Matt Durkee

Executive Director | USA & CAN 2020 | 2021 – 2025

Matt Durkee serves as the Executive Director of Friends In Action International, providing leadership and oversight for both FIA Canada and FIA USA, as well as the mission’s global field operations. With a background in environmental engineering and years of experience in international development and missions, Matt brings a unique combination of technical skill, organizational leadership, and spiritual passion to his role.

After graduating from the University of Guelph in 2007 with a degree in Environmental Engineering, Matt worked in the private consulting sector with Golder Associates on projects in Canada and East Africa. Just as he was stepping into a management role, God called him into full-time missions. In 2009, Matt joined Friends In Action as a project manager in Burkina Faso, West Africa, where he led the Water of Life well drilling ministry. He and his family served overseas in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast until 2017, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and impact of frontline missions work.

In 2018, Matt began a leadership transition within FIA, serving first as Deputy Director and then stepping into the role of Executive Director in 2020/2021. Today, he is responsible for FIA’s international operations across multiple countries, including Nicaragua, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Bolivia, and West Africa. In his role, Matt continues to develop strategic partnerships, lead teams, and speak about the mission of FIA and the power of hands-on service as a Gospel witness.

Matt is deeply committed to the vision of Friends In Action—to see people use their God-given gifts and skills to practically advance the Great Commission. He believes that service in action, paired with the spoken Word, is a powerful way to share the love of Christ with those who have never heard. As a board member, he remains focused on equipping others, stewarding resources well, and calling the next generation to make their lives count for eternity.

Matt lives in Guelph, ON (Canada) with his wife Megan and their two children, Mireya and Mozes.

Andy Hunt

Board Chairman | Treasurer USA 2016 – 2025

Andrew Hunt is a lifelong farmer and seasoned leader who brings hands-on experience, practical wisdom, and a deep heart for missions to the Friends In Action International Board. 40 years married to Kimberly and father to 8, this owner and manager of a large grain farm and co-owner of an egg business in Illinois understands the value of hard work, stewardship, and leading with integrity. His skills and experiences in farming, building, and organizing have been instrumental in his family life, his professional life and in his contributions to FIA.

Andrew has been actively involved with Friends In Action for over eight years, serving as Vice-Chair and Treasurer, and currently as Chairman of the Board. He has participated in numerous short-term work teams, traveling to Nicaragua at least seven times and once to Vanuatu, helping to lead and recruit others into service. His ability to mobilize teams and resources has been vital to the success of FIA’s field projects.

A passionate advocate for using one’s gifts to advance God’s Kingdom, Andrew leads by example—encouraging others to “get their hands dirty” in missions. He and his family are deeply engaged in supporting global ministry efforts, and his leadership has helped guide FIA through a transition toward a governance-focused board model.

Andrew considers it a privilege to be part of the Great Commission through FIA and looks forward to seeing how God will continue to work through the organization in the years ahead.

Paul Jarot

Board Vice Chair | USA 2017 – 2025

Paul Jarot is a passionate advocate for missions, a seasoned educator, and a hands-on leader with over 40 years of experience in technical education and cross-cultural ministry. A U.S. Army National Guard veteran, Paul spent 18 years teaching in the Chicago suburbs before being called into international missions, where he served 11 years in Papua New Guinea and 15 years in Thailand.

While in Papua New Guinea, Paul operated a sawmill, led modular home construction projects, and helped establish an industrial arts workshop at a missionary school. Later, he became a founding member of Grace International School in Chiang Mai, Thailand, a missions-focused school that serves over 26 agencies. There, he helped set up a second industrial arts program to equip students with practical skills and purpose.

With a BS in Technology Education and a Master’s in Commercial Photography, Paul brings thousands of hours of hands-on experience in trades such as construction, welding, electrical work, and mechanics. His deep understanding of what missionaries face in remote areas fuels his passion for serving with organizations like New Tribes Mission (now Ethnos360) and Friends In Action International (FIA). He now serves as a representative and recruiter, raising awareness and connecting others to critical needs on the field.

Married for over 50 years, Paul and his wife have raised three biological sons and adopted three children from Cambodia and Papua New Guinea. His heart beats for the unreached—those who have never heard the Gospel—and he is driven to pray, give, and share opportunities to meet practical and spiritual needs worldwide.

Steve Nehlsen

Board Secretary | USA 2022 – 2025

Dr. Steve Nehlsen brings a lifetime of global ministry experience, academic leadership, and pastoral care to the Friends In Action International Board. Born to missionary parents in West Africa, Steve’s heart for the nations was shaped early in life. After studying missions and intercultural studies in college, he and his wife, Amy, planted a church in Kentucky before launching into 22 years of missionary service in Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso with the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

Their ministry overseas included evangelism, teaching, development, and leadership, particularly among the Jula people. During a time of civil unrest, Steve served as Field Director in Burkina Faso, helping lead teams and strengthen the mission’s work during challenging times.

