Board of Directors
Bill Merry
Bill serves as our Chairman of the Board and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2000. He is a graduate of Tennessee Tech University with a Bachelors degree in Marketing. He and his wife, Julia, have two children, Kensley and Connor. An active member of Crieve Hall church of Christ, he is currently serving as a deacon and is on the missions committee. Bill has traveled to Cuba, Mexico, and the Ivory Coast on mission and relief trips.
Dr. Sidney Allen, DVM
Dr. Allen founded Rapha International which merged with Healing Hands International in 2010. Currently, he serves as a member of the Board of Directors at HHI. Dr. Allen's career has given him a variety of experiences including working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. He also spent 14 years as an agriculture missionary to the Republic of South Korea before ending his career working specifically in the field of veterinary medicine. He and his wife, Jenetta, have 3 children and 8 grandchildren.
Bruce Beck
Bruce A Beck is a Shareholder in the LBMC tax practice. He has over thirty years of diversified experience including individual/tax planning, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, printing and publishing. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Personal Financial Specialist. Bruce's previous experience includes practicing with the Nashville office of a National accounting firm from 1984-1995. He is a graduate of Lipscomb University. He is active in his community and continues to support many professional and civic organizations. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross-Nashville Chapter. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Bruce resides in Brentwood and his wife and two children and are members at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ.
Keith C. Cuthrell, Jr.
Keith has been a lawyer with Willcox & Savage P.C. in Norfolk, Virginia since graduating from Harvard Law School in 1979. He also owns and manages Bay Housing, LLC, Wolf Trap Farm, Riverside Mill and several other business ventures. Keith and his wife, Deborah, have three married adult children and four grandchildren so far. Keith has served as an Elder of Norfolk church of Christ for more than fifteen years and is President of Idlewild Christian Endeavors, Inc., a Christian camp serving Eastern Virginia.
Dr. Bennie Harris
Bennie Harris, Ph.D. is the Senior Vice President and leads Institutional Advancement/Marketing and Communications for the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. He is responsible for providing executive leadership to the offices of institutional advancement, marketing and communications and external affairs there.
Burt Nowers
Burt has been involved with Healing Hands International since 2005 when he began serving on our Board of Directors, serving as both Board Treasurer and Chairman of the Audit Committee. He served as the President from 2012-2016. A graduate of Lipscomb University, Burt is a CPA and one of the founders of AIM Healthcare Services in Franklin where he spent 14 years as Chief Financial Officer. He and his wife Lisa have been married for more than 30 years and they have three grown children. Burt serves as an elder of the church and is also on the Board of Directors for the Central European Christian Education Foundation.
Dr. Margaret Perry
Dr. Perry is Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Tennessee at Martin. She served as Chancellor for almost 12 years, having served for more than 30 years in university work in Tennessee. Her PhD is from UTK in Nutrition and Food Science. Interest in international work has been a priority in her education work throughout her career and interest in international missions programs and programs related to women have occupied much of her volunteer work since retirement. She has a special interest in nutrition and health, especially as it relates to women and children. She serves on several philanthropic and volunteer organization boards throughout Tennessee. She and her husband, Dr. Randy Perry, attend Brentwood Hills church of Christ where he serves as an elder.
Sandy Perry
Sandy graduated from Lipscomb University in 1982 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. That same year, she married professional golfer, Kenny Perry, and they have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. They own and operate Kenny Perry's Country Creek Golf course. She served 1 term on the Lipscomb Board of Trustees. Sandy enjoys traveling to tournaments with Kenny where she coordinates the weekly devotionals for the PGA Tour Champions' players.
In her hometown of Franklin, KY, she has served on the Tourism board, Project Graduation and Ambassadors. Being active at the Franklin Church of Christ and helping over 30 teens from their county to attend LU through their scholarships are very fulfilling for the Perry family. Sandy's favorite program within Healing Hands International is the M.A.G.I. Project.
Dr. Doug Peters
Dr. Doug Peters joined our Board of Directors in the summer of 2012. He has served as Senior Minister at the North Davis church of Christ in Arlington, TX since 2001. Doug received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Bible and Ministry from Abilene Christian University. He completed the ACU Doctor of Ministry degree in 2006. He has served on ACU's Alumni Advisory Board as the past President and was the past Chair of the Visiting Committee for the ACU Department of Bible Missions and Ministry. Doug and his wife Sheryl have been married for almost 30 years and they have two daughters, Alani and Lauren.
