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“Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.”

Proverbs 16:3

 

The board of Partners in Christ is a working board, with members actively invested and involved in financial support, humanitarian aid, and spiritual discipleship with our grantees.

Board members have led the development, management, and strategic leadership of the organization since its inception.

 

Our Current Board of Directors

 

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Carl Key, Founder and Chair Emeritus

Beginning in 1980, Carl has been dedicated to the educational, physical, and spiritual support of the people of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. He was instrumental in funding the first mission trip to the Dominican Republic, to work in Caballona with Haitian Immigrants.He helped to launch the Christian school Colegio Cristiano LOGOS in Santo Domingo, launching his lifelong work with education on the island. Carl became the Administrative Director for LOGOS in 1987, upon moving to Santo Domingo with his wife. Pat Key.As Founder and Chair Emeritus of Partners in Christ, Carl remains instrumental in leading the strategy and planning of funding programs and inspires mission teams annually for volunteer work.

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Lisa Young, President of the Partners in Christ Board of Directors

Lisa took her first mission trip to Juan Tomas in 2013 and fell in love with the heart of the people and the service they provide to their community. She joined the board of Partners in Christ in 2019 and took on the role of President of the Board in 2020.A graduate of Pensacola Christian School with a bachelor's degree in Nursing, an advanced degree from Ohio State University, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Duquesne University.  She currently is a professor in the nursing program at Ashland University.She believes that medicine is a wonderful avenue to encourage people to come and hear the Gospel and considers it a privilege to be able to minister in the area on a routine basis and to serve the Lord in Juan Thomas with medical mission trips.

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Eric Key, Treasurer of the Partners in Christ Board of Directors

Eric Key joined his father Carl on the first mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 1981 and continued to mission to Juan Tomas and other locations, meeting his wife Sharon on one such trip in 1986. Their children, Lauren, Aaron, and Benjamin have all carried on the family calling of mission work in the island. Eric graduated from Taylor University in 1986 with a degree in accounting. As treasurer he oversees and manages the financial sustainability of the organization and guides the development of budgeting for grant programs and other funds.

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Dave Connell, Vice President of the Partners in Christ Board of Directors

Dave, along with his wife Stephanie, and his three children Melina, Celia, and Will, had sponsored students in Juan Tomas through Partners in Christ for many years before visiting Haiti in 2010 and the Dominican Republic in 2014. The trips established a deep appreciation of both the need and the love that exist in the communities Partners in Christ serves. In his board role for Partners in Christ, Dave utilizes his many years of expertise and experience in Business Development and Strategy. He holds an Electrical Engineering degree from Ohio State University, with advanced education at University of Milwaukee Wisconsin and Liberty University. Dave is inspired by the hand of God at work, coordinating the body of Christ from across the Americas to raise up a people to exalt his name and expand his kingdom.

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Pastor Lester Flaquer, Vice President of the Partners in Christ Board of Directors

Lester joined the board of Partners in Christ in 2010, after many years of experience and investment into education in the Dominican Republic, including his leadership role as Managing Director of Colegio Cristiano LOGOS, where he has served since 1989.An industrial engineer by profession, Lester is a graduate of the Spurgeon Pastoral School and a member of the board of pastors at IBSJ. He is also the Director for the Dominican Republic and the Spanish Speaking Caribbean Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), based in Colorado Springs, CO. Pastor Flaquer is married to Laura Gómez and they have three children: Laura, Gabriela and William.

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Christy Matthes, Secretary of the Partners in Christ Board of Directors

I knew from a young age I wanted a career that helped others. I enjoy working with young people so I went into teaching and now am an instructional coach working with both students and teachers. Education offers so many opportunities in life and Christian Education extends beyond this world into the eternal realm. In 2016, I visited Juan Tomas for the first time to help in the hypertension clinic. While there I met some of the teachers and leaders at Fountain of Life School and was excited to hear about their school. The next year I was invited to present and share some math ideas and tools with the wonderful educators. What an honor it was to work with such faithful servants of The Lord! I very much feel His presence here and am excited every time I have the opportunity to visit and work with all the wonderful friends I have made in the DR.

 eric_able.png Eric Able, Board Member
Eric brings his experience in Christian School Administration to his role as board member to Partners in Christ. Since joining the board in 2010, Eric has helped to facilitate the expansion and growth of support from Partners in Christ to the grantees in the Dominican Republic, using as inspiration his passion to honor Jesus Christ in every aspect of his life and to share Christ's love with others.
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Doug Diehl, Board Member

Doug began his relationship with Partners in Christ in 1988 when he took his first trip to the island and the village of Juan Tomas, to work and experience Paul and Linda McMillan’s farm and mission post. Helping the McMillan’s finish building their home and fencing in the compound was the start of a lifelong friendship with Carl and Pat Key. Doug’s family has been on mission to Juan Tomas numerous times since then, including all of his children at some point. His joyful anticipation is that the Dominican Republic, America, and the world over will understand the Love of Christ through the completed unity of those who are partnering in Christ. John 17:20-23

  Roger Clay, Board Member
   Chris Goodman, Board Member 

 

Argenis Tavares, Board Member 

 

Faye Grund, Board Member

 

Tim Nelson, Board Member