/Jobs Committee Gainesville4All. A Current member of the Gainesville Empowerment Zone Executive Committee, Current member UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Advisory Committee. UF Strategic Jury Award Committee, City Of Gainesville Strategic Planning Committee. Dept. Of Juvenile Justice Faith Network. Santé Fe College Community Advisory Board.

In Chad’s role as the VP of Community Engagement & Christian Initiatives at the YMCA of Central Florida, where he’s served since 2016, he supports the Association’s strategic plan and enhances the member engagement experience. He is responsible for cultivating effective partnerships with community organizations, volunteers, and staff. This will sustain the Y’s Christian values through faith-based programming at the Family Centers and create a national model.

For 17 years prior to joining the YMCA of Central Florida team, Chad held the position of Founder and Executive Director of Impact Ministries of Central Florida. Chad managed multiple cause-driven projects that impacted individuals and families in need, by engaging more than 700 volunteers and leading a staff team to serve in their own communities. In 2002, accompanied by a strong board of directors, Chad led his organization to the next step, and IMPACT received official 501(c) 3 status. Under his leadership as Executive Director, the organization doubled its budget and its services within the first four years. As of the summer of 2015, IMPACT has impacted over 420 residents throughout Central Florida.

Chad also enjoys utilizing his creative strengths and knowledge in technology and social media to engage audiences and deliver his messages. Chad has held previous leadership roles as minister for a local church and past Chairman of the Board for the Youth Ministries Institute. He is currently involved in Central Florida Commission on Homelessness as a Faith-Based Committee Member, serves as a Board Member for Youth Ministry Institute, and a Cabinet Member for US Mission Network.
Chad was raised in Central Florida, where he and his wife of nineteen years, Kimberly, have adopted Faith (2) and Micah (6), and are raising them along with Rileigh (13) and Elijah (16). Chad has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Belhaven University. He also holds his Ordination in Christian Ministry.

Author, nonprofit leader, speaker, and leadership coach, J Scott George has been a passionate voice in the  nonprofit and church world for over thirty-five years. His unique ability to communicate leadership principles  has motivated and inspired groups of all sizes. He has traveled the world, bringing hope and help through seminars, and philanthropic and humanitarian campaigns. He currently serves as Senior Pastor of Pine Castle United Methodist Church in Orlando, FL, and was the founder of UP – United against Poverty in downtown Orlando; an innovative, cutting-edge nonprofit facility that serves thousands of families each month with food, medical care, crisis intervention and education.  Scott is currently launching a new nonprofit called Orlando Hope. He is the author of 6 books and holds a B.A. in Communications from UCF, as well as a Master of Theology and Honorary Doctorate in Theology from Faith Christian University. Scott is happily married to his wife, Tammi, and they have four children—Austen, Aaren, Amanda, and Allison. In his free time he loves playing racquetball and fly fishing.

Sen. Erin Grall is a native to Vero Beach, Florida and partner with the Grall Law Group. She is a graduate of St. Helen School and John Carroll High School. Sen Grall earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University and a law degree from the Marquette University Law School, where she served as the Student Bar Association President.

From 2016 – 2022, Senator Grall was a member of the Florida House of Representatives, District 54, representing Indian River County and a portion of St. Lucie County. In 2022, she was elected to the Florida Senate, District 29, and represents Indian River, Okeechobee, Glades, Highlands, and a large portion of St. Lucie County.

Dr. Jerry Haag serves as president and CEO of One More Child. He earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in finance from Baylor University and earned a Ph.D. in finance and real estate in 1995 from the University of Texas at Arlington. He also has corporate work experience with AT&T and is a Certified Financial Planner. From 2000-2007, Dr. Haag served as president and CEO of the South Texas Children’s Home in Beeville.

In 2007, Dr. Haag joined the staff at One More Child as the ninth president in the organization’s rich history, which dates back to 1904. During his tenure as president, he has guided the expansion of ministry sites from nine locations in Florida to more than 50 locations domestically and internationally. He launched an anti-trafficking ministry focused on preventing child sex trafficking and restoring victims, and established numerous partnerships with churches and nonprofit organizations.

