Joni and Friends Announces the Appointment of Two New Board Members
Agoura Hills, CA – May 13, 2020:
Joni and Friends is pleased to announce the addition of two new board directors, Bernie Mills with VMware, Inc., and Daniel Smith with Smith & Pugh, PLC. As Joni and Friends continues to grow and expand, these two leaders in business and in the Christian community bring a wealth of experience in board governance and fiduciary oversight.
“Both Bernie Mills and Dan Smith are successful executives who have a passion for disability ministry. My team and I are excited to benefit from their talent, expertise and energy into furthering our mission,” said Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends.
Bernie Mills has served in several executive position at VMware since 2005 including Vice President of Embedded OEM & IoT and most recently Head of Strategy & Operations for Strategic Corporate Alliances. Other career experience includes his position as Vice President, Marketing & Customer Support at Collabnet and executive and sales positions at Cadence Design Systems and IBM. Bernie’s daughter, Tabitha Mills, serves as program manager for Joni and Friends Bay Area and uses her skills to serve hundreds of special needs families in California.
Bernie commented, “God placed family and friends with a variety of disabilities in my life since I was very young. I also have had the joy of serving at respites, Wheels for the World, and Joni and Friends Retreats.”
Dan Smith is a practicing law attorney at Smith & Pugh, PLC, since 1979, with a specialty in estate planning. He earned his Law Degree at the University of Virginia School of Law in 1969. Dan has several published works regarding Trusts and Estate Planning and served as the Founding Administrative Dean at the International School of Law (George Mason School of Law). Dan served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1969–1972. His community service includes Young Life of Loudoun County (Founding Chairman), Christian Businessmen’s Committee of Leesburg (Founding Chairman), Prison Fellowship (Founding Director and General Counsel), and Riverside Foundation (President). Dan’s experience with disability extends from his role as caregiver for Ruth, his first wife of 34 years.
“We are excited to welcome Bernie Mills and Dan Smith to our Board of Directors,” said John Nugent, President and COO of Joni and Friends. “The wealth of knowledge and disability experience of both Bernie and Dan will provide valuable perspective.”
About Joni and Friends: For more than 40 years, Joni and Friends has provided the hope of the Gospel and practical care to people living with disability around the globe. Ministry programs include Joni’s House, Wheels for the World™, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training. Joni and Friends also delivers daily inspirational media through radio programs and podcasts.
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Learn More About Joni and Friends
Since 1979 Joni and Friends has committed to reaching and serving people with disabilities with practical help and the saving love of Jesus.
