Danny Phillips – Board Chairman
Danny is the
current owner of Diamond P Ranch, a registered Texas Longhorn cattle
operation in East Texas. He is involved in various philanthropic
activities as well as managing his own investments. Danny also
serves on the boards of Abilene Christian University and Matthew 28
Global Ministries. He graduated from Abilene Christian University
with a B.B.A in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant
licensed in the State of Texas. He currently serves on the
Fundraising and Financial Stewardship Committees.
Jacob Schneider – Secretary
Jake
has worked with the Fortress YDC in a board capacity since its
inception in 2005. His wife Abbie and their two children are
actively involved in Sunday JAM. Jake's love for this type of
ministry began while working as a counselor at an at-risk youth
summer camp, Camp of the Hills. He is currently an Investment
Advisor with JPMorgan's Private Client Services where he has worked
for the last 6yrs. He currently serves as the Chair of Fundraising
Committee.
James Mihills – Treasurer
Jamie is a Vice
President for Matthew 28 Global Ministries where he is responsible
for administrative, accounting/reporting, and educational
activities. He is a CPA with over 13 years experience in accounting
and banking fields. He has been involved with a variety of
nonprofit organizations in accounting, reporting, and funding
capacities. He serves as the Chair of Financial Stewardship
Committee.
Michael Thames – Executive Director
Michael has
worked with inner city children
and youth for almost 10 years.
He
served as youth minister for
Fortress Church of Christ from
1999-2005 and helped launch Fortress
Youth Development Center in 2005.
He has a calling and passion to see
God transform the lives of at-risk
youth and to help equip each of them
to reach their potential as a child
of God.
He is blessed with a beautiful wife,
Cara, who serves alongside him, and
two healthy boys, Tristan (7) and
Brendan (3). He enjoys reading,
fishing and camping with his family.
He has a BA in Kinesiology from the
University of Texas at Arlington.
Darren Kocur
Darren Kocur is a
committed husband and father with a passion for youth mentoring and
outreach. He and his wife Stacy volunteered in youth ministry and
education with their local church for many years before moving to
Fortress to commit their efforts to the youth of the inner city. As
a Fortress church member, he helped organize Fortress YDC and has
served on the board since its inception. He is employed as a Senior
Systems Engineer with Thomson Tax and Accounting.
Kyle Bower
Kyle is a
Director of Solutions for SAP America, the world's largest provider
of business software applications. He holds a B.B.A. in Finance and
Real Estate as well as an M.B.A . from the University of Texas at
Arlington. Now in his second year as a Fortress Board member, Kyle
initially became involved with the organization through volunteer
efforts by his home congregation. Kyle has a long history of youth
involvement (having served as a Junior and Senior High School
teacher/leader for several years), and remains passionate about
serving the spiritual and practical needs of area youth. He
currently serves on the Capital Committee and the Board Development
Committee.