Meet the Staff
Bill Thrall
There’s a reason why everyone from CEO’s of worldwide companies to heads of mission organizations to the newlyweds down the block want to have Bill Thrall as their mentor. His experience and wisdom prove true as he helps others establish trust in all their key relationships and nurtures grace-based communities.
As the Vice Chair, co-author and leadership mentor forTruefaced- Leadership Catalyst since 1995, Bill’s genuine desire to see relational health in those he works with, has been vital in setting the tone of the organization. His eloquence and integrity have given him opportunities to teach Truefaced’s principles internationally. His wisdom has been penned throughout the entire series of The Ascent of a Leader, Beyond Your Best, and TrueFaced Experience books.
Prior to joining Truefaced- Leadership Catalyst, Bill founded and pastored the influential church, Open Door Fellowship, for over 20 years. While there, he developed an effective character development training program that nurtured visionaries such as Kit Danley, founder of Neighborhood Ministries in Phoenix, AZ. These training sessions became the basis for the TrueFaced message.
In his spare time, Bill can be found fishing, crafting furniture for his family in his wood shop or cultivating fruits, vegetables and herbs in his beautiful backyard garden. Bill and his wife, Grace have three grown children Wende, Bill, and Joy and nine grandchildren.
Bruce McNicol
Truefaced wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the encouraging heart, discerning wisdom and intuition of co-founder and President, Bruce McNicol. His passion to come alongside leaders and help them resolve life issues and mature into the identity God has given them, has built the foundation of this organization.
With degrees in finance law, theology, leadership and organizational development, Bruce’s ability to write on a multitude of topics and to a diverse audience has proved true in the best-sellers he has co-authored: The Ascent of a Leader, TrueFaced and the High Trust Cultures” and High Trust Leaders” resources, (formerly, Leading From Strengths and Leading From Within) and the condensation of The Ascent of a Leader, entitled Beyond Your Best.
In addition to presiding over Truefaced-Leadership Catalyst and writing, Bruce’s keen ability to speak into the lives of others, in public arenas, small groups or one-on-one, continues to draw audiences around the world and gives him the opportunity of mentoring leaders in business, government, sports and the church.
Living in Oregon, California, Chicago, and now Arizona, Bruce has gained a variety of interests over the years. He enjoys the beach, reading, sports and observing culture through stand-up comedians, tele-evangelists, urban youth, and politicians. His constant interest is his wife Janet, who is a homemaker, nurse and mentor. Together, they absolutely enjoy their three children, Nicole, Chad and Ryan.
John Lynch
As a great communicator, a gifted speaker, and a talented writer, John Lynch is a vital member of the Truefaced staff. In addition to speaking and leading seminars nationally, John has co-authored a number of books for Truefaced.
Those books include Leadership Catalyst’s second full-length book, TrueFaced. He also serves as the ‘Trail Guide’ in theTrueFaced Experience DVD, guiding participants through a life-changing small group experience. John also edited Beyond Your Best, a condensation of Truefaced- Leadership Catalyst first full-length book, The Ascent of a Leader.
Beyond that, John also serves as teaching pastor at Open Door Fellowship in Phoenix, Arizona, a position that he has held since 1985. John was equipped for this ministry at Talbot Seminary and applies the life changing TrueFaced message in this real-world ministry community.
John applied his love for writing and performing as the co-founder and playwright for Sharkey Productions, a theater troupe focused on Gospel-anchored theater productions for those still seeking Christ. John and his wife Stacey have three children Caleb, Amy and Carly.
David Pinkerton
A talented communicator and a natural on the stage, David Pinkerton uses his gifting as Special Assistant to the President and Events Manager.
David honed his communication skills in college, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Public Relations. While there, he traveled the country as a part of the college’s speech team. He continued developing these skills as he managed an electronic recycling company and worked in audio and visual production work at Orangescreen Productions. His talents led to voice over work for commercials and TV shows and an opportunity to help write for a local television program for kids.
In addition to his service at Truefaced, David is in his eighth year helping to lead high school students at Open Door Fellowship. While serving as a high school leader, he has been learning about identity in Christ and the beauty that comes from growing up in an environment of grace.
As native Phoenicians, David and Kelsie have no concept of snow or rain, although they swear they will someday see both. Their longing for places that are green, or at least decidedly less brown, has yet to pull them away from their beloved community in Phoenix.
Rod Gipson
Holding a B.A. in Bible from Arizona College of the Bible and an M.Ed in Learning and Instructional Technology from Arizona State University, Rod had a successful career in the arenas of Human Performance Technology and Instructional Design. He had both consulting and management roles at Fortune 75 companies like Motorola and McKesson to specialized firms such as Data Doctors. He also served in a variety of ministry areas including youth, marriage, worship and missions.
Rod’s direction in matters of IT is invaluable to the Truefaced team.
Like thousands of others around the world, Rod has been deeply impacted by the message of grace that Truefaced faithfully stewards, specifically the books of Ascent of a Leader and TrueFaced. Both books radically changed his life and worldview.
Rod and his wife Debbie live in Chandler, AZ. He is the step-dad of two grown daughters and has two delightful grandchildren.