Under Dr. Haag’s leadership, Florida Baptist Children’s Homes and One More Child has increased from serving 3,351 children and individuals in 2007 to impacting 200,524 in 2017.

In 2018, Dr. Haag was awarded the 2018 George W. Truett Distinguished Service Award by the Baylor Line Foundation and was honored at its Hall of Fame Gala for his exceptional leadership in meeting the needs of children around the world. The Baylor Alumni Association named him an Outstanding Young Alumnus in 2005.

Dr. Haag has been appointed and reappointed since 2013 by both Gov. Charlie Crist and Gov. Rick Scott to serve on the Florida Faith-based and Community-based Advisory Council. As an advisor in child welfare protocols and innovations, Dr. Haag participates in on-going White House roundtable discussions, and he joined voices with leaders across the nation during the U.S. Department of Justice Human Trafficking Summit. Dr. Haag has served as a member of the Citizen Review Panel for Florida Department of Children and Families, which was formed as mandated by the Federal Child Abuse and Treatment Act of 1996. Dr. Haag serves as a Board of Director for the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), as well as for Hines Ugandan Ministry.

Dr. Haag had the pleasure of being selected to participate in a distinguished seminar on Religion and U.S. Foreign Policy, sponsored by the Institute on Culture, Religion and World Affairs at Boston University. Participants were leaders from around the world who work in academia, government, religious institutions, media and nongovernmental organizations. The seminar focused on how beliefs, values and lifestyles affect economic and political developments worldwide, with special attention paid to the role of religion in world affairs.

Dr. Haag has led and participated in humanitarian aid, emergency relief, childcare and ministry to children and families in countries around the world. He has preached in churches throughout the nation, and he and his wife, Christi, also enjoy speaking together.

Additionally, he has authored, presented and published academic articles relating to his business expertise and has been honored several times for his business, professional and civic achievements.

He was named Baylor University’s Vice President for University Development in 2011, where he served before returning as President of One More Child.

Dr. Haag lives with his wife in Lakeland, FL. Christi is a well-known speaker with “Women of Purpose Speak.” Their eldest son, Ben, lives and works in Dallas, TX, and their youngest son, Brady, attends Baylor University. Dr. Haag and Christi are members of Church at the Mall in Lakeland.

Kisner is the First Lady of the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church and a retired Senior Management Trainer for Eastern Airlines. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Marshall University, master’s degree in divinity from The People’s Bible Training Institute and an honorary doctorate of divinity from the Bethesda Bible Institute of North America.

Knittig is the Chief Executive Officer of The Global Orphan Project and CarePortal. Previously, he served as a Labor and Employment Attorney at Seyferth Blumenthal and Harris, LLC. Knittig earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Culver-Stockton College and his juris doctor from the University of Missouri.

As the Director of Program Advocacy and Inclusion with the Florida Guardian ad Litem Program, Calvin Martin, MA, has over 25 years of experience in a variety of capacities in the areas of child welfare, mental health, community assessment and engagement, cultural diversity, training delivery methods and staff development. He has frequently been invited to speak throughout parts of Florida on the child welfare system, cultural awareness/diversity and leadership principles. He has facilitated comprehensive trainings for college students and a wide range of professionals on leadership, cultural awareness, community systems of care and organizational management.

Calvin has also written numerous articles/editorials about the child welfare system including “Privatization Efforts in Florida,” “Building Community Partnerships, Effects of Child Abuse within Our Community” and “Volunteerism in Florida.” In fulfillment of his passion for bringing diverse groups together, Calvin has successfully integrated varying aspects of intercultural communications/cultural competency skill building into his presentations and project management initiatives.

