FYI Leadership

Our Mission:
Leveraging RESEARCH into
RESOURCES that ELEVATE
leaders, kids, and families

Staff

Kara Eckmann Powell, PhD

Dr. Kara E. Powell is the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) and a faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary. She completed her PhD in Practical Theology from Fuller Seminary with a focus on Pastoral Role Expectations in 2000, an MDiv from Bethel Theological Seminary in 1994, and a BA degree with Honors from Stanford University in 1991. In addition to her roles at Fuller Seminary, Kara currently serves as an Advisor to Youth Specialties and volunteers in student ministries at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena. She is the author or co-author of a number of books and curriculum guides, including Sticky Faith (parent and youth leader editions and student curriculum, 2011-2012), Essential Leadership (2010), Deep Justice Journeys (2009), Deep Justice in a Broken World (2008), Deep Ministry in a Shallow World (2006), Good Sex Youth Ministry Curriculum (2001, rev 2009), Help! I’m a Woman in Youth Ministry (2004), and Mirror, Mirror (2003).  Resources from Kara Powell.  Follow @kpowellfyi on Twitter.

Brad M. Griffin, MDiv

Brad Griffin serves as the Associate Director for the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI). Brad holds a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller and a BA in Psychology from Asbury College. Brad coordinates FYI’s research efforts, leads workshops, develops resources, manages FYI’s online presence, consults with youth workers, and manages the private foundation grants of FYI. He has co-authored Sticky Faith (youth leader edition and student curriculum, 2011-2012), Deep Justice Journeys (2009), and has authored or co-authored articles for the FYI E-Journal, Journal of Student Ministries and YouthWorker Journal, as well as chapters in Middle School Ministry (2009), Deep Ministry in a Shallow World (2006) and Halos and Avatars (2010). A native Kentuckian, Brad now lives in Pasadena with his wife Missy and their three children. After 15 years in youth ministry, he now volunteers in student and worship ministries.  Resources from Brad Griffin. Follow @bgriffinfyi on Twitter.

Irene M. Cho, MDiv

Irene Cho serves as the Program Administrator for the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI). She holds a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Pastoral and General Ministries from Talbot Theological Seminary and a BA in Christian Education from Biola University, and is a PhD student in Fuller’s School of Intercultural Studies. At FYI Irene is the point person for the Urban Youth Ministry Certificate program, event planning, and FYI systems overall. Having served over 15 years in youth ministry, Irene speaks all over the country at conferences such as Youth for Christ, Youth Specialties DC/LA, JAMA New Awakening, Urban Youth Workers Institute and youth retreats, has written various curriculums and consults for many youth ministries. Her passion is for the misfits of the world and to bring the gospel message to those who seem to fall through the cracks. In her minimal spare time, Irene enjoys a great book, movie, or television show, hanging out with friends and former students, and of course getting some sleep.  Resources from Irene Cho. Follow @irenemcho on Twitter.

Cody Charland

Cody Ray Charland is a second year MATM student at Fuller’s Pasadena campus. He holds a BA in Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. As Project Assistant, he handles social media, and helps with writing, technology, and research. He was formerly a Young Life leader as well as Youth Pastor at Port City Community Church in Wilmington, NC.  Cody enjoys the outdoors, all things Tar Heel, and barbecue.  Resources from Cody Charland.  Follow @codycharland on Twitter.

Executive Committee

Winston E. Gooden, PhD, Dean of the School of Psychology
Howard J. Loewen, PhD, Dean of the School of Theology
C. Douglas McConnell, PhD, Dean of the School of Intercultural Studies
Chapman “Chap” Clark, PhD, Vice Dean for the School of Theology and the Regional Campuses Master’s Programs and Professor of Youth, Family and Culture
James Furrow, PhD, Professor of Marital and Family Therapy and co-Director of the Center for Research in Child and Adolescent Development
Desiree Segura-April, PhD, Assistant Professor of Children at Risk
Jude Tiersma Watson, PhD, Associate Professor of Urban Mission
Joe Webb, Vice President for Seminary Advancement

Advisory Council

Mary Andringa
Noel Becchetti
David Bere
Judy Bergman
April Diaz
Toben Heim
Sam Huey
Megan Hutchinson
Ken Knipp
John Lewis
Mark Maines
Brian Prinn
Linda Prinn
Albert Tate
Jeremy Taylor
Cindy Go
Jeff Wright