Staff
Mark Ballard
President
The vision of NEBC was planted in the heart of Mark Ballard as a teenage preacher. Through the years the Lord watered that seed. Today the vision is growing into a reality. The Lord has prepared Mark to lead this venture through 30 years of preaching experience, more than 20 years of pastoral/church planting experience, 10 years of leading a Bible institute, serving as a professor, conference speaker, seminar leader, and author. He holds a Bachelor's, a Master of Divinity, and is currently pursuing a PhD. Mark is the husband of Cindy (Hogue) Ballard and "papa" to Benjamin. m.ballard@nebcvt.org
Christopher Audino
Accreditation Specialist
It is with great excitement that we welcomes Chris back to New England as he joins the effort to open the doors to Northeastern Baptist College. Chris grew up in New Hampshire and attended Christian Fellowship Baptist Church with his family from the earliest days of the church plant. Having completed a Bachelor's degree with a double major and two master's degrees, he will soon begin pursuit of his doctorate degree in law/public policy. Chris' experience in research, communication, and teaching in the college classroom has helped prepare him for his new role. His attention to detail, writing clarity, ability to relate to government agencies, along with his ability to assess, evaluate and respond to public policy made him the perfect choice to work closely with President Ballard to secure state permissions and embark on the accreditation process. c.audino@nebcvt.org
Sean Conley
Event Coordinator
Sean brings solid skills in public relations, marketing, and management to his role with Project Launch 13. Prior to owning his own business, Sean worked as an account executive with Gocom Communications. In addition, he held the position of Head Golf Professional (PGA Class A Professional) where he was responsible for the daily operations of a 54 hole golf facility, managed a staff of 30 employees, and served as a Certified CompuSport teaching professional. Sean's interdisciplinary background of public relations, marketing and management has uniquely prepared him for his role as the NEBC Event Coordinator. s.conley@nebcvt.org
James Mancuso
Head Librarian
Jim brings more than 30 years of a broad range of library-related work to Project Launch 13. We are pleased to have a seasoned Head Librarian with expertise in strong organizational skills and creative abilities to provide information, solve problems, and enhance all facets of library services. The Lord has prepared Jim for his new role through strong academic achievement holding degrees in Linguistics and Library Science, numerous professional accomplishments related to the field, as well as years of teaching and writing experience. j.mancuso@nebcvt.org
Scott McCobb
Special Assistant to the President
Scott McCobb brings essential experience to the Board of NEBC. Having served in various governmental roles, Scott gained extensive knowledge indispensable to the formation and operation of Churches and Non-Profit Organizations. Serving with the US Department of Treasury in the area of tax law, he spent 10 years working for the Internal Revenue Service. Sensing the leadership of the Lord to leave the IRS, Scott launched McCobb Associates in 1994 providing services as an Enrolled Tax Agent, including tax preparation for small business and individuals, interfacing with the IRS on behalf of clients, preparation of Profit & Loss statements, and payroll services. In addition, Scott has found a special ministry in using his skills and knowledge to help pastors, churches, and Christian non-profits understand and follow the tax laws.
Thomas Oliver
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
As the founder and owner of his own insurance agency, Thomas (Tommy) Oliver brings years of experience in insurance, financial planning and annuity preparation to this crucial role. During his business years, he applied his skills in leading Crown Bible study groups, teaching stewardship principles, at First Baptist North Spartanburg, SC. In addition, Tommy has served as a church planter/pastor in New England for the last several years, as well as on the Board of the New England Baptist Foundation. This unique combination of financial planning and ministry experience makes him the perfect choice for this role. t.oliver@nebcvt.org
Dr. Paige Patterson
Special Advisor to the President
Dr. Patterson joins our team with three decades of experience in the education of pastors and missionaries. He currently serves as the eighth president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In the past he served as President of The Criswell College for 17 years and at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary for 11 years. The focus of Dr. Patterson's leadership is an intense commitment to evangelism and the task of global missions, based on a foundational component of demanding research and rigorous academic preparation. In addition to this astounding academic record, Dr. Patterson served two terms as President of the SBC, 1998-2000. He earned his undergraduate degree from Hardin-Simmons University then completed his Th.M. and Ph.D. degrees at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Despite his busy schedule, Dr. Patterson has found time to pen numerous books and articles. His expertise is a vital contribution to President Ballard as we work to bring NEBC to New England.
Margaret Persons
Receptionist
Margaret Persons brings many years of Christian service to our NEBC Board. Having served as a church secretary, on a college staff, newsletter editor, and in numerous ministries including Campers on Mission, Disaster Relief, and Mission Service Corps; her practical ministry experience coupled with her years of administrative work will enhance her service as the Clerk on the Board of Directors. Margaret is the loving wife of the late, Roger B. Persons and the mother of three adult children: LeeAnne, Michael, and Paul. Margaret loves being a grandma. m.persons@nebcvt.org
Jenny Reed
Office Support
Jenny Reed brings a willingness to serve wherever needed to support the staff and vision of NEBC. Coupling her love for the Lord with a desire to serve Him, Jenny also volunteers in the office at Christian Fellowship Baptist Church, where she has been helping out the last four years assisting in the preparation of the Sunday bulletin, congregational mailings and various other office support duties as needed. Her joy for God's work lends encouragement and excitement to the office atmosphere. Jenny is the wife of George and mother of four children: David, Susan, Diane, and Cindy. She is also grandmother to nine grandchildren.
Cindy Thayer
Administrative Assistant / Treasurer
Cindy Thayer brings both secular and ministry experience to NEBC. Having served in the banking industry, as an administrative assistant for a growing company, a church secretary, financial secretary, bookkeeper, Bible Study leader, and author; her experience will be a great asset to our organization. In addition, Cindy's skill in graphic design and printing layout is a great service to NEBC. Cindy is the wife of Tony and mother of two children: Taylor and Hayden. c.thayer@nebcvt.org
Wilson Thomas
Business/IT Administrator
Wilson brings a broad range of experience to the organization including particular expertise in technology and business management. His multifaceted proficiency in administrating a variety of projects ranging from small business applications to multi-million dollar projects make him a great asset to our business team. In addition, Wilson's knowledge and skill will help NEBC lay the groundwork to launch Northeastern Baptist College on strong technological footing. Wilson is the husband of Cathy and father of Stephanie and Wilson Thomas III. w.thomas@nebcvt.org
