About

DAI has 42 ministry centers around the world focused on serving their area’s needs. We currently work in 78 countries organized into nine regions. In each country, we seek to increase local leadership’s integrity and effectiveness through workshops, master’s degree classes, consultation and mentoring.

We listen first

We research the real needs of leaders

We design tools that respond to those needs effectively

We distribute these tools and resources through local leaders

Our Mission

Enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of christian leaders worldwide so that the church can fulfill its role in extending the kingdom of god.

Core Values

Committed to effectiveness, integrity, humility, partnering, mentoring, holism, biblical standards and to reaching those with the least access.

History

In 1990, two distinguished professors wanted to make a difference in the lives and ministries of key leaders in the majority world. Together, they founded The Center for Organizational Excellence at Eastern College. Their dream was to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of Christian leaders worldwide.

Dr. James F. Engel taught at Wheaton College for 18 years. Beside a highly successful secular career in marketing research, he served as a trainer and consultant to over 250 Christian organizations in 60 countries.

Meanwhile, Dr. David Fraser had gained significant exposure to leaders at the grassroots level, serving as a member of the senior staff of the MARC (Mission Advanced Research and Communication Center) Division of World Vision International with responsibilities for Unreached Peoples. He had also served with World Vision’s Mission Training and Resource Center, helping to develop curricula and training models.

Together the two undertook nearly three years of global research to identify the greatest areas of leadership growth needed by Christian leaders in the majority world to effectively transform their communities.

Over the next five years the curriculum was created, field-tested, modified and retested. Methods of distribution were tried and evaluated. It began to become clear that interactive, story-based learning focused on asking the leader questions and requiring application enabled leaders to change. This method put the focus on learning and transformation of the leader and his or her leadership practices. Staff and volunteers were recruited, including men and women with expertise in the most critical fields, and the ministry began to expand. In 1996, the organization incorporated as its own 501(c)3 corporation and adopted the name Development Associates International (DAI).

US Service Team

As a worldwide fellowship of leader-developers, DAI consists of a main service center in Colorado and 41 additional ministry centers around the globe. Each ministry center has its own staff and board of directors in that country. Most of DAI’s 150 staff are local believers, called to serve in their own country and full-time employees of the organization in their country.

Abby Amstutz

Abby joined DAI in 2019 after graduating with a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Seminary.

Previously, she served as an administrative assistant at Kasr el Dobarah Evangelical Church in Cairo, Egypt, and worked in the holistic resettlement of Middle Eastern refugees and asylees in the Kansas City metropolis.

Abby holds a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Wheaton College. She brings her broad cross-cultural experience and a passion for the global church to DAI, where she is responsible for creatively sharing the work of DAI with those with a passion for leadership.

To read articles written by Abby for DAI, click here.

Dr. Paul Borthwick

Paul has worked for DAI since 1998. Before joining DAI Paul served for 22 years at a church outside of Boston – first as youth pastor and then as missions pastor.

Paul holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Cross-cultural Ministry and a Masters of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Management) from the University of Massachusetts. He serves as an advisor to the Urbana Student Mission Conference, teaches as an adjunct faculty at a number of schools.

Paul has written more than a dozen books on issues related to youth ministry, leadership, and global missions. Visit his website for blogs, travel schedule, and book list.

To read articles written by Paul for DAI, click here.

Christie Borthwick

Christie works at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital (BIDMC) and on the staff of Development Associates International (DAI).

A graduate of the University of New Hampshire (B.S.), Boston University (Masters of Public Health), and Gordon-Conwell theological Seminary (Master of Arts in Counseling), Christie maintains a very active life working at BIDMC in microbiology and parasitology, serving with DAI in helping facilitate the development of leaders and helping others as a spiritual director.

With her husband Paul, she helped launch the short-term mission program at Grace Chapel (Lexington, MA) and through short-term missions and leadership development, she has traveled to more than 95 countries.

Mikel Detmer

Colorado native Mikel Detmer joined DAI as IT Systems Administrator in 2019. He brings over twenty years of experience problem solving hardware and software issues both in the corporate world and by avocation. Mikel loves being able to use his IT skills in ministry.

His ministry experiences has included working in the Kids’ Ministry at Flatirons Community Church, being a licensed foster parent and being involved with Blue Sky Bridge, Precious Child, DAI, Front Range Calvary and numerous other Christian organizations. While not volunteering, Mikel and his wife enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.

Dr. Kyle Greenwood

Dr. Kyle Greenwood has worked in Christian higher education for the past fifteen years as both an affiliate and full-time faculty in the field of Old Testament studies. He is currently an affiliated faculty member with Denver Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary.

In addition to his academic career, Kyle has worked in several ministry contexts including New York City, Nairobi and, most recently, as Family Ministries Director of a church in Lakewood, Colorado.

Kyle earned a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies from Hebrew Union College, and an M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books including: Since the Beginning: Interpreting Genesis 1 and 2 through the Ages and Scripture and Cosmology.

