OUR Leadership
Jim Showers
Executive Director / President
Jim oversees and directs all aspects of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. He leads bi-annual tours to Israel, serves as a conference teacher, and leads the overall strategic vision for the ministry. He earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Baptist Bible Seminary. Since 2002, he has served with FOI—first as the director of finance, treasurer, and chief financial officer. In 2012, he became executive director of this historic Jewish ministry. Jim is motivated by his love for the Jewish people and desire to effectively share the truth of God’s Word about the Messiah and His plan for Israel.
Steve H. Conover
Executive Vice President / Chief Operating Officer
Steve serves alongside Jim in facilitating FOI’s major developments and processes. He also directs the Media Ministries department and serves as executive producer and co-host of The Friends of Israel Today radio program. He graduated from The Friends of Israel’s Institute of Biblical Studies and holds a bachelor’s degree in Bible with a minor in communication. He is pursuing his master’s degree in leadership studies. Steve seeks to glorify God by serving others through strategic planning, encouraging team goals, and ongoing growth opportunities.
John Wilcox
Vice President of Finance / Chief Financial Officer
John oversees the Accounting, Finance, and Human Resources departments and serves as treasurer of the board of trustees. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rutgers University, his bachelor’s in music from Glassboro State College, and his Master of Business Administration degree in finance from LaSalle University. Since 2012, John has sought to innovate and improve FOI’s financial efficiency to the glory of God.
Tom Geoghan
Vice President for Ministry Advancement
Tom leads FOI’s Advancement team and establishes lasting relationships with our donors. He is a graduate of The Friends of Israel’s Institute of Biblical Studies and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from American University. He was instrumental in raising funds for FOI’s medical clinic in Argentina and for the Jerusalem Assembly in Israel. Tom desires to see FOI become the most trusted resource for Christians regarding Israel while building fruitful relationships with donors to meet the needs of our ministry.
Steve Herzig
North American Ministries Director
Steve leads FOI’s ministry in the United States and Canada. He is an author and conference speaker with bachelor’s degrees from Kent State University and Cairn University. He has organized our ministry staff and leadership throughout North America, created opportunities for support raising, and strengthened our relationships with Jewish communities. Steve’s goal is to serve and reach the Jewish people while equipping future leadership to serve in North American Ministries.
Mike Stallard
International Ministries Director
Mike represents FOI throughout the world and works to expand the ministry into more countries. He teaches in churches, schools, and other forums about God’s Word concerning Israel and the Jewish people. He has earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama Huntsville, Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Seminary, and his Master of Sacred Theology and Doctor of Philosophy from Dallas Theological Seminary. Mike seeks to expand FOI’s International Ministry throughout the world while growing his personal outreach to the Jewish people God places in his life.
Lisa Small
Director of Publications
Lisa manages the production and distribution of FOI literature and print materials while leading the Ministry Services and Shipping department teams. She graduated from the ministry’s Institute of Jewish Studies (formerly known as the Institute of Biblical Studies). She produces content that assists people in a better understanding of God and His Word. Lisa’s desire is for Christians to be firmly grounded in Scripture to live a life pleasing to the Lord.
Daniel Pearson
Director of Information Services
Dan handles FOI’s networking, telephony, and computer hardware and software selection and support. He gained his bachelor’s degree in Bible and communication from Miami Christian College and his master’s degree in communication from the University of Miami. He has managed network migration and advanced FOI into cloud-based systems. Dan strives to implement the best technology solutions to accomplish our ministry’s goals.
Karen Katulka
Director of Marketing and Communication
Karen fosters the brand and voice of FOI by creating compelling content and promotions. She is a published author with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary. She implements marketing campaigns that highlight the ministry’s important work worldwide. Karen hopes to reach a new generation of believers by connecting FOI to those who love God’s Word and His promised plan for Israel.
Tom Gallione
Director of Digital and Web Experience
Tom manages FOI’s online web presence while serving as associate producer of The Friends of Israel Today radio program. He earned his bachelor’s degrees in Bible and music from Cairn University and graduated from The Friends of Israel’s Institute of Biblical Studies. He strategically identifies and implements digital, video, and web-related solutions throughout the Media department. Tom aims to discover new ways to bring the truth of God’s Word and the mission of FOI to more people with both beauty and creativity.
Amy Hansen
Director of Ministry Support
Amy engages new donors, encourages current donors, and leads fundraising strategies for FOI’s outreaches. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the University of Akron. She has developed FOI’s donor acquisition campaigns and email series, created annual reports for global ministry, and built relationships with Jewish organizations. Amy hopes to support the Lord’s plan for our ministry by developing lasting relationships with our supporters.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
On April 7, 2020 The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry lost a revered colleague and friend, James P. MacLean.
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CHAIRMAN
Mr. David R. Benner
Retired, Airport Design Engineer
Urban Engineers, Inc.
VICE CHAIRMAN
Mr. Laurence H. Murray
Retired, President
Heick Die Casting Corporation
SECRETARY
Mr. William (Bill) King
President
The Nova Group Inc.,
HR & Leadership Consulting
Dr. Daniel L. Anderson
President
Appalachian Bible College
Mr. Jonathan W. Glock
Trust Officer
Believers Stewardship Services, Inc.
Mr. Kenneth W. Murray
Retired, Vice President for Audit Services
& Chief Ethics Officer
The Quaker Oats Company
Rev. Dean E. Good
Pastor
Grace Church of North Olmsted, OH
Mr. Robert C. Sullivan
President/CEO
Believers Stewardship Services, Inc.
Dr. Randall Price
Founder/President of World of the Bible Ministries, Inc.
Distinguished Research Professor and Executive Director Center for Judaic Studies at Liberty University
Dr. Jim Vogel
Network Executive Director
Northeast Fellowship
PRESIDENT
Dr. James A. Showers
Executive Director
The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry
Rev. William E. Sutter
Former Executive Director
The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry
EMERITUS TRUSTEE
Rev. Elwood McQuaid
Former Executive Director
The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry
EMERITUS TRUSTEE
Dr. Charles F. Scheide, Sr.
Retired, Pastor 34 years
Retired, Dean
Word of Life Bible Institute
EMERITUS TRUSTEE
Mr. Philip G. Brodsky
Partner
Scripture Truth Book Company
EMERITUS TRUSTEE
Dr. W. Sherrill Babb
President Emeritus
Cairn University