Steve holds a Doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Western Seminary, and has taught and mentored students at Nyack College, where he also served as Chair of the Intercultural Studies Department. Since 2018, Steve has been the pastor of Fulton Alliance Church in Fulton, NY.

With decades of experience in church planting, international leadership, and academic training, Steve continues to pour his passion into reaching the least-reached. He considers serving on the FIAI Board a “gift from God”—an opportunity to help advance the Gospel among those who have never heard.

Steve and Amy have three adult children and continue to live out their calling to serve both locally and globally.

Faye Brown

Board Member | USA 2020 – 2025

With over four decades of experience in nursing and international missions, Faye Brown brings a deep well of clinical expertise, cross-cultural insight, and servant-hearted leadership to the Friends In Action International Board. A Registered Nurse with a Master’s in Nursing Education, she has specialized in critical care, trauma, and emergency nursing, and currently serves as a Nursing Professional Development Practitioner for a 650-bed hospital.

Her passion for missions began in 1985 with New Tribes Mission, serving in Senegal as a linguist among the Badyaranké people, followed by years of service at missionary medical centers and training programs across the U.S. From 2000 to 2017, she served as an International Nurse Educator with Friends In Action International, working in 13 countries to train community health workers and national nursing faculty. She is the author of the International Diagnosis and Treatment Guide, widely used in remote healthcare settings.

Fluent in French and Badyaranké, Faye has a heart for empowering local leaders and has continued her service through roles in local missions committees and volunteer positions in healthcare and food distribution ministries. A board member of FIAI since 2019, she sees her role as a strategic opportunity to support those taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Matthew I. Warren

Board Member | USA 2025 –

Matthew I. Warren is a passionate leader with over a decade of full-time ministry experience and a lifelong commitment to missions. He holds a B.S. in Government from Berry College and a TEFL certification from Wheaton. Matthew began serving in international missions as a teenager and has since ministered in numerous countries, including two years of service in China with ELIC.

He spent seven years as the Missions Pastor at Crosspoint City Church in Cartersville, Georgia, where he helped mobilize teams, develop global partnerships, and lead the church’s vision for reaching the nations. It was during that time that Matthew first came in contact with Friends In Action when he served alongside the West Africa field team in short-term ministry context. Currently, Matthew is the Founder of Education Fellowship Initiative (www.theefi.com) a ministry equipping and sending educators for service in strategic global contexts.

His heart for the unreached and the fulfillment of the Great Commission led him to join the board of Friends In Action International, where he contributes strategic insight and hands-on field experience.

Matthew has been married to his wife, Rebekah, for 15 years, and they have three children—Joe, Simon, and Abigail.

Andy Hunt

Board Chairman | CAN 2025 –

Andrew Hunt is a lifelong farmer and seasoned leader who brings hands-on experience, practical wisdom, and a deep heart for missions to the Friends In Action International Board. 40 years married to Kimberly and father to 8, this owner and manager of a large grain farm and co-owner of an egg business in Illinois understands the value of hard work, stewardship, and leading with integrity. His skills and experiences in farming, building, and organizing have been instrumental in his family life, his professional life and in his contributions to FIA.

Andrew has been actively involved with Friends In Action for over eight years, serving as Vice-Chair and Treasurer, and currently as Chairman of the Board. He has participated in numerous short-term work teams, traveling to Nicaragua at least seven times and once to Vanuatu, helping to lead and recruit others into service. His ability to mobilize teams and resources has been vital to the success of FIA’s field projects.

A passionate advocate for using one’s gifts to advance God’s Kingdom, Andrew leads by example—encouraging others to “get their hands dirty” in missions. He and his family are deeply engaged in supporting global ministry efforts, and his leadership has helped guide FIA through a transition toward a governance-focused board model.

Andrew considers it a privilege to be part of the Great Commission through FIA and looks forward to seeing how God will continue to work through the organization in the years ahead.

Irwin Pronk

Board Vice Chair | CAN 2022 – 2025

Irwin Pronk brings over 40 years of leadership and technical expertise in the food processing and packaging industries, with a passion for excellence, service, and global impact. As a seasoned consultant, trainer, and auditor, he has supported more than 700 companies worldwide in implementing Food Safety and Quality Systems, including work with major organizations like Kellogg, Cargill, and Wrigley. He is recognized as a leader in regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and global food safety standards, including GFSI, FSSC22000, and FSMA.

Irwin has served as a university instructor, textbook contributor, and guest speaker internationally, including in Canada, the U.S., Japan, China, and Jamaica. His work with governments, industry associations, and senior leaders reflects his commitment to advancing safe, high-quality food production through practical training and sustainable systems.

