Meet the Obong Missions
U.S. Advancement Board

The U.S. Advancement Board is a volunteer team that helps raise awareness, build donor relationships, and generate support for Obong Missions across the United States. Their service connects faithful partners with the ministries serving in Nigeria.

Howard Anderson  - Treasurer

Linda Brock

Linda Brock, a graduate of Lipscomb University, brings a strong background in graphic design, editing, publishing, and financial operations to the Obong Missions U.S. Advancement Board. Her introduction to Obong Missions came through her church and deepened when Dr. Moses and Mrs. Jessie Akpanudo stayed in her home, sparking a lifelong friendship with the Akpanudo family and the mission they helped establish.

Linda’s career has reflected a love for words, details, and faithful service. She began in typesetting and graphic design, later owning and operating a typesetting business while raising her family. Today, she continues to freelance as an editor and brings creativity, precision, and heart to the work of Obong Missions.

Norma Burgess

Johnny Cagle

Johnny Cagle brings extensive experience in finance, audit, compliance, risk management, and organizational accountability to the Obong Missions U.S. Advancement Board. Recently, he served as Vice President of Internal Audit for Fruit of the Loom, Inc. in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. He continues to work as a consultant in related activities for organizational risk assessments.
 
A native of Decatur, Alabama, Johnny holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Lipscomb University and an MBA from Samford University. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, Johnny has served as a deacon and now serves as an elder of the Alvaton Church of Christ, the sponsoring congregation for Obong Missions in the United States.

Brenda Faulkner

Brenda Faulkner brings a strong background in business administration, organizational management, and administrative support to the Obong Missions U.S. Advancement Board. Her professional experience includes service in the office of Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander and work with community-centered organizations such as Harmony Adoptions and the YMCA.

Brenda also served as office manager at the Ingram Group, a firm specializing in corporate strategy, government relations, communications, and crisis management. Since 2019, she has faithfully supported Obong Christian Schools through administrative assistance and has helped strengthen operational systems that support the mission. Brenda’s organizational skill, attention to detail, and servant heart make her a valuable part of the Obong Missions team.

Dennis George, Ph.D. - Co-Chair

Dennis George brings more than 30 years of higher education leadership experience to the Obong Missions U.S. Advancement Board. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dennis served for many years at Western Kentucky University in senior academic and administrative roles, including Associate Provost for Regional Higher Education, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean, and Associate Dean.

His career has focused on expanding educational opportunity through regional campus initiatives, community college partnerships, academic planning, and innovative teacher preparation pathways. Dennis’ commitment to Obong Missions is rooted in his belief that Christian education can form leaders, strengthen communities, and open doors for lasting transformation. Dennis and his wife, Cynthia, are members of the Alvaton Church of Christ.

David Gregory

Bobby Mullins

Bobby Mullins has been connected to Obong Missions since 1985 and has faithfully supported the work for nearly four decades. A U.S. Navy veteran and founding member of Tusculum Church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee, Bobby has devoted much of his life to service in the church, missions, and Christian leadership.

Following his military service as an Aviation Electrician during the Korean War, Bobby built a long career in the trucking industry before retirement. At Tusculum, he served in a variety of volunteer roles, including as chairman of the missions committee, helping oversee both U.S. and international efforts. His long friendship with the Akpanudo family and deep commitment to the mission make him a trusted advocate for Obong Missions.

David Senn - Secretary

Tiffany Summers

Tiffany Summers brings nearly two decades of experience in educational financial aid to the Obong Missions U.S. Advancement Board. She currently serves as Director of Financial Aid at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, Tennessee, after previously serving for nine years as Senior Director of Financial Aid at Lipscomb University.

A first-generation college student herself, Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Harding University and an MBA from Lipscomb University. Her professional life reflects a deep commitment to helping students access the resources they need to pursue their goals. Tiffany’s experience in higher education and student support aligns closely with Obong Missions’ commitment to expanding access to Christian education.

Dwight Tays, Ph.D. - Co-Chair

Dr. Dwight L. Tays brings more than four decades of academic and leadership experience to the Obong Missions U.S. Advancement Board. A native of Alabama, he earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Mississippi and served for 29 years at David Lipscomb University, where he chaired the Department of History, Politics, and Philosophy.

An expert in American government, public law, and public administration, Dr. Tays also worked during academic sabbaticals with Tennessee leaders on education and policy initiatives. His service has included leadership with the Tennessee Political Science Association, the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program, Abilene Christian University, and Nashville Christian School. His lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and Christian service aligns closely with the mission of Obong Missions.

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Judy Varner

Judy Varner brings more than five decades of experience in education to the Obong Missions U.S. Advancement Board. She attended Freed-Hardeman University and David Lipscomb University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education before beginning her career as a teacher at Goodpasture Christian School in Madison, Tennessee.

Judy later returned to her hometown of Paris, Tennessee, where she continued teaching and earned a master’s degree in school counseling from the University of Tennessee at Martin. Across her 53-year career, she has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, coach, and mentor for new teachers. A longtime supporter of Obong Missions, Judy brings a deep belief in the power of Christian education to shape lives and strengthen communities.

Volunteers Serving the Mission

Members of the U.S. Advancement Board serve without pay, helping keep overhead low and allowing more resources to support ministry work in Nigeria. Their dedication, experience, and faith strengthen the partnership between U.S. supporters and the leaders carrying the work forward on the ground.