Dr. Randy Steger
Randy is a retired professor of business administration at Lipscomb University where he was a member of the faculty since 1983. He has more than 30 years of experience in the business world. As a former top executive in a successful small business, he has made the classroom a real-life experience for students. He is the Founder of Healing Hands International and served as its President for more than 20 years. He currently serves on our Board and is on the Board of Directors for several other organizations. His family includes his wife Chris who is a Medical Doctor and his three children, Brandy (foster daughter), Daniel and Lydia.
Our Staff
Art Woods
Art began serving as President in November 2016. A graduate of Harding University, Art began his professional life as a corporate buyer for Dillards Department Stores using his marketing and accounting education. For the past twenty eight years, Art has worked with christian ministries and schools to grow their programs and connect passionate donors to things that truly make an eternal impact. Prior to Healing Hands International, Art has been part of the leadership team for AGAPE, Lipscomb Academy, and worked as a grassroots fundraiser at Harding University. Art and his wife, Kim, are parents to three adult sons, two daughters by marriage, and love spending time with their two grandsons.
Chris Gingles
Chris became the Vice President of Healing Hands International in 2009. Currently, he is our Chief Financial Officer, serving as a volunteer. From 1991 to 1993, he was the first Transportation Coordinator. Chris, a Certified Public Accountant, previously was the CFO for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and also retired from the U.S. Army after a 33 year career. Chris served as an elder at his congregation for 17 years and has been married to Anne for almost 50 years. They have two children and two grandchildren.
Carl Burkybile
Carl became Healing Hands International's Director of Agriculture in December 2011. He is working to expand the network of people and financial supporters interested in teaching hungry people how to increase their food production and preservation. Carl has 32 years of experience as a high school agriculture and shop teacher. He has served as vocational director and co-authored 2 agricultural mechanics textbooks. In addition to several mission trips within the U.S., he has helped build a children's home in Honduras and served the last 15 years as the Director of HHI's sister organization, Caring for Kenya. Carl serves as an elder of his congregation and has been married to Ruth Ann for more than 40 years. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
Dr. Seth Carmody
Seth came to Healing Hands International in 2006 after teaching for 41 years at Southeast Missouri State University, Illinois State University, and Lipscomb University. He solicits used computer hardware from companies and individuals and refurbishes them so HHI can provide computer systems to schools, orphanages, and missionaries.
Jason Carroll
Jason started working with our water program in 2017. He and his wife Jennifer, along with their children live in Haiti full time. They have a passionate heart for missions and excited about the work God has placed in front of them.
Rita Cochrane
Rita was born and raised in Nashville, TN and attended Lipscomb from first grade through university. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and taught at Lipscomb Academy Middle School for 22 years until retiring. Rita is married to Michael who serves as an elder at the Granny White Church of Christ congregation. They have three children, four grandchildren, and serve as legal guardians to a young lady from China. Rita is active in her congregation, teaching ladies’ classes, serving on the worship committee, and helping with the Women’s Ministry program. She enjoys traveling and has visited six continents.
Chris Gannon
Chris started working for Healing Hands International in 2017. He manages our warehouse and is in charge of international shipping. In addition to his warehouse responsibilities, he shoots and produces videos for HHI. He is licensed as a pilot, forklift certified, and a Nashville Predators hockey fan. He and his wife Emily, along with their 2 boys live in Lebanon, TN.
David Heffington
David has been working for Healing Hands International since 1998 and is a member of our Community Relations staff. He has traveled extensively across the U.S. and throughout the world telling our story. Look for him at conferences and lectureships throughout the year. He and his wife Nancy have six children, four of whom are married and fourteen grandchildren.
Cindy Herring, R.N.
Cindy began her work with Healing Hands International in 2000. Our own "Warehouse Nurse," Cindy is our Medical Supplies Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator. Her many years of experience in home health have helped to prepare her for many trips around the world working through our Medical Relief programs. She also heads up the M.A.G.I. Project that delivers thousands of Christmas presents every year. Cindy has been married to Greg Herring for more than 40 years and they have two married children and four grandchildren. Cindy enjoys spending time with friends, cross stitching, and encouraging youth in service to God.
Brandi Huddleston
Brandi Huddleston began her journey with us in 2012 as a ministry partner. As the founder of the Sewing For Jesus Ministry she supported the needs of our M.A.G.I. Box Program. A year later she and her ministry officially joined Healing Hands International. Brandi manages the daily operations of our Texas office, volunteer center, and ministry programs. She is passionate about making a Godly impact in the lives of others. Brandi's favorite scripture is 1 John 4: 16 "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
Sean Judge
A graduate of Harding University, Sean has been working at HHI since 2007. He is our director of Walk4Water, which is fitting since Sean and his wife Kristin actually met at a Walk4Water event in 2014. They live in Nashville, TN with their dog, Ollie.