To read articles written by Kyle for DAI, click here.

Veronica Guidos

Veronica came to DAI after over two decades as an office manager/executive assistant in the business world. Veronica is bilingual (Spanish), is certified in human resources, and has an education in paralegal skills and business administration.

Her previous ministry involvement includes being a foster parent with Project 1.27, working in children’s ministry, mentoring interns and helping ESL women find jobs through Thrive Colorado. Veronica has volunteered at VOC (Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado), multiple food banks, Blue Sky Bridge and Precious Child.

Steve Justice

Steve joined DAI in 2022, bringing with him over 25 years of experience working in and alongside faith-based nonprofits both nationally and internationality. He has impacted numerous organizations with his creative, relationally based leadership.

Steve has served as Vice President or National Director of Development for three international organizations and has participated as a trusted advisor to numerous others, either as a board member or consultant. He sees the development of resources as a spiritual endeavor, both for those who give and the organizations they give to. Using this approach, he has enabled many ministries’ visions to flourish.

Steve graduated from the University of Georgia and has a graduate degree from Colorado Christian University.

Dr. Ryan Murphy

Ryan Patrick Murphy has worked in Christian higher education at both the graduate and undergraduate level for twelve years, most recently as Associate Professor of Christian Thought and Social Ethics at Colorado Christian University.  Additionally, he has taught at Westmont College, Azusa Pacific University and Denver Seminary. 

Beyond academia, Ryan has served as Executive Director of Crossroads of the Rockies, an inner-city nonprofit serving Denver’s urban poor.

He holds a Ph.D. from King’s College London in Christian Ethics, an M.A. in Systematic Theology and a B.S. in Community Development. Ryan spent several years working on water and sanitation projects at the village level in sub-Saharan Africa.

To read articles written by Ryan for DAI, click here.

Rhonda Proctor

Rhonda joined DAI in 2024. She is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and is a CPA certificate holder.

Her professional background encompasses many years in both corporate and non-profit finance leadership. She has extensive experience in mentoring teams, developing and implementing policies and procedures and streamlining technology systems.

One of her most enjoyable assignments has been working in cross-cultural ministry at Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany. Rhonda served as a dorm parent (together with her husband) and in leadership for the BFA finance department.

In her role as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Rhonda is responsible for overseeing accurate financial reporting as well as information technology, legal, and human resources areas for DAI.

Jane Overstreet

Jane joined DAI in 1996, working alongside DAI co-founders Jim Engel and David Fraser. She was appointed President/CEO in 1999.

Prior to joining DAI, Jane served for many years as the Director of Legal Services for Youth with a Mission (YWAM) International while living in the Middle East and Europe.

She is a member of the American Bar Association and the Colorado Bar Association. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations and is a member of the Lausanne Leadership Development Working Group.

Jane received a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Oral Roberts University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa, College of Law.

Andrea Riedner

Andrea re-joined DAI in 2019 and is now serving as Administrative Manager of the MAOL.

Previously, Andrea served as CEO at Reach One Touch One Ministries for eight years. Former roles at DAI include assistant to the CFO and assistant to the Administrative Director of the MA Program.

She and her husband Wolfgang were missionaries in Uganda before joining DAI in Colorado in 2002. They share a love for people around the world and are privileged to serve God.

Andrea has an associate degree in Tax and Accounting and in the last ten years has received training in leading a non-profit, fundraising, community development and cross-cultural partnerships.

Christie Yeadon

Christie joined DAI in 2023. She has a passion for education and loves to see others being equipped to do their jobs well.

Previously, she worked in foster care creating online courses for foster parents. Prior to that, she worked in a church and in higher education as an academic advisor and career counselor at Colorado State University.

Christie holds a M.S. in Student Affairs and Higher Education and a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University.

Other Staff Serving Globally

These individuals are just a few of our more than 150 full-time staff serving in their own countries.

Greg Aikins

Greg joined DAI in 2021 as a Senior Consultant for Iceland and Europe, bringing with him over 37 years of evangelism, church-building and discipleship with Greater European Mission (GEM). He has previously served as GEM’s Northeastern Area Director (out of Budapest, Hungary) and Director of GEM’s LifeQuality International for business professionals. He and his wife, Betsy, lived in Iceland for 17 years doing grassroots church-building, discipleship, and consulting among the Icelandic people. They currently live in Pennsylvania and travel frequently to Europe for ministry.

Greg holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Biblical Theological (now Missio) Seminary and a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Greg and Betsy have three adult daughters and six wonderful grandchildren.

To read articles written by Greg for DAI, click here.

Dr. David Bochman

For 35 years David has worked in international non-profit leadership, managing and providing oversight to multicultural teams working throughout Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia.

He served 27 years with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), living 11 years in Ecuador, 6 years in Russia and 3 years in Hungary. David concluded his MAF service as COO of MAF-US.

