This year, Milligan will recognize 12 local leaders during the college’s annual Leaders in Christian Service program on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m. in Milligan’s Mary B. Martin Auditorium located in Seeger Chapel. The service is free and open to the public.
“As we reflect on King’s mission, these individuals offer wonderful examples of what servant-leadership can look like in a variety of professions,” said Greer. “This annual program provides our students and community with examples of people who excel at integrating their faith with their career.”
This year’s keynote speaker will be Ronda Paulson, founder and executive director of Isaiah 117 House.
Paulson, of Elizabethton, founded Isaiah 117 House to provide physical and emotional support for children awaiting foster care placement. Isaiah 117 provides a home where children receive comfort and care while DCS staff work towards foster placement. The flagship Isaiah 117 home is located in Carter County, and additional homes have been established in Washington and Greene counties. Isaiah 117 plans to develop eight additional homes in Tennessee and two in Indiana. Paulson, who holds an undergraduate degree from Milligan, served as the college’s spirit coordinator for 13 years prior to launching Isaiah 117.
The 2020 Leaders in Christian Service honorees include the following Johnson City residents: Adam Crouch, financial advisor at LPL Financial; Todd Fowler, physician with Watauga Orthopaedics; Pete Headley, a retired insurance professional; Karl and Anna Kapoor, veterinarian at Pinecrest Veterinary Clinic and nurse, respectively; Mary Ellen Miller, community relations strategist for the Tennessee Valley Authority; Allan Renfro, architect for SPEC Corporation; and Sarah Smith; a junior at Science Hill High School. Other honorees include Jeff Idell, of Greeneville, owner of Idell Construction; Michael Lattier, of Kingsport, attorney at Hunter, Smith and Davis; and Kelly and Jennifer Wolfe, of Jonesborough, owners of Wolfe Development.