As a certified trainer in racial and ethnic identity work, Calvin’s personal mission is to assist others in leading their agency in efforts to create specific strategies for securing timely outcomes for children and families, as well as increase the overall safety and long-term well-being for all children within different systems of care. In his current role, Calvin provides strategic, operational and organizational leadership that grows capacity for intercultural competence, nurturance of diverse populations and inclusive leadership across the program.

Calvin has been married to his wife, Amy, for more than seventeen years and has three daughters, Amaiya, Jaidyn and Brooklynn.

Serving as lead pastor at Trinity Baptist, Tom is involved in leadership in all ministries and is instrumental in vision and strategic direction for all of Trinity Ministries, which encompasses over 400 full time employees, a budget in excess of $23 million dollars, and 6 locations throughout a three-county area in Northeast Florida.

Pam Olsen is the Founder and President of President, Florida Prayer Network, a statewide
ministry that seeks to unite individuals, churches and ministries in prayer and action for the state
of Florida, the United States, Israel and the nations. Pam and her husband, Tenney, are founders
and pastors of Hilltop Church in Tallahassee. Pam is also the State Director of the Florida Prayer
Caucus Network and is the National Faciliatory for USA Government Prayer Watch and
coordinates the State Capitol National Day of Prayer each year.

Pam has a heart for families and knows that people of faith must be on the frontlines fighting for
families and sharing the love of the Lord. She was an adoption coordinator for 10 years and has
worked in many areas helping families across Florida and the nation. Pam was host of a talk
radio show for several years called "Family Focus". She has spoken across America and in
many nations on the power of prayer and on strong, godly families.

Pam and her husband Tenney, have four grown children, three daughters-in-laws, one son-in-law
and 15 grandchildren. They all live in Tallahassee and serve in ministry together.

Pacieza is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Coral Ridge Media Ministries and is the Senior Pastor for Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Council for National Policy and the National Religious Broadcasters. Pacienza earned his bachelor’s degree from Samford University, his master’s degree in divinity from Knox Theological Seminary, and his doctorate in ministry from Westminster Theological Seminary.

Greg founded Parkview Church over 25 years ago and is still serving his community faithfully. Greg serves the greater Palm Coast area, and is currently the lead pastor at Parkview Church

Mel is the Founder and President of Business Empowered (BE) and was elected in November 2020 to serve as an Okaloosa County Commissioner, District 5.  He is also the Government Affairs Director for the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors.  Mel had the honor to previously serve as Mayor of the City of Destin as well as serve in the Florida House of Representatives, District 4, before seeking to come back home to keep serving the citizens of Okaloosa County as a County Commissioner.

His company, Business Empowered, is a marketplace ministry headquartered in Destin, whose mission is to equip, encourage, and empower individuals called to the marketplace.  Previously, Mel worked as the Director of Regional Marketing Programs for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and just prior, served as Executive Director of Coastal Vision 3000/THE Beach.  Mel also has over 10 years of banking, mortgage and financial services experience.  Mel has served in leadership positions as a State Representative, having been Chair of Children, Families, and Seniors Subcommittee, Vice Chair of Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, Chair of the Legislative Prayer Caucus, as well as served as a Deputy Whip within the House Majority Office.  He now serves as Vice Chair for the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners.

A 3rd generation Floridian, Mel was born and raised in Ocala, Florida.  He attended Florida State University and received a B.S. degree in Finance.  Mel married his wife Mona, of 29 years, in 1991 and they have three children: Preston – 26, Casey – 24, and Grace – 16.

Chad comes to the Advisory Council with 20 years of experience leading state and local government institutions. Most recently, as Secretary of both Florida’s Department of Children and Families, Chad worked to achieve the Governor’s vision of a government that works collaboratively with faith and community organizations to ensure needs are met locally and families don’t fall deeper into state run systems such as child welfare, substance abuse and mental health, and economic self-sufficiency.

Chad is a Managing Director for KPMG, LLP, and works in the Health and Government practice. His directive is to deliver the same type of programmatic transformation for government clients in Florida and throughout the United States as when he was part of state government. He is also a board member for the Selfless Love Foundation, a Florida based non-profit organization focused on increasing adoptions and helping children aging out of the foster care system be successful adults.