David holds a Ph.D. in Adult/Organizational Learning and Leadership from the University of Idaho. His dissertation was a case study of World Vision in Ghana, West Africa. David also holds an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University and a B.A. in Intercultural Ministries from Crown College.

Jacob & Marcie Cantleberry

Jacob and Marcie joined DAI in 2016. They are former international educators who bring teaching experience from eleven different countries. The Cantleberrys partner with schools and educational leaders to provide professional development as well as adapt/create leadership curriculum, most recently for children’s ministry workers, youth and children.

Jake and Marcie both earned their Bachelor of Science in Education at Crown College in Minnesota. Both also earned a second major in Christian Studies. The Cantleberrys have three children: Shashi, Reuben and Amarina.

Ashok Ghimire

Ashok has been involved with DAI’s North American Diaspora Ministry since 2016. Originally from Nepal, he has more than 33 years of multicultural ministry and professional experience, primarily in Southeast Asia and the United States. Ashok has a passion for youth, students and professionals from various immigrant and diaspora communities. He has been living cross-culturally outside Nepal for more than 30 years and speaks 5 languages fluently.

Ashok holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and master’s degrees in environmental engineering and cross-cultural studies. He is currently pursuing a PhD in International Development at William Carey International University. He lives in Pasadena, California with his wife, Sabina, and two sons, Prem and Ashish.

Dr. David Johnson

David joined DAI in 2008 as Senior Consultant for Latin America after fourteen years with HCJB Global. In early 2015 he was named DAI’s Regional Director for Latin America. David’s focus is to initiate, design and develop the ministry of DAI throughout the diverse Latin American region.

David spent six years playing and coaching soccer with Athletes in Action and two Major Indoor Soccer League teams. In 1996, David was appointed Executive Director of HCJB Global and served as President from 2001-2008.

David has a bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific University and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University in Virginia.

Tertia Morcos

Tertia joined DAI in 2014.  Together with her husband Hani, she has written the Growing Marriage curriculum, which addresses the marriage needs of leaders in diverse cultural settings. Tertia is South African and has lived most of her adult life in the Middle East.

Tertia is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and lives in southern California. She has a background in education and has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Tertia attends an Arabic church and is a regular speaker on topics related to marriage, family and spiritual formation. She co-facilitates the Growing Marriage courses with Hani in North America and abroad.

Karl Mueller

Karl joined DAI in 2014 and brings with him more than 35 years of ministry experience. He is currently leading DAI’s work among diaspora and immigrant leaders in North America and leading DAI’s efforts in Canada. Karl also facilitates courses for both our MAOL and non-formal leadership workshops in Africa, Asia, Canada and the USA.

Karl served in leadership with Youth with A Mission (YWAM), the North American Baptist Conference, Visionlead and as a missions/justice pastor in two large churches. Karl is a graduate of the University of Alberta and Fuller Theological Seminar (Missiology/Leadership Development).

To read articles written by Karl for DAI, click here.

Dan Wisley

Dan began facilitating courses with DAI in 2018 and joined full-time in 2020. He has served in a variety of ministry roles, including campus pastor, teacher, sports ministry, development work, church planting and non-profit leadership. Much of his experience has been overseas.

Dan studied World Religions and Bible at Wheaton College and holds master’s degrees in Spiritual Formation/Theology and Educational Ministry, also from Wheaton. He is ordained with the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

Dan and Tammy met at Wheaton College and have three children and five grandchildren. They live in Tucson, Arizona.

Dr. Pau & Lucy Jamang

Dr. Pau and Lucy come alongside Christian leaders, pastors and missionaries in equipping them to fulfil their goals and responsibilities by organizing soul care retreats, marriage enrichment workshops and mentoring. They are also involved with the Zomi diaspora who are scattered in 35 countries around the world.

Scott & Heidi Wisley

Scotty and Heidi both grew up in Asia and have been working in Papua, Indonesia since 1996. The Wisleys run three elementary schools in highland villages in Papua. Their focus is on cross-cultural discipleship – primarily mentoring the schools’ staff and leadership to teach, train and disciple the children in the schools to be strong Christian leaders.

After graduating from Dalat school in Malaysia, Scotty received his Bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and a Master’s from Eastern University in Third World Economic Development. He and Heidi have two children, Walker and Arwen.

Board of Directors

Gretchen Hansen

Chairperson

Executive Director
Hansen Foundation
Sewickley, Pennsylvania
Serving since 2016

Roberta Fields

Vice Chairperson

Attorney
McAfee & Taft
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Serving since 2020

Taylor Haltom

Secretary

Project Development
Barnhart Crane & Rigging
Greater Chicago area
Serving since 2019

Jon Halverson

Partner
Talanton
Wayzata, Minnesota
Serving since 2019

Heather Larson

Founder/Principal Advisor
LiveGive
Greater Chicago area
Serving since 2021

Jane Overstreet

President / CEO
DAI
Colorado Springs, Colorado

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