Alongside his professional work, Irwin has consistently prioritized service and missions. He and his family have participated in missions in Grenada, the Bahamas, and supported international work in Mexico and India. His connection to Friends In Action International began through a close relationship with an FIA missionary, which led to growing involvement and a deep appreciation for the ministry’s Christ-centered impact around the world.

Currently serving as Chairman of the Board for a charitable organization and an active board member for food safety organizations, Irwin brings a heart for ministry and decades of strategic, cross-sector leadership to the FIAI Board.

Chris Smerdon

Board Secretary | CAN 2021 – 2025

Chris Smerdon brings a unique blend of technical expertise, hands-on service, and a heart for missions to the Friends In Action International Board. Originally from Essex, England, Chris moved to Canada in 1991 with his wife, Ann, and their young son. Their family grew with the birth of their daughter in 1994, and they have called Ontario home ever since.

Chris began his career as a certified Dental Technician before transitioning to serve as a Nuclear Response Force Officer with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), where he worked until his retirement in 2024. A committed Christian since 1996, Chris has faithfully served at Calvary Baptist Church in Pembroke, Ontario, where he has been a deacon and a member of the missions committee.

His involvement with Friends In Action began in 2012 with his first well-drilling trip to Burkina Faso. Since then, he has served regularly as a team leader and active participant, mobilizing volunteers and engagement with the well drilling ministry work. Chris joined the FIA Board in 2021 and continues to serve with energy and enthusiasm.

In addition to his missions work, Chris has been a volunteer firefighter with the Whitewater Region for over a decade and enjoys renovating homes and managing rental properties. He considers it a calling and a privilege to serve with FIA and is passionate about advancing the Gospel through practical service and global outreach.

Steve Nehlsen

Board Member | CAN 2025 –

Dr. Steve Nehlsen brings a lifetime of global ministry experience, academic leadership, and pastoral care to the Friends In Action International Board. Born to missionary parents in West Africa, Steve’s heart for the nations was shaped early in life. After studying missions and intercultural studies in college, he and his wife, Amy, planted a church in Kentucky before launching into 22 years of missionary service in Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso with the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

Their ministry overseas included evangelism, teaching, development, and leadership, particularly among the Jula people. During a time of civil unrest, Steve served as Field Director in Burkina Faso, helping lead teams and strengthen the mission’s work during challenging times.

Steve holds a Doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Western Seminary, and has taught and mentored students at Nyack College, where he also served as Chair of the Intercultural Studies Department. Since 2018, Steve has been the pastor of Fulton Alliance Church in Fulton, NY.

With decades of experience in church planting, international leadership, and academic training, Steve continues to pour his passion into reaching the least-reached. He considers serving on the FIAI Board a “gift from God”—an opportunity to help advance the Gospel among those who have never heard.

Steve and Amy have three adult children and continue to live out their calling to serve both locally and globally.

Randy Schnieders

Board Member (Emeritus) | USA 2012 – 2024

Randy has extensive experience in large-scale construction and heavy machinery projects. After more than 35 years of providing senior superintendent oversight at Mortenson Construction, Randy continues managing field operations in his current role at NewSouth Construction. He has partnered his comprehensive construction expertise with his passion for missions by attending numerous work trips with FIA. His efforts helped build a bridge in Guinea West Africa, a workshop in Vanuatu, and a church in Nicaragua.

Ted Illjes

Board Secretary (Emeritus) | USA 2012 – 2024

Ted is semi-retired from managing Research and Development at Zeager Bros. Inc. He was also part owner of Zeager Hardwood in Kentucky. Before relocating, Ted has also served as an elder at New Hope Bible Church in Lebanon, PA where he helped create a missions ministry. He has attended trips to further Friends In Action’s impact in Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and Nicaragua.

Roger Wingfield

Board Chairman (Emeritus) | Treasurer CAN 1996 – 2024

Roger Wingfield serves as FIA’s Administrative Director of our Canadian division, in addition to functioning as the President of its Board of Directors. Roger lends over 40 years of business administration and systems experience garnered from his career in the insurance industry. One of the original board members of FIA Canada, he has been with Friends In Action since the mid-1990’s. Roger and his wife Drewry operate the FIA-Canada office from their home, with Drewry serving as the Office Administrator and Treasurer. They manage all the FIA Canada work teams and their related travel, Canadian financial requirements (including audits and governmental filings), as well as coordinate Canadian missionary tax filings.

In addition to assisting with fundraising for two of the drilling rigs for FIA’s well drilling in Africa, Roger has also provided missionary and project support to countless of FIA’s efforts abroad. He has attended multiple work trips to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Nicaragua. With his philosophy of “work, pray, plan, initiate, complete and wait for the Lord to show His hand to His Glory alone,” FIA is grateful for Roger’s passion and leadership.