An Inspired Team

Allison Arsenault directs FTE's coordination efforts in partnership with the Lilly Endowment. She oversees the Youth Theology Network and supports efforts centered on theology programs accompanying young adults in discernment. Allison also supports the data and knowledge management needs of FTE.

FTE's work is critical at a time when both young adults and the church are working to define their place and purpose in the world. Guiding students and young adults to engage questions of meaning and purpose is the most life-giving work I’ve ever been a part of. I love coming to work at a place that is actively creating spaces for people of faith to grow and shape their communities and the world.

Elsie Barnhart helps develop and implement resources that support FTE’s doctoral community and young adults exploring Christian leadership, pastoral ministry and teaching.

Simply put, FTE matters and that’s why I am here. When I interviewed for my position with FTE I said, “Whatever job leads me away from being a full-time care provider for my kids would have to matter.” As I researched FTE and interviewed with the full staff, it was clear to me that they weren’t just there to do ‘a job.’ At FTE, the people truly are committed to serving in roles that help young people become future leaders, instrumental in shaping the church of the 21st Century.

Paul Bois is responsible for the talent development, operations management, human resources and infrastructure enhancements that advance the organizational mission through functional support of program development.

I asked the Lord, “What would you have me do next?” I pondered my calling after a lengthy corporate career, and the answer was FTE. This job appealed to me initially because I would get to work on the business side of an impactful organization. More importantly, it allows me to do work that is aimed at developing people — and not just any type of person; young people who are becoming leaders for the church.

Ted Boone manages data for FTE and provides knowledge and insights about FTE’s operational processes and learnings about vocation and call.

Purpose is not rooted in tasks. The thought of working at FTE was appealing to me initially because of the job and its duties. I now know that working in an organization that supports young leaders in dedicating their lives to service gives me daily satisfaction.

Kimberly R. Daniel is responsible for managing communications strategies, public relations and marketing for FTE and its efforts.

Growing up a preacher’s kid, I saw the need for young leaders to have real space to explore. I recognized the value of a context where these students could be nurtured while exploring their purpose, whether ministry-related or secular. Working at FTE gives me a sense of fulfillment in knowing that I am contributing to young adults’ discovery of their gifts, and their exploration of what they are called to do and be in the world.

Angela Yates oversees the design and development of communications materials that advance the awareness, engagement and support for FTE’s mission and initiatives.

I desire to be part of an organization that makes a long-lasting, tangible impact in the lives of others. The opportunity to witness God’s love in action through the work of colleagues and young people preparing for servant leadership is an amazing gift. I’m excited to see how the next generation of faith-driven leaders will change the world.

Diva Morgan Hicks manages social media and online communications efforts for FTE.

I dream of changing the world. Growing up, I thought God was calling me to be a missionary. Not being able to discern if that was my purpose in life, I began working in the non-profit sector as a communications professional. This role at FTE gives me the opportunity to change the world by helping those who God has called to be servants, teachers and leaders in the church.

Darlene M. Hutto provides leadership for FTE’s interactive experiences by designing and curating events for the organization and its participants.

It is exciting to know that my life’s passion and love for ministry serves a critical mass of young adults—that’s worth coming to work. FTE provides me the opportunity to be engaged in conversation and service with the larger church in a way that I could not be if I were in a specific ministry. I work with leaders of congregations and church-related organizations that support young Christian leaders, and in so doing, have the chance to impact young adults who are exploring their call.

The President of FTE, Stephen Lewis holds lead responsibility for the strategic direction of FTE.

I do what I do in hopes that my work with good colleagues will have a lasting impact on everyday people and communities across the world. The future is inevitable. Communities of faith, their leaders and the next generation are important catalysts in shaping the future. There is no viable path to the future absent of developing faithful, wise and courageous leaders now. No other national organization is like FTE in shaping the future by developing leaders on behalf of a diverse church and the academy.

Lee Anne McGaha provides secretarial and administrative support to the FTE President and Vice President of Administration.

I first connected with FTE through my previous position at Quaker Voluntary Service. Working at FTE feels like the natural continuation of that work. I am excited to provide the background support for my colleagues who are holding space for and guiding the next generation of leaders. I'm grateful to be connected to work that is helping to redefine ministry.

Christina Repoley leads FTE's work to design experiences that leverage diverse perspectives, cultivate collaborative learning, inspire a sense of meaning and purpose, and encourage participants to take their next faithful steps.

I have been connected to FTE for over a decade. As a seminarian, FTE supported my own discernment and connected me to a network that helped me successfully found and grow Quaker Voluntary Service. After pouring my heart and soul into supporting young adults in discernment, ministry and service for nearly 10 years in the Quaker context, I am excited to now be able to support an even wider network of young adults discerning their call in the world and finding out what makes them come alive. FTE is uniquely positioned to be a prophetic voice for both the church and the world, while supporting current and future leadership of a diverse network of young people.

Heather B.P. Wallace oversees FTE's grant initiatives with a diverse network of church-related organizations and captures learnings to resource future church leaders.

After nine years in Illinois, FTE feels like coming home both geographically and vocationally. I grew up in the Southeast and moved immediately after college to the Midwest. I worked for a youth theological discernment program and then stepped out to work in the secular non-profit world. FTE is the place where my passions and my abilities meet. I’m excited to help cultivate and support young-adults taking leadership roles in the church.