FaithSearch Advisors

Dr. Sherilyn R. Emberton is a seasoned leader, strategist, and ICF-certified executive coach with 30+ years of experience in higher education across five institutions. As president of Huntington University (IN), she championed enrollment growth, new program development and expansion to four geographic locations. Sherilyn is President of LAEL, LLC and a strategic consultant in private equity with Ambassador Enterprises.

Dr. Barb Bellefeuille is a proven higher education leader and consultant with more than three decades of executive and academic experience guiding institutions through growth, innovation, and accreditation. She earned her Ed.D. from Virginia Tech and served in progressive leadership roles as President, Acting CEO, and VP for Academic Affairs at both Bethel University (IN) and Toccoa Falls College (GA). She led Bethel’s $6.5M Faithful Campaign, strengthened partnerships, and secured record-setting gifts.

With over three decades of financial leadership in higher education and nonprofits, Connie Bonner brings expertise in strategic budgeting, fiscal accountability, and organizational growth. As VP for Finance and Treasurer at Huntington University (IN), she led major capital expansions, secured multimillion-dollar loans, and improved operational excellence. A CPA and ICF-trained coach, she helps mission-driven organizations achieve fiscal health and leadership development.

Dr. Sherry Grate brings 30+ years of leadership in education and community impact. As SVP of Public Impact Investing at Ambassador Enterprises, she leads initiatives for community impact, specializing in education and early childhood. A former twice-appointed superintendent and principal, she holds a doctorate in educational leadership and is an ICF-certified coach committed to organizational health and generational growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Gustafson is a dynamic leader with 20+ years in higher education, executive leadership, and social enterprise. As President and CEO of Noel Learning Collaborations and VP of Higher Education with FaithSearch Partners, she drives innovation and leadership development. Former Dean at California Baptist University, she launched new programs and centers, recognized among Education Magazine’s ’10 Most Inspiring Leaders in Higher Education.’

Mark Ishikawa is an accomplished consultant with expertise in organizational development and leadership strategy. As VP at FaithSearch Partners, he helps mission-driven organizations strengthen teams and align values. Former VP at Blue Zones and Adventist Health, he’s a Certified Professional Coach dedicated to building healthy, high-performing organizations.

Brian Jensen, M.A., is a senior executive search consultant and higher education strategist. As SVP at FaithSearch Partners, he guides institutions through leadership transitions with insight and integrity. Formerly with progressive leadership roles at Vanderbloemen and Geneva College (PA), he combines strategic and relational expertise to help organizations secure and strengthen exceptional leaders.

Lauren Jensen is an executive leader in higher education with proven success in enrollment, financial aid, planning and analytics. As Founding Principal of ARC Insights, LLC, she advises executives on strategy and measurable results. Her work in enrollment and analytics as VP for Enrollment Strategy at Calvin University (MI) and Thompson Rivers University (BC), led to 20% enrollment growth and institutional revenue gains.

Dean Kato is a seasoned business leader and board chair with 30+ years of executive experience. Former VP of Business Development at Triman Industries, he drove 99% revenue growth and led global sales at Esterline Systems. A Certified Trainer in Strategic Selling, he served as Chair of Seattle Pacific University’s Board of Trustees (WA) and mentors mission-driven leaders.

Dr. Kina Mallard is an executive coach and consultant with 25+ years in higher education in progressive leadership roles at four institutions and denominational organizations. As President and CEO of Reinhardt University (GA), she expanded enrollment and fundraising while launching new programs. Through Mallard Consulting and Coaching, LLC, she equips leaders in strategic planning and leadership development initiatives as an ICF-trained executive coach.

Dr. Herb Schumm, MD, MBA, ACC, is a physician leader, ICF-certified executive leadership coach, and consultant. Former CMO and Medical Group President in Ohio, he later led physician development at Mercy Health and chaired Huntington University’s Board of Trustees (IN). Founder of Schumm Associates, he focuses on wellness, coaching, and leadership development for health and ministry professionals.

Stewart Severino is a senior executive and consultant with 25 years of experience across corporate marketing, private equity, and nonprofit innovation. As Head of Digital Ministry and Innovation for The Navigators, he integrates digital strategy and ministry growth. He holds a master’s from Dallas Theological Seminary and guides organizations in disciplined, purpose-driven growth.

Dr. Andrew Westmoreland brings four decades of leadership in higher education and executive search. As SVP of Higher Education at FaithSearch Partners, he advises institutions on mission and strategy. Former president of Samford (AL) and Ouachita Baptist (AR) universities, he chaired the national accreditation and association boards for SACSCOC and AAICU.

Kimberley Wiedefeld, M.A., E.I.D., is a higher education executive known for enrollment growth and team leadership. As VP for Enrollment Strategy at Roberts Wesleyan University (NY), she led 25% adult and graduate growth and new program launches. Formerly at Azusa Pacific University (CA) and World Vision, she aligns mission with market realities for transformative impact.

With decades of executive leadership in Christian higher education, Dr. David Wright brings insight and empathy to consulting and coaching. He served as Provost and later President of Indiana Wesleyan University and held multiple senior roles—shaping strategy, nurturing leaders, and guiding institutions through growth, challenge, and change. His consulting focuses include supporting senior leaders and boards in strategic development, business model optimization, and aligning institutional policy and practice with mission.