Hope Ministries Management* and Leadership Team

Leon Negen*
President/Chief Executive Officer

Leon has more than 25 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector and has served in a leadership role with Bethel Mission and Hope Ministries for 15 years. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Calvin College and a Master’s degree in rehabilitation administration from the University of San Francisco.

Leon and his wife Melanie have been married for 27 years and have three children: Justin, Adam and Katelyn. He is active in his home community of Pella and his church.

"God has created each of us in His image, and he has a plan and a purpose for every individual," Leon says. "I count it a privilege to serve those who are homeless, hungry and hurting each day – helping each one to discover God’s special plan for their lives."

David L. Burrier*
Chief Development & Community Relations Officer

David has more than 30 years experience in public relations and marketing including 18 years in the not-for-profit sector.   As a member of the senior management team, David leads a team of dedicated staff who are responsible for raising the financial support that sustains our ministry.  He attended Wartburg College in Waverly – social work and religion.

David and his wife Karen have been married for 32. They have three grown children Joni, Brian and Marcus and have one granddaughter Miya. David and Karen reside in Pleasant Hill, and are members at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Altoona.

“I count it a blessing to be called to serve at Hope Ministries.” David says, “Our philosophy of ministry includes not only the homeless, hungry and hurting, but also our volunteers and donors.   We value all people and we honor our Lord and Savior by being financial stewards of the gifts we receive from so many generous and faithful donors.”

Cole Lindholm*
Director of Men's Ministry

Cole has a 10 year history of working with people on the fringes of society including juvenile delinquents, the chronically mentally-ill, and most recently, homeless and hurting men.  Cole has worked in a leadership capacity with the Door of Faith and Hope Ministries for the last 5 years and now serves as the Director of Men’s Ministry.  Cole has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and is licensed as a Social Worker in Iowa. 

Cole and his wife, Stacy and their two boys – Brennan and Aaron – reside in Urbandale and are involved in leadership and ministry at their church home, First Federated Church.

“I find myself in a good fit personally and professionally.  Social service work is close to the heart of God, couple that with faith in Christ and the blessing of seeing God’s grace in action day-to-day restoring hope and providing healing.”

Elizabeth Spragg*
Director, Hope Family Center

Elizabeth was called [or “God called Elizabeth”] on a faith journey the end of 2001, which entailed a move back to Des Moines after an absence of nearly 15 years and a move out of Corporate America into ministry.  She joined the Hope Ministry Team in September 2005 after having served at Good Samaritan Urban Ministries in the area of resource development and church relations for three-and-a-half years and as interim director for a time. As the Director of the Hope Family Center, Elizabeth and her staff work with single women and their children to offer them hope and a new beginning.

Elizabeth has a Bachelors of Arts in French and a broad corporate professional experience having worked for the French government in New York City, and in Atlanta for the 1996 Olympics and a Christian public relations firm.  She resides in Mitchellville and is an active member at Adventure-Life Church in Altoona, where she serves on the worship team.

“I desire that every mother and child who enters our doors sees the Lord’s purpose come alive in their lives as declared in Jeremiah 29:11-14.  May His plan to give them a hope and a prosperous future be fulfilled as they progress towards healing, growth, stability and a relationship with Jesus Christ.”  

JoAnna Russell

JoAnna has a B.A., B.S. and M.H.P. from from Drake University with influence on Social Stratification and criminal justice. She has worked 18 plus years in the street rescue field. Her first rescue was herself. She has lived and seen first hand how meeting a person’s need IS the difference on rather a person flourish or parish. For 8 years she rescued street youth from the streets and sheltered them in her home.

“I feel proud and honored to work among Gods people every da. It never sees to amaze me how we handle each other, staff and guest with such respect, forgiveness and love within Hope Ministries’ walls.”

Steve Baker
Facilities Manager

In 2005, Steve bought to Hope Ministries 20-plus years of experience as an overseas missionary with New Tribes Mission.  He manages Hope Ministries’ 9 buildings on five properties and its fleet of vehicles.  
 
Steve earned his B.A. degree in English from the University of Iowa.  While pursuing a career as a missionary, he married his wife, Kathy, in 1981. Their youngest son, Joel, lives with them in Des Moines, and their older children, Tim and Starla, have launched out on their own.  Both Steve and Kathy are active in leadership and ministry at First Federated Church.
 
“Every day unfolds differently.  No two days are alike—just like people.   My work is more than managing and maintaining properties and equipment, but influencing lives, bringing them closer to Jesus.”

Rev. Fred Lehman
STAR Case Manager

Fred has served as a minister of the gospel for 33 years, credentialed by Open Bible Standard Churches.  Nineteen of those years were spent as a Pastor at various churches in Iowa and Nebraska. The last 12 years, Fred has been working with homeless men through Bethel Mission and Door of Faith, facilities of Hope Ministries. Fred graduated from Open Bible College of Des Moines with a Theological/Ministerial Bachelor of Arts degree.
 
Fred and his wife Mary have been married for 40 years and have four adult children: Mike Lehman, Michelle Vry, Lyndsay Howe and Angela Johnson.  Each is married with 2 children of their own.  Fred and Mary attend First Church of the Open Bible in Des Moines, Iowa.
 
“Twice in my adult life God has directed and re-directed His services through me by His words in Romans 12:16 …Condescend to men of low estate…”  Fred says, “the highest joy of my life is to witness the joy of others who personally experience the embrace of God and His love.”