A Michigan native, Jeff grew up in the close-knit community of Grand Rapids and went on to earn his accounting degree from Calvin College. He began his career as a CPA, but early on, he felt called to serve in a different way. That calling led him to Suriname and Brazil, where he spent nearly a year helping a nonprofit mission organization modernize its financial systems and train local leaders. The experience shaped both his career path and his understanding of service.
Over the decades that followed, Jeff built an impressive career that included serving as a nonprofit CFO, leading human resources for global organizations, supporting teams across the United States, and helping grow international companies through periods of significant change. While his professional titles evolved, he was centered in helping organizations build strong cultures and create lasting impact.
In retirement, Jeff has found a renewed opportunity to focus on what he sees as his next calling, using his experience to strengthen organizations that serve others. That sense of purpose eventually led him to Health Services of North Texas (HSNT). After being introduced to HSNT through a member of his community, Jeff immediately saw a connection between the organization’s mission and his own passions and experience.
“When you get to a certain point in your life, you ask yourself, ‘What are you called to do?’ Where your passion, your talents, and your opportunities intersect, that’s what you should be doing.”
The idea Jeff describes closely reflects the Japanese concept of ikigai, often translated as “a reason for being.” Ikigai is found where your passions, talents, what the world needs, and the opportunities available to you overlap. For Jeff, that intersection has consistently been centered on using his financial expertise and leadership to strengthen mission-driven organizations and create lasting impact for the communities they serve.
With years of nonprofit financial leadership, human resources expertise, and board experience, Jeff saw HSNT as a place where he could help the organization continue to grow while remaining financially strong and mission focused. Although he’s only recently joined the Board of Directors, Jeff has already been inspired by the dedication of HSNT’s staff and leadership.
“I’m excited that I don’t have to come in and think, ‘We have a lot of fixing to do,'” he says. “There’s work to do because there’s always more work to do, but this organization is already doing wonderful work. I’m excited to be associated with a group that’s making such a meaningful difference.”
As someone who naturally thinks in numbers, Jeff understands the importance of strong financial stewardship. But he believes an organization’s greatest measure of success goes beyond a balance sheet.
“Culture eats strategy for lunch,” he says, quoting a leadership philosophy that has guided much of his career. “The financial numbers matter. But the people we’re serving and the culture we’re building are even more important.”
Jeff hopes to help HSNT remain sustainable for generations to come while continuing to adapt to the rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Whether discussing innovation, technology, or future opportunities, he believes organizations must stay focused on their mission rather than become attached to the way things have always been done.
“We have to hold things with an open hand,” he explains. “The world is changing quickly. We have to be willing to adapt while staying true to why we exist: serving our community.”
Outside the boardroom, Jeff and his wife enjoy traveling the world, recently visiting Italy and Portugal with Greece next on their itinerary. Yet after considering countless places to retire, they chose to remain in North Texas for the community they’ve nurtured over the years.
“You can visit the mountains. You can visit the ocean. But you can’t replace relationships,” Jeff says. “People make the place.”
Perhaps the philosophy that best captures Jeff’s approach to both life and leadership is one he adopted decades ago.
“People are more important.”
With humility and servant leadership, Jeff brings new energy to HSNT Board of Directors. He looks forward to helping ensure HSNT continues providing compassionate, high-quality care while building an organization that will serve North Texans for years to come.