Program Director

Michael serves as Program Manager at the Timothy Initiative, overseeing program operations and accountability. He develops the recovery curriculum, mentors men one-on-one, and directs daily structure in the homes, including intakes, reviews, and coordination with partner facilities.

Mike first came to the Timothy Initiative on May 15, 2015, where he experienced radical life change and found new life in Jesus Christ. More than ten years sober, he joined the staff in 2017 and has since devoted his work to helping men encounter God, break free from addiction, and pursue lasting transformation.

Director of Strategic Initiatives & Brand Development

Luz Cárdenas serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives & Brand Development for Timothy Initiative, supporting executive leadership and helping advance the ministry’s mission through strategy, storytelling, brand development, donor engagement, partnerships, communications, and organizational growth.

An award-winning strategist, communications executive, and entrepreneur, Luz brings decades of experience across government, nonprofit, corporate, and entrepreneurial sectors. She helps organizations clarify their message, strengthen their visibility, build trust, and move mission-driven work forward with excellence and purpose.

At Timothy Initiative, Luz helps steward the ministry’s brand, communications, fundraising initiatives, community outreach, digital presence, marketing efforts, and special projects in alignment with the organization’s leadership and vision. For Luz, this work is more than a role; it is a calling — a joyful opportunity to use her gifts in service of restoration, healing, and hope.

Recovery Homes Manager

Jeremy is the Recovery Homes Manager at the Timothy Initiative, overseeing daily operations, resident accountability, and weekly house meetings. He provides one-on-one support to men in recovery while also assisting with the ministry’s administrative needs.

Raised in Denver, he spent 15 years leading customer service teams before relocating to Florida eight years ago. For the past seven years, Jeremy has invested his leadership experience and heart for service into the mission of the Timothy Initiative. He is the proud father of two children, ages 33 and 28.

Board chair 

Ernie has over 30 years of experience in the technology and telecommunications industry. His background spans several disciplines with experience, from Sales Leadership roles to CMO roles and, lastly as co-founder of a co-location company (recently sold). He and his wife Samantha and family have made Tampa their home for over 15 years. “My focus has been on issues that matter most to me and our family regarding addiction. It impacts the family’s well-being tremendously. Bringing this focus with my faith as an integral healing process for my family – I was blessed with an opportunity to contribute through TI. This is my journey to pave a forward path with God and Christ as my shining light.”

Assistant Board Chair

Mr. Maddux is a board-certified criminal trial lawyer who practices personal injury and civil rights litigation as well. In his nearly 30 years of practice, he’s had the good fortune of helping Timothy initiative men surmount legal hurdles. His love of Jesus inspires him to help bring “freedom to the captives“. Whether it be men struggling with homelessness, addiction, or mental health challenges, we are called to serve. For Michael, TI provides a powerful way to make a difference. You can learn more about Michael and at his firm’s website www.madduxattorneys.com

Secretary 

Born and raised in Pinellas County, and now residing in Tampa, Chris Curran brings a strong local understanding to his role as a board member with The Timothy Initiative. While Chris has built a successful real estate career defined by passion, honesty, and integrity – from institutional acquisitions to his current work with The Paul DeSantis Group at Premier Sotheby's International Realty  – his commitment to The Timothy Initiative is deeply personal. Having witnessed his sister's struggles with addiction, Chris is driven by a profound desire to see men find hope and recovery.

Treasurer

Dan has spent his entire career post grad shool in Commercial and Corporate Banking.  He currently is the Middle Market Leader for the State of Florida for SouthState Bank.  Dan has previously served as Treasuer for other organizations prior to joining the Board.  He and his wife have a thirteen year old daughter and a ten year old son, and reside in South Tampa.  Dan is passionate about helping the Timothy Initiative scale and strive so that it can reach more members of the community.  He believes in the message and the power of the Gospel to help people restore their lives in Christ.

Board Member 

Pastor Paula Ley  (BTh) comes to the Timothy Initiative with a diverse ministry background of leading various ministries around the globe for the past 33 years. Her greatest passion other than making disciples, is helping kingdom-minded organizations to be all that they can be to build up God’s Body for God’s glory. Paula currently serves on the Senior Leadership Team at Radiant Church, as well as ministering alongside her husband Doug with Serving Beyond Borders. 

Board Member

Dr. Doug Ley (ThM, DMin) is the president of Serving Beyond Borders, an Evangelical, Spirit-filled ministry that seeks to empower cross-cultural workers and nationals to glorify God by making disciples who make disciples. Doug has 33 years of full-time ministry experience living both nationally and overseas as a pastor and seminary professor. He currently serves internationally working in theological and leadership training, and when he is not traveling, also serves a thriving local Tampa church.