The Right Steps Board of Directors is a group of individuals that have dedicated their time, energy and focus to achieving the mission and objectives of the organzation.
Jan Blackwell, Chairman Emeritus
Jan Blackwell served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since its inception until 2008, when he retired, and the Board voted unanimously to grant him lifetime tenure on the Board as Chairman Emeritus, for all of his tireless work on behalf of Right Steps over the years. A veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II, Jan worked for J.M. Huber Corporation for over 40 years. A graduate of Texas Tech University, Jan has served as an Elder at Chestnut Drive Church of Christ for more than 32 years, where he currently still serves.
Geoff Giesemann, President
Geoff Giesemann has worked in the international mission and non-profit field for more than thirty years and has served on the Right Steps Board since 1996. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Geoff has worked extensively in Africa and Latin America, including spending a number of years as a full-time missionary in Venezuela. He has traveled to Nigeria numerous times, working on various initiatives for Susana Homes. Geoff is currently a Minister at Fairlane Church of Christ in Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Mark Reiboldt, Vice Chairman
Mark Reiboldt serves as Right Steps’ Vice Chairman; he joined the Board of Directors in 2007. Mark has worked with Right Steps for a number of years, both in the US and in Nigeria, working on development and outreach projects for Susana Homes. Mark is a Vice President at Coker Capital Advisors, and he received a MSc in financial economics at the University of London, SOAS.
Debbie Scobey
Debbie Scobey has served on the Right Steps Board of Directors since 2005. She has traveled throughout the world working on projects with churches, schools and other organizations, including traveling to Nigeria in 2004, working with Susana Homes and the Annual Women’s Lectureship. A graduate of Auburn University, Mrs. Scobey has two grown children and lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, David.
Sue Finley
Sue Finley serves as Treasurer for Right Steps and has served on the Board since its inception. Sue and Chi worked together at Georgia AGAPE, where Sue is still actively involved. Sue obtained a Masters degree in Special Education and currently is a teacher at Jasper Middle School.
Paula Elmore
Paula Elmore serves as Vice President of the Board and has served on the Right Steps Board of Directors since 2003. Paula is a speech language pathologist near Athens, Georgia, and is on the Women’s Ministry Team at Campus View Church of Christ. She has been married to her husband, Tommy, for more than 30 years, and they have two adult children.
Mary Ellen Koonce
Mary Ellen Koonce joined the Board of Directors in 2007, after working with Right Steps on a number of initiatives in the U.S. and traveling to work with Susana Homes in Nigeria. Mary Ellen resides in Shelbyville, Tennessee, where she spends most of her time working with drug and alcohol recovery programs in that area. Mary Ellen attended Freed-Hardeman College and is a retired dental assistant. She and her husband, Marvin, have four children and seven grandchildren.
Ken Snell
Ken Snell serves as the Involvement Minister and Worship leader at North Atlanta Church of Christ. Ken began his ministry as a College Minister and then served as Youth and Family Minister for nine years in Middle Tennessee before joining North Atlanta. Ken’s education includes an undergraduate degree from David Lipscomb University and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Tennessee.
