Advisors

[THE ADVISORS]

These wise and God-fearing people serve as counsel for the ministry and creative work of set apart.

TRACY TAYLOR [Business + Strategy]

Tracy is a business guy by education and experience (corporate and entrepreneur.) He was involved in a start-up that became a Fortune 100 company, and later built and sold an oil and gas company in the Panhandle of Texas. He and his wife Kim are co-founders of a one-of-a-kind discipleship ministry in Amarillo, TX called LIfeTree Legacies where they are redeeming young lives for good. Tracy is all-in for ministry and excited to make a difference for God’s Kingdom.

LARRY POWELL [Stewardship + Generosity]

After earning a BBA in 1970 and an MBA in 1972 from Baylor University, Larry Powell began a long career in the financial industry working for several financial institutions in Texas and Kansas. He is the co-founder and senior partner of Fountain Capital Management, an investment management firm based in Overland Park, Kansas with $2 billion under management. After more than 35 years in the investment arena, Larry announced his departure from Fountain in 2008 to reinvest the rest of his life in furthering God's Kingdom. Larry and his wife Mandy met at church and were married in 2000. They have five daughters: 19 year old twins and three younger sisters adopted from The Congo in 2013.

CONNIE HOUGLAND [Sustainability + Fundraising]

Connie has been a part of National Christian Foundation Heartland since its inception in 2000. As Senior Vice President of Ministry Services, she works with individuals, families, and companies who desire to make their giving strategic, yet simple. More specifically, she works with non-profit organizations and churches who desire to better serve their donors. She is passionate about teaching, coaching, and consulting in the areas of Biblical fundraising and sustainable ministry. In 2016, Connie launched Compel Academy, an online training platform for non-profits. Connie has four children: Brittany, Caleb (Andrea), Brennen (Jennifer), and Carmen; as well as four grandsons. Connie enjoys scoring a sweet deal at the mall, playing with her grandkids, and cheering for all Kansas sports–including the Jayhawks! Rock Chalk!

ROY LESSIN [Spiritual + Teaching]

Roy has dedicated his life to ministry. For 50 years, he has been studying and teaching others what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit. As an author of more than 70 gift and devotional books, his words have ministered to countless people over the years in a variety of personal and professional venues. In 1971, Roy, along with three other Christian men started a Christian publishing company that grew to become DaySpring Cards -- a global leader in Christian cards, gifts and inspirational products. Roy spent many years there in various creative and editorial roles bringing hope and encouragement to the body of Christ.

BRENT HARRIS [Creativity + Design]

Brent spent his 39 year career in the field of graphic design. Thirty-five of those years were spent at Hallmark Cards in various design and art director positions where he worked on various print, 3D and brand identity projects. During that time, he received over 150 design awards and was chosen to represent the company on several prestigious projects: he was selected twice to design the corporate Hallmark Christmas gift for owner Don Hall, Sr; he was asked to create the Hallmark birthday card for U.S. president George Bush, Sr; and he was tasked with creating the design look across all Hallmark products and projects for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Brent retired from Hallmark as a master designer and at the top of his field. In retirement, he continues to enjoy his God-given gift in graphic design and digital painting. He and his wife reside in Blue Springs, Missouri.

DR. BRETT WOODS [Psychology + Counseling]

Brett Woods earned his PhD in Counseling and Sport Psychology from the University of Missouri. Prior to MU, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Baker University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Minor in English. Brett was a member of the Baker University football team. Brett is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He is also a sport psychologist with The University of Kansas Health System. He joined KU in 2022 after spending six years as assistant director of sport psychology in the athletics department at the University of Nebraska. Brett sees his faith as the guiding light in his professional and personal development—“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.