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Board Of Directors

OUR Team

The Board of Directors supports the mission and vision of the ministry and specifically assists and holds the Executive Director accountable.

I am so grateful for these loving and talented men and women of God that surround me in this ministry!

– Executive Director, Joel Willoughby

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Joel Willoughby

Our Founder

Joel Willoughby is married to Beth and has four children. They live in Ankeny, Iowa, and love to travel together for ministry. Joel taught Bible classes at Ankeny Christian Academy to Junior High and High School students for 7 years in Ankeny, Iowa. He is currently enrolled in a Doctorate of Ministry program at Faith Baptist Theological Seminary. He also has an M.A. in Biblical Studies from Faith Baptist Theological Seminary and a B.A. in Bible with a pastoral concentration and minor in Greek from Pensacola Christian College. Outside of family, theology, and teaching, Joel loves coffee, even roasting his own beans!

Shannon H

Leadership

Shanon Hounshell is an attorney at her own small firm. SMH LAW specializes in providing family law services with compassion, patience, and grace. Shanon also serves as President of the nonprofit board for Second Saturday Des Moines, a monthly divorce advice workshop presented by legal, financial, and mental health professionals. She is a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, the International Association of Collaborative Professionals and Iowa Collaborative Divorce, the American, Iowa, and Polk County Bar Associations, Business Networking International, the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, Polk County Women Attorneys, and 100 Women Who Care Ankeny. When Shanon is not working or serving, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, which often involves traveling.

Eric N

Leadership

Eric currently serves as the Associate Director of Investment Operations at the Iowa State University Foundation where he helps manage the $1.5 billion endowment for the benefit of Iowa State University. Eric is a member of Ankeny Baptist Church where he has served as church treasurer as well as chair of the finance committee. He currently enjoys being the AWANA Ministry Leader as well as helping lead the discipleship ministry for men. Eric and his wife Jennifer, along with their six daughters, enjoy being a part of the North Polk School District where Eric coaches the Boys Varsity soccer club.

Grant Booth

Leadership

Grant is a partner at Jacobsen & Company, LLP, a CPA firm in Waukee, Iowa. He has worked there since 2013. Grant enjoys helping businesses and nonprofits navigate their tax and accounting needs. Grant is a member of Ankeny Baptist Church, serving as church treasurer. He also enjoys serving in his church’s AWANA ministry, administrative team, and finance committee. Grant and his wife Jenna have three children and live in Ankeny, Iowa. In addition to his work and service at church, Grant enjoys spending time with his wife and children, taking family trips, and watching his Minnesota Vikings.

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Leadership

Brad Fincham has served as Assistant Pastor of Discipleship at Ankeny Baptist Church since 2014. Previously he served at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA., and Camp Fairwood in Westfield, WI. In addition to his ministry in the church, he enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family.

jason and jill

Leadership

Jason Blunk serves as the Lead Pastor of Ankeny Baptist Church, since May 2022. Previously he served as the Assistant Pastor at Ankeny Baptist Church for 12 years. He graduated from Faith Baptist Bible College in 2004 and Faith Baptist Theological Seminary in 2018. Jason and his wife Jill have four children. They are all active at Grand View Christian School in Des Moines. In addition to his love for his church, he enjoys spending time with his family, coaching (and coaching his kids!), and enjoying the miles of bike paths around the Des Moines metro area.

Brenda_Schilling-014e4453

Leadership

Brenda Schilling has worked with nonprofits since 2002. She is currently employed as the Business Administrator at Ankeny First United Methodist Church in Ankeny, Iowa. Prior to that, Brenda spent eight years as the CFO for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa. She has served on Ankeny Christian Academy’s Education Foundation Board since 2012. Her undergraduate degree is in accounting from Wartburg College. Brenda completed her MBA degree in 2018 with Liberty University. She and her husband, Mark, have lived in Ankeny since 2005 and are members of Ankeny Baptist Church.

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