Together with her husband, Abraham, and her two children, Daniel and David; Pastor Marilyn Rivera serves as the lead pastor of La Puerta Life Center – a growing, dynamic church located in North Miami, Florida. She is recognized and respected as an energizing leader who specializes in empowering and motivating public involvement in conservative values.

Pastor Marilyn is known for her leadership and involvement in the community. She was the first woman President of the South Florida Hispanic Ministers Association and she is on the executive board of Mission Miami. Pastor Marilyn currently holds a position on the St. Thomas University Advisory Board. Marilyn serves on the executive board of the Latino Coalition for Israel. She is also the Florida representative of the Hispanic Action Network. Most recently, Marilyn founded and leads the Hispanic Faith Council which promotes citizen involvement and advocacy in the areas of voter registration, immigration, and other social affairs.

Rose is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Better Together. A fellow of the Manhattan Institute, she is the recipient of the 2018 Manhattan Institute Civil Society Award. Rose earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in human services from Liberty University.

Sheedy is the Executive Director of the Florida Catholic Conference. He serves on the Catholic Charities of Florida board and is Vice President of Martyrs La Florida Missions. Sheedy earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and Spanish from the University of Notre Dame, master’s degree in healthcare administration from Trinity University and master’s degree in theological studies from Notre Dame Seminary.

Senator Kelli Stargel has represented Polk County and parts of Central Florida in the Florida Legislature since 2008. She was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives (2008-2012) and later to the Florida Senate (2012-2022). Most recently, Senator Stargel served as the Senate Appropriations Chair helping draft the state budget of Florida. In addition to the Legislature, Senator Stargel has served on many boards, including the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors, Public Service Commission Nominating Council, Education Commission of the States, and the Commission on Marriage and Family Support Services. During her public service, Senator Stargel has received a number of awards and recognitions including the Florida Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Advocate Award, Florida Farm Bureau Legislator of the Year, Florida Family Policy Council Champion of the Family, among many others. Senator Stargel lives in Central Florida with her husband John, with whom they have several children and grandchildren.

Adam is a member of Downtown Community Church in Tallahassee Florida where he has served primarily in discipleship ministry with college students and young professionals. Adam is a Tallahassee native and graduated from FSU, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering. In addition to discipleship and small group ministry, Adam is passionate about faith-based response to both natural and man-made disasters.

Watkins is the Chief Executive Officer of NWF Health Network. Active in his community, he currently serves as Chair of the Florida Coalition for Children and is a former member of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Health and Wellness Transition Team. Watkins earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Culver-Stockon College.

Rabbi Yosef Weinstock has served the Young Israel of Hollywood – Ft. Lauderdale community with pride and dedication since 2005. During his tenure the congregation has doubled in size; today it is a diverse and vibrant 600 family multi-generational community center in Southeast Broward County. Rabbi Weinstock attended Yeshiva University, graduating summa cum laude with a major in history. He received a Masters in Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work and ordination from Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. Rabbi Weinstock, is a charter member of the OU Advocacy’s TEACH Florida, and member of the Beth Din of Florida, which specializes in Jewish conversion and family matters. Rabbi Weinstock was recently appointed to the National Board of Mizrachi- Religious Zionists of America, and he was recently elected as a Vice Chair to Israel Bonds Rabbinic Advisory Council.

Rabbi Weinstock is married to Rebecca, a Speech Language Pathologist in the Broward County School System. Rabbi and Rebecca have been honored by Bikur Cholim of Hollywood, Young Israel of Hollywood – Ft. Lauderdale and, by Brauser Maimonides Academy with the Community Service award. Rabbi and Rebbeca are the proud parents of Yaakov, Shoshana, Avi and Eitan. Rabbi Weinstock enjoys running (he has completed 3 Half marathons), reading non-fiction, and sight-seeing with his family, especially touring lighthouses.