Beyond Evangelism: Establishing a lifelong faith in Jesus

Meet Our board

The Board of Directors for Firm Foundation In Christ Ministries is currently comprised of seven members. Each of them brings a unique perspective to the board from their different backgrounds and experiences. One thing they all have in common is that they love God and have a deep and growing personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ. They all desire to help others to start that relationship strongly so that new believers can have the same firm foundation that they themselves have – which is why they are part of the board. If you are interested in becoming part of the board or being involved in supporting this ministry in any other way, let us know! We are always looking for more people to join the team! E-mail us with interest at info@fficm.org. 

Current board members

  • Douglas Hoy, FFICM Board Chairman, board member since January 2022. Douglas Hoy is a retired electrical engineer who worked in the semiconductor industry for 30 years. He has been a group leader in national online Bible studies for 8 years. He has fifteen years of non-profit leadership experience including a stint as a church administrator for a large church in Portland, OR. He is the leader and co-founder of a community-based non-profit in a suburb of Portland. He has been a supporter of FFICM since its founding.
  • Rich Gardner, Ph.D. FFICM Founder and President.
  • Deborah Sezov, Ph.D. FFICM Board Secretary, board member since October 2020.  Deborah Sezov is a homeschool mother in New Jersey. Her doctoral studies were in Research Psychology at Temple University.
  • Mike Trainor, FFICM Board Treasurer, board member since October 2020. He is a Food Services Manager in Oregon/Washington.
  • Isuwa Atsen, PhD. Board member since May 2025. Isuwa Atsen is the Associate Professor of Theology at Dordt University, Sioux Center, IA. He previously taught at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL, and at Gindiri Theological Seminary in Nigeria, where he also served as Dean of Postgraduate Studies. Drawing from his years of pastoral ministry experience, Isuwa enjoys preaching and continues to do so as a guest speaker in a number of churches.
  • Paul Wides, Ph.D., Executive Director since April 2026, board member since May 2024. Paul Wides was previously a pastor and global outreach leader for 30 years at Christ Community Chapel in Hudson, Ohio. He is experienced in cross-cultural ministry including church planting.
  • Scott Cliff, board member since February 2026. Scott Cliff is an attorney, mediator, arbitrator, and Christian Conciliator in private practice in Portland Oregon. Scott counsels and represents many Portland-based churches and ministries and has helped resolve conflicts among believers in numerous settings. His other board service has included Union Gospel Mission of Portland, Fairhaven Recover Homes, and Christian Mediation Northwest.