Howard Russell | Chairman
Russell Enterprises

Howard Russell is a licensed mechanical engineer (PE) with over 43 years of experience in power systems, marketing, and international business development. His career began at General Electric and later expanded at Black & Veatch, where he led major sales and marketing throughout North America and in the Asia Pacific. During his time living in Singapore, Howard frequently traveled across the region and witnessed the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities in developing countries. These encounters left a lasting impact and ultimately led to his involvement with Mercy & Truth. Howard has served on the Mercy & Truth Board for the past seventeen years and now leads as Board Chair, bringing a deep commitment to service and a global perspective that helps shape the organization’s vision and mission.
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Howard's life verse is Isaiah 43:18-19.

Arthur R. Smith | Vice Chair & Secretary
HEMACS, Inc.

Arthur R. Smith brings more than five decades of experience in healthcare management and consulting, with expertise spanning hospital operations, physician practice management, and rehabilitation services. He holds a Master’s degree in Health Planning and Administration and is a Fellow of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). Arthur joined the Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry Board in 2008 and served four years as Board Chairman. He currently serves as both Vice Chair and Secretary. In addition to his board leadership, Arthur is the CEO of HEMACS, Inc., a healthcare executive search and consulting firm. His deep knowledge of healthcare systems and governance continues to shape the strategic direction of organizations across the country.
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Arthur's life verse is Ecclesiastes 3:1-10.

Barry Jackson
Morgan Hunter HealthSearch

Barry Jackson has worked in the executive search industry since 1994 and was instrumental in the establishment and development of three companies: Morgan Hunter Consulting Services, Morgan Hunter Healthcare Consulting, and Morgan Hunter HealthSearch. He has extensive executive search experience in healthcare, banking, telecommunications, insurance, and manufacturing, with a focus on the healthcare sector since 2003. Barry has led mission trips to eight countries and played a key role in introducing Mercy & Truth to mission partners in Rwanda and Ecuador. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Missouri Southern State University and is actively involved with Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry and My Father’s House Community Services.
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Barry's life verse is Romans 5:8.

Carlo C. Jurani, MD
Retired Surgeon

Carlo C. Jurani has served on the board of Mercy and Truth Healthcare Ministry since 2022, bringing his passion for global service and years of medical experience to the international missions committee. A retired general and laparoscopic surgeon, Carlo practiced in the Kansas City area from 2002 to 2021. He has participated in medical missions since 2008, offering surgical care in countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, the Philippines, Haiti, and Peru. Carlo now serves as the Teaching Leader for Bible Study Fellowship in the Kansas City Metro, where he leads over 300 participants and supports outreach in local prisons. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency at the University of Kansas.
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Carlo's life verse is Revelation 19:1b.

Cathy Garcia Johnson
​Young Life

Cathy Garcia Johnson serves on the Mercy & Truth Board of Directors, bringing decades of experience in youth and community outreach. She has been involved with Young Life since 1973, serving as an Area Director and Developer for 20 years. Additionally, Cathy has worked as an event manager for the Miss USA Pageant and Travel Options. Her passion for creating inclusive spaces and fostering multicultural ministry is evident in her work. Cathy holds a degree in Art & Art History from the University of Central Missouri.
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Cathy's life verse is Micah 6:8.

Clint Hall
The Sending Project

Clint Hall has served on the Mercy & Truth Board of Directors since 2012, contributing to fundraising and church engagement efforts. He currently serves as the Director of Church Relations for The Sending Project, a Kansas City 501c3 faith-based organization. Clint is also the Emeritus Pastor of Westbrooke Church in Overland Park, where he previously served as Senior and Family Pastor. He helps lead the Police and Faith Leader’s Network of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties and is active with the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education and the Olathe Chamber of Commerce.
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Clint's life verse is ​2 Corinthians 5:14-15.

Frankye Stanley
USD 500

Frankye Stanley brings deep experience in restorative practices and education, with a passion for creating positive, inclusive school environments. As the Restorative Justice Specialist at Alfred Fairfax Academy in Kansas City Kansas Public Schools, she has spent seven years helping students and staff build meaningful relationships, resolve conflict, and reduce disciplinary disparities. Frankye holds advanced degrees in both Elementary and Adult Education, and is committed to equity and empowerment through education. She is proud to support Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry in its mission to serve underserved communities with compassion and dignity.
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Frankye's life verse is Romans 8:28.

Mark Schmid
Retired Attorney

Mark Schmid brings decades of legal expertise and a heart for service to his role on the Board of Directors, where he has served since 2018. A retired attorney, Mark earned his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law and holds a B.A. in history and political science from Washburn University. Since January 2023, he has also volunteered as Mercy & Truth’s Grant Writer, helping advance the organization’s mission to deliver quality healthcare to those in need. Mark is deeply committed to faith-based service, drawing inspiration from his favorite scriptures.
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Mark's life verse is Philippians 4:8.

Tony Njeru, MBA
​Senior Accountant, Lennar

Tony Njeru serves on the Mercy & Truth Board of Directors, bringing over a decade of experience in banking and finance. Originally from Kenya, he moved to the U.S. in 2007 and earned both a Bachelor’s in Actuarial Science and Mathematics and an MBA in Finance from the University of Central Missouri. Tony has held accounting roles at Peoples Bank and BayFirst Bank, where he led major improvements in financial reporting and built a loan system used during the COVID-19 pandemic. He currently works as a Senior Accountant at Lennar. Tony advises Mercy & Truth on financial matters and has a passion for international missions and development.

Tony's life verse is Romans 12:12.

Vicky Roberson |Treasurer
Hallmark Cards

Vicky Roberson brings over two decades of experience in finance and administration, with a strong track record in collections, bookkeeping, financial analysis, and terms management. In her career at Hallmark Cards, Inc., Vicky consistently exceeded expectations—she maintained a flawless collections record with no accounts carried over 30 days and saved her company more than $2 million through strategic terms administration. She currently serves on the Finance Committee for Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry, bringing both her financial acumen and heart for service to the board since 2021. Vicky holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting Management from Park University.

Vicky's life verse is Philippians 4:13.

Gary Ascanio | Chief Prayer Officer*
​Retired, John Hancock

Gary Ascanio brings over five decades of experience in sales and leadership, with a heart for ministry that continues to shape his service today. He began his career at Business Men’s Assurance in 1968 before joining John Hancock, where he served in agency leadership and as Regional Sales Vice President until his retirement in 2021. A Chartered Financial Consultant, Gary also completed executive development training at Penn State University. He holds a business degree from the University of Kansas and an MBA from the University of Missouri. Since 2019, he has served on the Mercy & Truth Healthcare Ministry board as Chief Prayer Officer, where his steady encouragement and faith have uplifted both staff and patients alike.

Gary's life verse is Ephesians 3:20.

*non-voting board member