Board Members
Jeff
Austin
Jeff Austin is the founding pastor of Real Life Church in Vancouver Washington. "I love Jesus, I believe everyone’s life is immeasurably better when they have a living relationship with Jesus. God is always actively pursuing every person and he uses His children to show love, grace and truth as a bridge into peoples’ lives. I have a degree in finance and economics, and 7 years working in the marketplace and serving God there before becoming a pastor. God uses all of this to help reach people He loves. Best business practices are vital in ministry to maximize opportunity. This is a great time to serve God. Hope and love have never been more needed. I love creative ways to reach people."
Shannon
Coughlin
Shannon has made his mark as a successful businessman. He currently owns and operates four restaurants in Kentucky and Indiana with a fifth one opening this fall. We are excited to bring his business acumen to Rising Above Daily. Shannon is a longtime childhood friend of Ehren and has been pivotal in some of the decisions the Plummers have had to make over the years. Shannon is married to Lindy and they have three sons, two of them are attending Western Kentucky University. Shannon currently sits on the board of United Community Bank and is active in shaping decisions by his local government. Shannon demands the best out of his hundreds of employees and is also known for his kindness and generosity towards others in his community.
Frank
Dunn
Frank Dunn has invested in his education of a Master’s in Business Administration, A graduate student from Western Washington University. Frank has a wide range of experience in successful business ventures, supporting the arts, culture, Cherokee language revitalization, and implementing change for all people. Frank worked for a national foundation the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation where he has experience in revitalization of the arts, language, and Native American Culture. Frank serves as a board of directors for the Manna Food Bank, who serves 16 counties in Western North Carolina and was a key player in bringing the food to Cherokee, NC. Frank serves on the police commission for the Wolftown/Big Y Community. Frank has served the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through working jobs in Project Management and Tribal Food Distribution Program. More recently, Frank was instrumental in securing over 5 million dollars in grants for the construction of a new tribal foods building. More importantly, Frank has a love for God and was on staff with Young Life. Frank is looking forward to serving on this board and bridging the gap, so that children can learn and experience Jesus spirit and experience the importance of living a life for God.
Earl
Fonville
As a former Mentor for Friends of the Children, Youth Minister at the Well Community Church, and currently a 20 year public school veteran in Title 1 schools, Earl Fonville has spent the majority of his adult life serving youth of all ages. His passions in life include mentoring and relationship building and using entrepreneurial endeavors to give kids life skills. Earl has also volunteered to serve the community on the board at Bridgetown Ministries, which served the houseless in Portland. He was a TIP volunteer who served alongside police, fire and medical examiners. Serving the community in their most vulnerable and painful times in life. He remains active in the community at his church by serving his neighbors and having community. Being a bridge among cultures is central to his being. Seeing all cultures thriving is his mission in life.
Steve
Milholen
Steve Milholen is currently a financial services professional living in Camas, WA. He has a passion for working with kids through coaching various sports and leading Young Life groups. He is excited to be a part of Rising Above Daily and looks forward to contributing to the mission of the organization and to the youth that will benefit from its existence. It is critical that these kids have a safe and nurturing environment. Steve is married to Angie and they have three sons, Quaid, Grady and Seager
Jeff
Schafer
Jeff has always been passionate about the financial industry and has worked at Morgan Stanley and TriLinc (a leading impact investing fund sponsor), while spending the majority of his time, 19 years, with CNL, a leading alternative investment asset manager. Jeff served in multiple senior leadership roles, and as President, led his team in raising nearly $9 billion in capital for investments in real estate, private equity, and private credit. During his 19 years at CNL he was part of forming and launching eight public non-traded REITs, multiple private placements, and a public nontraded BDC in partnership with leading investment managers such as CBRE, KKR, and Macquarie. Jeff was a leader in the alternative investment industry that expanded from $500 million annually to over $20 billion.
Randy
Walker
Randy has been married to his wife, Sherrene for 47 years. They have two married daughters and five grandchildren. Randy is an educator who taught at the junior high, middle school and high school levels. Randy taught for 42 years and coached for over 30 years. Randy has always had a passion for ministering to the youth, seeing them come to know the Lord, and discipling them. He and his wife have been involved in leading many Bible studies, small groups and youth camps and retreats. One of their most precious blessings was seeing Ehren Plummer come to know the Lord, grow in the Lord, and now share his love and faith in the Lord with the youth.
Randy is excited to minister with Ehren and Kia and see what God is going to do through Rising Above Daily's ministry.