Curt King
Curt began working for Healing Hands International in 2010 as our Field Director/Driller. He is responsible for drilling water wells in countries such as Haiti and Ethiopia and handles pump installation, maintenance and training equipment operation. His drilling career started in 1979 and he has worked in areas such as Kenya, Sudan, and the Dominican Republic. He is certified in all required categories with the National Ground Water Association and a Certified Well Driller and Pump Installer. Curt travels with his wife Mary, R.N. and they have three children and seven grandchildren.
Caleb McCurry
Caleb joined the Healing Hands team in 2017. He will be working as one of our Coordinators for Walk4Water and M.A.G.I.. Caleb is a 2015 graduate of Harding University and is from the Branson, Missouri area. He brings a lot to the team with his outgoing, genuine, and passionate spirit.
Jana Owen
Jana began working at Healing Hands International in 2013 but has served on the committee for the Women of Hope conference from the beginning and has led worship each year. Jana graduated from Abilene Christian University and has a background in Project Management, Event Planning and Organizational Communication. In her free time, she loves to sing, speak at women’s retreats and has traveled with Come before Winter (CbW), a non-profit organization focused on supporting women in ministry around the world. Jana, her husband Kevin, and their three boys live in Lebanon where Kevin serves as a preaching minister.
Brandon Post
Brandon started working at Healing Hands International in 2005 and is our Director of Information Systems. He graduated from Freed-Hardeman in 2003 with a Bible major and a minor in Computer Science and previously worked as an Involvement Minister. Outside of his work at HHI, he is very involved in outreach to inner-city youth in Nashville.
Maeva Ralafiarindaza
Maeva started working at Healing Hands International in 2012. He graduated from Lipscomb University with a Bachelors degree in Information Technology Management and a Masters of Science in Information Security. He is from Madagascar. He is passionate about technology, data science, music and enjoys mentoring and sharing the wisdom of God.
Ashley Reeves
Ashley is originally from Nashville, TN. She graduated from Harding University in 2011 with a Bachelors degree in Graphic Design and a minor in Missions. Here at Healing Hands International, she coordinates the design and production of our print materials and video, writes for the blog and newsletter, and photographs our events. Ashley is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus and enjoys being outdoors, painting, and gardening.
Scott Saunders
Scott began his work as a Development Officer with Healing Hands International in 2010. Following a 7 year career in the insurance industry, he began his work in 1985 as a Development Officer with Lipscomb University. He became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM in 1990 and utilizes this knowledge to help donors with their estate and charitable planning. Scott has been married to his wife Susan for more than 30 years and they have three children and four grandchildren.
Joseph Smith
Joseph began working for Healing Hands International in 1999 after graduating from Lipscomb University. As our Director of Operations, he coordinates our international shipping of cargo to missionaries and churches around the globe. In addition, Joe is responsible for the coordination of our Potable Water Projects, which include drilling wells, water filtration and rain water harvesting. He and his wife Ruth have a daughter named Meredith.
Linda Smith
Linda joined the Healing Hands family in September 2013 as an Administrative Assistant after retiring from a 34-year public school teaching career. A lifelong love for mission work led her to volunteer at Healing Hands International in January 2010. Linda continues to be blessed to work with the missions at Healing Hands and is honored to help promote empowerment and sustainability in other countries. Linda is married to Wayland and has four sons and six grandchildren. She loves to fellowship with family and friends, enjoys traveling and delights in a hearty laugh.
Ebenezer Udofia
Ebenezer began working with Healing Hands International in 2008 and served as our Agricultural Representative to Africa. Ebenezer's love for the Lord and his willingness to serve in this capacity was apparent from the beginning and in 2009 he was named the Director of African Agriculture. He currently travels throughout Africa conducting Food Sustainability Workshops where he trains community leaders in techniques for sustainable food production and preservation skills. Ebenezer and his wonderful wife Regina have one daughter and one son.
Ron White
Ron has been a part of the Community Relations staff since 2004. He and his wife Donna have traveled throughout the U.S. telling Healing Hands International's exciting stories to churches and community groups. Ron says after more than 45 years of fulltime preaching, "I am engaged in my most exciting and meaningful ministry yet." Ron has served as an elder of the church for more than 28 years. The Whites have three married children, seven grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter.