Leadership

Meet Our Team

Our Founder, Reverend Wendell Mettey, grew up in the inner-city of Cincinnati, OH. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in economics, Wendell spent several years as a social worker for Hamilton County, Ohio. He then felt called to be a pastor and obtained a master’s degree in divinity. Rev. Mettey served as Pastor for several churches in the Cincinnati area.

In 1990, Rev. Mettey visited war-torn Nicaragua. Despite his extensive experience with the poor in his hometown, he was shocked to see the devastation and extreme poverty in Nicaragua.

He felt led by God to leave his pastorate and start Matthew 25: Ministries in 1991. Under Reverend Mettey’s tremendous leadership, the ministry has grown from a small suitcase ministry to an international humanitarian and disaster relief organization helping more than 20 million people each year.

Key Leadership

Reverend Wendell Mettey

Reverend Wendell Mettey felt led by God to start Matthew 25: Ministries in 1991, after witnessing extreme poverty in Nicaragua. Under Reverend Mettey’s tremendous leadership, the ministry has grown from a small suitcase ministry to an international humanitarian and disaster relief organization.

Tim Mettey

As CEO of M25M, Tim has developed many of Matthew 25: Ministries’ key programs including the Disaster Response program, several in-house manufacturing and recycling programs, long-term relief and development programs, and more. Under Tim’s leadership, Matthew 25: Ministries has grown significantly and continues to receive high ratings by charity evaluators. Tim is also a top-ranked teen and young adult author.

Board of Directors

Michael is the Founder and President of Brandicorp and has executed hundreds of commercial real estate development projects. He has served as Matthew 25’s Chairman of the Board since 2001, and supports several non-profit charities through his dedicated philanthropic efforts.

Douglas has served as Mayor of the City of Milford and President of the Ohio Land Title Association, and is a Member of the Clermont County and Milford Chambers of Commerce. Doug practices law in Kentucky and Ohio, and is also owner of TechneTitle Agency Inc.

Michelle is Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Cintas and has helped mobilize donations of Cintas supplies for Matthew 25: Ministries' humanitarian aid and disaster response work. She has also attended multiple mission trips with Matthew 25 and has served on our Board since 2018.

Jeanette is an independent consultant specializing in information technology and cyber security, risk management and analysis. She is a passionate advocate for vulnerable people and animals. Jeanette has been involved with Matthew 25 since 1997 and has served as a Board Member since 2019.

Debbie is President and Chief Executive Office of The Christ Hospital Health Network. She has more than 25 years of progressive management and leadership roles, is board certified as a nursing executive and is a tireless advocate for advancing safety and quality in healthcare.

Dr. Don Jones has served as the Founder & Pastor of the World Faith Harvest Fellowship Church for over 22 years. He retired from Matthew 25: Ministries in early 2020 after 15 years of service, and joined the Board of Directors shortly after.

Ron is a veteran who also worked in numerous product supply roles with Procter & Gamble for over 36 years. He currently serves as the Mayor of the City of Montgomery. He has volunteered with numerous charities and has been a M25M volunteer and ambassador for over 10 years.

Dr. Eric is one of our lead physicians on mission trips, having participated in almost every medical mission trip since the Haiti earthquake in 2010. He is a primary care physician with The Christ Hospital Physicians and has served on Matthew 25’s Board since 2014.

Dr. Martha has traveled with Matthew 25: Ministries on multiple international mission trips, sharing her knowledge and expertise with people in need. She provides personalized, primary care to patients in the Greater Cincinnati area as one of the Christ Hospital Physicians.

Karen began working at Matthew 25 in 2007, writing content for the ministry website and advanced through various roles within the organization to the position of Vice President. During her time as a staff member, Karen contributed to many exciting programs and outreaches. In 2023, Karen transitioned to a Board Member.

After his service in the U.S. Army, Jim established himself as a businessman and entrepreneur, both owning and operating car washes. He is now retired after more than 30 years in the business sector. Jim has been a friend and supporter of Matthew 25 since the early years, faithfully serving as a volunteer and Board Member.

Dr. Mike has been a part of Matthew 25: Ministries since 1992. Dr. Mike frequently travels with Matthew 25 on mission trips, providing medical care to those in need, and serves as the US Medical Advisor to Belvi: the Nancy Oppito Center for Family Health in Haiti.

Harry is the President of Union Savings Bank and has been a member of Matthew 25's Board of Directors since 1991. Our on-site cafe, Mrs. Yeaggy’s Kitchen and Gathering Place, is dedicated in his mother's honor, whose home was always a welcoming place for family and dear friends.

Emeritus

Don served on Matthew 25’s Board from 2005–2020, and has been involved in the ministry since 1991. Don has also connected Matthew 25 with many businesses and individuals who have become strong supporters of our work.

Glenn served on Matthew 25’s Board from 2004–2020. He was a valued member of Matthew 25’s volunteer corps since 1991, and also traveled with Matthew 25 on many mission trips to Nicaragua. Glenn is also a member of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

Linda has unique experience as both a CPA with tax expertise and as a seasoned business owner. Committed to community service, she has held numerous local, state, and national leadership positions in charities, professional groups, and community organizations. Linda served as a Matthew 25 board member from September 2005 to July 2024.

Sherly Obregon

Nicaraguan Representative

Honorary Board Members

Joe Wambach

Joe was a faithful friend to founder Reverend Wendell Mettey and to Matthew 25: Ministries. Joe attended Walnut Hills Baptist Church where Reverend Mettey served as Senior Pastor. Joe was instrumental in the establishment of Matthew: 25 Ministries and in strengthening a relationship for Matthew 25 with the Denton Program, which provided early transportation assistance to the ministry. Joe assisted with early communications and photographed many of the early moments of Matthew 25: Ministries. Joe passed away in 2005 and his memory is carried on daily through the work of Matthew 25: Ministries.

Dr. Axel Sobalvarro
Nicaraguan Medical Representative

Axel and his wife Sherly became good friends with founder Reverend Mettey and his wife Mickey while staying at their home so Axel could receive medical treatment in Cincinnati. After returning to Nicaragua, Axel became the Nicaraguan Medical Representative for Matthew 25, serving as liaison between the ministry, medical institutions in Nicaragua and the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health. Axel’s invaluable support helped Matthew 25 to more effectively provide millions of pounds of desperately needed aid to hospitals and care centers in Nicaragua. Axel passed away in 2019 and is fondly remembered for his kindness, generosity and care for those in need.

Senior Management

Joodi manages special programs that fall outside general humanitarian aid and disaster relief and serves as a relationship liaison with the general public. She is also part of the publishing, event, development and marketing teams.

Patty began at Matthew 25: Ministries in 1995 as the first paid employee at the organization. She manages in-kind (product) donations from the time they arrive at the dock to when they are shipped to a recipient partner in the U.S. or around the world.

Butch helps lead Matthew 25: Ministries’ finance team as the Chief Financial Officer and feels blessed to be able to work with the many donors and supporters every day to serve those in need around the world.

Barbie has always had a heart for helping people and handles all of the day to day operations for Matthew 25: Ministries’ staff, develops and implements policies and procedures, and helps create a welcoming environment for all.

Ben has been involved in the Disaster Relief Program since he first started with the ministry in 2010. Throughout this time, Ben has witnessed first-hand how the hard work and generosity of so many can truly impact the life of someone recovering from a disaster.

Caityn has always had a passion for helping others and is blessed to be able to provide support to our incredible staff who are at the heart of our mission. She prides herself in prioritizing the well-being and safety of our staff, volunteers, and guests. Outside of work, she finds joy in spending quality time with family.

Gracie Simmons

Director of Strategic Partnerships and Planning

Gracie has always had a heart for honoring the Lord through serving others and now works with Matthew 25: Ministries’ partner organizations to help ensure we ship the types of items they require to best serve those in need in their areas.

Jonnae Staunton

Director of Finance

Jonnae is the Director of Finance at Matthew 25: Ministries. She loves the Lord and serves in any capacity that is needed for the ministry.

Katie Canfield

Director of Disaster Relief

Katie works with communities and partners impacted by disasters. She assists through both short term and long term recovery efforts, and is moved by witnessing how communities come together in times of need.

Michelle Jones

Director of Communications

Michelle serves as the Director of Communications at Matthew 25: Ministries, overseeing the organization's internal and external communications. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling during her free time.

Mark Creamer

Director of IT Operations

Mark is the Director of IT Operations at Matthew 25: Ministries. Mark holds several IT Industry Certifications and has over 30 years of experience managing networks. He and his wife enjoy traveling and photographing wildlife.