Hope 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 20 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, Iowa.

David and his wife Karen have been married 33 years. They have three grown children and two grandchildren. David and Karen reside in Pleasant Hill, and are members at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Altoona.

"It is an incredible blessing to serve on the ministry team 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."

Keith Isley
Chief Operating Officer

Keith has been involved with Hope Ministries for more than seven years. As chief operating officer, Keith currently leads the areas of finance, human resources, facilities and information technology for Hope Ministries.

Keith has a B.A. degree in English and writing from Indiana Wesleyan University (Marion, IN). Before joining Bethel Mission in 1999 as director of development, he spent more than 10 years as a journalist, editor and publisher, winning several statewide writing awards. His wife, Sharon, is an ordained minister and has pastored several churches in rural Iowa. They have three children.

"There's something very special about investing in the lives of those who need God's love," Keith says. "I feel privileged to be able to use my gifts to help others who are hurting. It's an amazing way to get out of bed every day - knowing I can make a difference."

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."