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First Annual Alumni CEO Dinner
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Panel 1
"Using Your Assets, Talents, and Time For God's Kingdom"
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Nick Vujicic Global Evangelist | Author | Founder, NickV Ministries Born without arms or legs, Nick has become a globally recognized evangelist, speaker, and author, inspiring millions in over 75 countries. Through NickV Ministries, his mission is to share the Gospel with one billion people by 2028 through live events, outreach, and digital media. Few people know that Nick is also a serial entrepreneur and businessman who started trading stock futures at just 18. Nick’s story demonstrates that no obstacle is too great when lived with Christ-centered purpose. He recently launched ProLifeFintech, a state-chartered, faith-based bank created to serve individuals and organizations that share their values. Nick’s story demonstrates that no obstacle is too great when lived with Christ-centered purpose. Bill and Dana Wichterman Authors | Advisors | Faith-Driven Leaders Authors of Stewards, Not Owners: The Joy of Aligning Your Money with Your Faith, Bill and Dana encourage believers to view money and resources as gifts from God to be managed for His glory. Dana serves with the Impact Foundation and sits on the boards of Talanton, Five Talents, and Faith Driven Movements. Bill has built a career in law and politics, including serving as Special Assistant to the President in the White House and co-founding Wedgwood Circle, advancing faith-based culture initiatives. |
Nathan Sheets Entrepreneur | Navy Veteran | Founder, Nature Nate’s Honey Co. Nate Sheets is a fifth-generation Texan, Navy veteran, and successful entrepreneur who built the nation’s top-selling branded honey company from a single backyard hive—rooted in integrity, innovation, and transparency. He has also served in global Christian missions, helping launch the EvangeCube and co-founding I Am Second to share stories of faith and transformation. Nate is currently running for Agricultural Commissioner for the State of Texas. He and his wife Patty live in Frisco, where they attend Providence Church. Mark McClain Entrepreneur | CEO | Faith-Driven Leader Mark McClain is the cofounder and CEO of SailPoint Technologies, a global leader in identity security. With over two decades of entrepreneurial experience, he has been recognized as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and a top-rated CEO by Glassdoor. Mark is passionate about building purpose-driven companies and mentoring the next generation of leaders, combining his deep expertise in leadership, culture, and innovation with a vision rooted in faith and impact. He will also serve as the Keynote Speaker for the evening. |
Don Simmons
CFP® | Founder & CEO, Steward Advisors Group
A CFP® professional for over 35 years, Don leads with deep conviction about aligning investments with faith. He founded Simmons Capital Group, managing nearly a quarter billion dollars, and later authored The Steward Investor. Today, through Steward Advisors Group, he equips followers of Jesus to invest not just for financial security—but for Kingdom impact.
CFP® | Founder & CEO, Steward Advisors Group
A CFP® professional for over 35 years, Don leads with deep conviction about aligning investments with faith. He founded Simmons Capital Group, managing nearly a quarter billion dollars, and later authored The Steward Investor. Today, through Steward Advisors Group, he equips followers of Jesus to invest not just for financial security—but for Kingdom impact.
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Panel 2
"Kingdom Impact in Motion: Alumni CEO Insights"
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Shawn Ring Entrepreneur | Founder & CEO, Avodah + AvodahMed Shawn Ring is the Founder and CEO of Avodah Inc., a fast-growing SaaS company pioneering solutions in healthcare AI and global language translation. With over 30 years of experience in technology, entrepreneurship, and business leadership, he has built national brands, scaled franchise systems, and led nine technology acquisitions, generating more than $130M in revenue growth. With over 30 years of experience in technology and entrepreneurship, Shawn has built national brands, led acquisitions, and generated over $130M in growth. As an Adjunct Professor at Dallas Baptist University, he equips future leaders to integrate faith, business, and innovation for Kingdom impact. Scott Friesen Entrepreneur | Founder & Chairman, Verdant Frontiers Scott is a serial entrepreneur with two decades of experience leading high-growth tech and media ventures in the U.S., including 3 successful exits which briefly led Scott to consider early retirement. But God had other plans, and in 2013 Scott launched Verdant Frontiers to bring generational value to investors, employees, and communities primarily in Africa. Since then his team has built 14 Kingdom-minded ventures worth over $200M with operations in agriculture, real estate, and technology - all African based. David Simnick Entrepreneur | Co-Founder & CEO, Soapbox David is a mission-driven entrepreneur, investor, and board member who has built and scaled multiple purpose-led companies. As CEO and Co-Founder of Soapbox, one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the U.S., he’s led ventures featured on the Inc. 500 list more than ten times. Soapbox products are sold in major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon, and the company has donated over 50 million bars of soap to communities in need through partners such as The Carter Center and The American Red Cross. Beyond Soapbox, David invests in 20+ ventures and is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and using business as a force for good. |
David Payne Entrepreneur | Chief Revenue Officer | Co-Founder, Kentegra David brings a diverse background in product marketing, finance, operations, and early-stage executive leadership. Before co-founding Kentegra, one of the leading manufacturers of organic pesticide, he served in leadership roles at OpenRise Advisory (management consulting), SS&C Primatics (cloud based bank financial systems), Freddie Mac, Deutsche Bank, and PwC. Today, he continues advising startups on growth, scale, and strategy through a redemptive business lens. Quinn Taber Entrepreneur | Founder & CEO, Immerse Named to Forbes 30 Under 30, Quinn leads Immerse, an AI and VR education platform transforming how people learn languages by virtually putting them in the environment where the language is used on a daily basis. Since its founding in 2018, Immerse has raised $25M in venture capital and was selected by Meta as its first preferred education partner in the metaverse. Starting out with a B2C focus, Immerse has transformed its technology using AI to address the B2B market achieving significant acceleration in revenues. Jeff Lamb CEO | Lionheart Children’s Academy Jeff brings over 40 years of executive leadership experience, including key roles at Southwest Airlines, Vari, and The Staubach Company. Known for his servant-leadership approach and passion for people, he has helped shape some of America’s most transformative corporate cultures. As CEO of Lionheart Children’s Academy, Jeff leads a growing, faith-based childcare ministry partnering with churches nationwide to serve more than 2,400 children daily. Under his leadership, Lionheart continues to expand its mission—supporting parents, empowering educators, and sharing the love of Christ through high-quality early education. |