Shannon McCarthy
A gift and joy to her coworkers, Shannon McCarthy serves as the Operations Assistant for Truefaced. Her days are filled planning the company’s travel, managing the production of in-house products, and being the main support for each staff member.
Upon graduating in 2006 from Scottsdale Christian Academy, Shannon began college and was also hired by her alma matter to serve as their head Junior High cheer coach. In addition to coaching them into a great squad and building teamwork, she enjoys being involved with the girls’ lives and helping them grow as individuals.
When she is not working, in school or coaching, Shannon enjoys her relationships with those close to her and is happiest grabbing coffee with friends, catching the latest movie premiere and spending time with her family.
David Kittleson
Because of his great eye for details, efficiency and heavy experience in this area, David Kittleson serves in the Audio and Visual department of the Operations team. His days are spent producing all in-house CD’s/DVD’s and providing general support for the executive team.
In addition to his work at Truefaced, David has served in the Audio and Visual ministry at his home church for over five years.
A resident of Sun City, AZ, David’s favorite activities are being around his coworkers, listening to 80’s rock music, taking long leisurely walks and spending time with his family.
Mari Basham
When you combine creativity, contagious laughter and an uncanny joy in accounting, you get Mari Basham, Truefaced’s Director of Finance and Administration.
Prior to joining Truefaced, Mari received her B.A. from Grand Canyon University in Christian Leadership. She also worked at her former alma matter in the Business and Accounting Department for over 19 years. During her time there, she served in many roles including Director of Business and Auxiliary Services.
Mari lives with her husband of 32 years, in Glendale, AZ. In addition to creating artwork for her home and reading the latest novels, one of her greatest joys is spending time with her two grown sons, two beautiful daughter-in-laws and three wonderful and delightful grandchildren that live nearby.
Steve Barger
Steve’s life has been dramatically impacted by the Truefaced message. This revolutionary message of grace has been transforming his life, his marriage and all his relationships. It has been so impactful that recently he transitioned to working full time as the Executive Director in order to help get this message out to more individuals, business leaders, churches, and faith-based organizations.
Steve’s contribution on the board of directors for the past 10 years has emphasized networks, training, prayer, fundraising, the Getaway at Bo’s Café, and personal encouragement to the Truefaced executive team. His excitement as he ventures into this vital role as Executive Director at Truefaced is energizing the team to grow and expand in influence and imagination.
Steve joins the team at Truefaced with a background of over 35 successful years in the real estate business. Steve served as Director of Development for a major real estate investment company developing custom residential subdivisions and office buildings in Scottsdale. His influence expanded into the international market when his involvement as a partner at Abigail Properties, LLC formed a joint venture with a Mexican company to develop a 350 acre seaside master planned community in Mexico. He continues to follow the real estate market as owner of Steven Properties, LLC.
Steve’s hobbies range from a love of flying, to exploring the ever-changing world of wine, to relaxing on the golf course. Steve and his wife Carol enjoy spending time with their two married daughters, Crystal (& Blake) and Jackie (& Jim) and their five grandchildren.
Lisa Chandler
People and relationships are what matter most to Lisa Chandler. Whether it is remembering a birthday or sending an encouraging e-mail or note, Lisa loves to develop and enrich relationships with family and friends in her world.
Lisa has worked in dentistry as well as prosthetics & orthotics. She earned her BA in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University and has been involved in a number of ministries. Lisa’s life and marriage have been transformed by the TrueFaced principles. She is an avid champion of the TrueFaced message, especially among her three children Elli, Sara, and James.
To help fulfill her love for changing the world through environments of grace in any and all relationships, Lisa returned to the TrueFaced group in 2009 after being away eight years. Four of these “away years” were spent in St. Andrews, Scotland, where her husband Chris pursued his PhD. Her exceptional organizational skills make her a valuable part of the Truefaced-Leadership Catalyst team as executive assistant.
Lisa is especially passionate about the mission work she and her husband Chris are currently developing in Sierra Leone—the poorest, most underdeveloped country in the world which has been wracked by an 11 year civil war fought over diamonds. In 2001, Lisa gave up her diamond wedding ring to help in this effort. One day this family will take the Truefaced life to Sierra Leone.
Although Lisa considers Phoenix home and has traveled to many countries including Syria and Germany, she is an Iowa gal at heart. In her (limited) spare time Lisa enjoys eating Mexican food, watching a movie, or reading a good book.
Erin Wilson
Erin Wilson serves as the Operations Assistant for Truefaced Leadership Catalyst. Erin is the first voice you will likely hear when you call our offices and is our product managing guru. Erin also serves as the assistant for Bill Thrall and helps coordinate his schedule.
After graduating from Scottsdale Christian Academy in 2006, Erin began college at the University of Arizona. After a few years, she decided to move back to the Valley of the Sun to pursue a degree through Northern Arizona University’s Distance Elementary Education Program here in Scottsdale. She believes teaching is a very fulfilling job, and looks forward to enriching the lives of all her future students.
Erin, a born and raised Chicagoan, loves the daily Arizona sunshine, and enjoys spending time with loved ones whenever she can.
