Our Board of Directors
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Dr. Louise Gann
Board Founder and Original President Dr. Louise Gann was born in 1930 in Sevierville, Tennessee. She lived in Blount County, TN from 1952 until her death in 2017. Dr. Gann was married to Rev. Eugene "Gene" Gann for 65 years, and together they had two daughters Brenda Worley and Janet Headrick. Rev. Gene Gann pastored churches throughout Sevier and Blount County for over 61 years, and also served in the US Army where he took part in the invasion at Normandy Beach in WWII, shortly after which he was severely wounded in combat. After his retirement from the pastorate, Rev. and Dr. Gann became long time members of Madison Avenue Baptist Church in Maryville, TN. Dr. Louise Gann was a lifelong educator and retired from Alcoa City Schools in Alcoa, TN. In addition to her work in elementary education, Dr. Gann lectured at Penn State, Middle Tennessee State and multiple institutions throughout Asia, Europe, and Australia. Her research was published in Science Magazine and other international publications. She was also an accomplished pilot and flight instructor. Throughout her life Dr. Gann worked in and visited over 153 countries in both professional and missionary roles. Dr. Gann's work in India, with what is today Grace Iris Ministries, began in 1990, through which she faithfully and sacrificially served and invested for the last 27 years of her life . |
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Jordan Davis
President 865-207-4963 / jndavis345@gmail.com Jordan has been involved with Grace Iris Ministries since 2012. He has also been the pastor of Marble Hill Baptist Church (MHBC) in Friendsville, TN since 2012, where he has been an active member since 1996. Jordan became a Christian at the age of 10, at Dotson Memorial Baptist Church. Jordan was born in 1981 and is a lifetime resident of Blount County, TN. He is married to Jana Davis from Clinton, TN (2005) and has 4 foster children. In addition to pastoring MHBC, Jordan also works full time as the Radiological Protection Operations manager at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, TN. Jordan is a graduate of Greenback High School (2000), Roane State Community College (A.A.S Environmental Health and Safety, 2003), Tusculum College (B.S. Organizational Management, 2008), and Luther Rice Seminary (M.A. Christian Apologetics, 2010). Jordan is also involved in the Blount County Jail Ministry and various Christian Apologetic ministries. Jordan also loves to fish with his wife whenever they get the opportunity to enjoy a morning or evening together. |
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Stephanie Howell Vice President 865-207-9105 / stephaniehowell6@gmail.com Stephanie is from Greeneville, TN where she grew up. After high school, she graduated from East Tenn Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1966. She was married to John Howell from 1969 until his death in 2002. During that time, they lived in Maryville, TN where Stephanie worked at Blount Memorial Hospital. She was an active member of Springview Baptist Church working in the WMU, teaching SS, singing in the choir, and going on several volunteer mission trips. In 2002 she retired from BMH and began working at the Chilhowee Baptist Center as Assistant Director of the food pantry/clothing closet. During that time she was actively involved in organizing an indigent dental clinic. She served on the board of directors for Trinity Dental Clinic until 2007, when she moved back to her home in Greeneville. She has been active at her church, 1stBaptist Church of Baileyton, Greeneville, since relocating. There she is WMU Director, teaches SS, sings in the choir, and leads the outreach program known as Burning Hearts. She also serves on the board of directors of the local food pantry/clothes closet, and the Foster Care Review Board for Judge Kenneth Bailey, Juvenile Judge. Stephanie has been active in supporting the Grace-Iris Ministry having traveled there every year since 2005. |
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Nathan Reynolds
Secretary 423-676-1636 / natereyno@gmail.com Nathan has been involved with Grace Iris Ministries since 2012 while also pastoring New Lebanon Baptist Church. He became a Christian at the age of 16 and was called to preach God’s word in 2008 while attending Brittontown Church. Nathan was born and raised in Greene County, TN spending his entire life there with the exception of 6 years while serving in the U.S. Army. He is married to Lori and has two children Luke (1999) and Kyle (2002). In addition to pastoring the church he also runs a farm and is owner of Cuz’s Drive Thru located in Baileyton, TN. Nathan is involved in volunteer coaching at Baileyton Elementary School and has coached basketball and football for the past 12 years. Nathan loves to hike with his family and spend as much time as possible surrounded by nature. |
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Dr. Samuel L. Elkins
Treasurer 865-696-0785 / usafalod@yahoo.com Dr. Samuel L. Elkins is a native of Columbia, South Carolina. He has been living in Maryville, Tennessee since 1991. He is a writer, consultant, and adjunct professor. He retired as a Colonel from the US Air Force after serving for 37 years, which included duty in Iraq and other middle eastern countries. After his retirement he became active in mission work both in Asia and Europe. He also serves with the local jail, homeless, and music ministries in Maryville. Dr. Elkins is also a teacher with Reconcile Ministry at the Baptist Center in Maryville. His wife, Elizabeth, is a retired teacher and they have two sons; Joshua & Caleb. |
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Robert Tucker
Board Member Biography to Follow |
