MEET THE TEAM
Leadership Team
Our team consists of trailblazers who are creating a positive impact within the community.
Executive Director
Rev. David Truluck
Rev. David Truluck, Organizational Co-founder, averages a 0% recidivism rate among post-release graduates and a 9% post-release non-graduates. As Executive Director, David oversees strategic planning, program execution, employee supervision, and fundraising. David leads various programs including Celebrate Recovery, Cognitive Learning 101 (Sustain the Change), Healing for Damaged Emotions/of Memories, and provides chaplaincy support. David's passion is helping men learn and grow in their spiritual journey. David also engages and works with various community partners such as law enforcement and state service agencies, other nonprofit organizations, employers, churches, and volunteers.
Program Director
Melodie Truluck
Melodie Truluck, Co-Founder and Operations Manager at SHIELD Ministries since January 2015. Melodie previously served as a volunteer in operations support from 2007 until 2015. Melodie is a founding Board of Directors Member. With over 30 years of nonprofit and higher education employment experience, Melodie develops operational system processes, data management, accounting and financial management, and direct program services for both pre and post-release programs. Melodie's passion is teaching men evidence-based truth about the ability to change thinking and choice patterns through forgiveness, neuroscience mind management, and by applying Christian Biblical Principles.
Re-Entry Career Planning Specialist
John Ring, Jr.
John Ring, Jr.'s passion is helping men find purpose in God's plan for working. With John's previous experience with the nonprofit, Jobs for Life, John helps men walk through the re-entry process by teaching and preparing men for success in the workplace in the immediate and assisting with life-long career planning. John works closely with the Executive Director in creating and sustaining accountability among the students who are enrolled in the SHIELD Post-Release Program.
Volunteer Pre-release Lead Faculty & Advisor
Tom Pace
Tom Pace is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and has over 40 years of experience working in management positions in engineering, sales, and construction of pollution control and energy management projects. Since retiring Tom has put his energies into volunteer activities including disaster rebuilding, affordable home construction, feeding the homeless, ministering to seafarers, and providing services to veterans. Tom's passion is prison ministry and serves as a volunteer for SHIELD Ministries as our Pre-release Lead Faculty & Advisor.
Data Entry Clerk
Kayla Crosby
Kayla has provided operations support since 2015. With Kayla's prior training in military security forces, Kayla excels in our application processing and data collection. Kayla's passion is her children, reading, and gardening, and is passionate about giving second chances.
Board of Directors
The board of directors possesses a wealth of expertise in effecting positive change within numerous organizations.
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Jamie Jordan
Jamie Jordan, global industry leader with 25+ years' experience in technology, healthcare, renewable energy, etc. Creator of The Excellence Advantage. Regent University graduate in Organizational Leadership. Recognized by CSIA. Currently CSO at Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette. Passionate about organizational excellence. Married to Cynthia Grosso, father of four. Resides in Charleston, SC.
Treasurer of the Board of Directors
Julia Martin
Julia, CFO of ATI (Advanced Technologies International), previously CFO at SCRA. College of Charleston graduate in Accounting and Business Management. Active in Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and Charleston Southern University Board. Long-time supporter of SHIELD Ministries.
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
Brent Bice
Brent, BA Philosophy from Templeton Honors College, worked as Content Editor, then in communications consulting. M.Ed. Multicultural Education. 9 years teaching English/Journalism. Now in financial planning at Modern Woodmen of America. Active in organizing social events and community service.
Member of the Board of Directors
John Matthews
Deacon Matthews, a U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Veteran, retired from the Air Force Reserves. Native of NYC, served across the U.S., including Alaska. Worked for Xerox and CUNA Mutual Group. Deacon at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church since 1973. Pre-release Volunteer.
Member of the Board of Directors
Kevin Woodman
Kevin Woodman, President of Grace RE Development, Akron, OH. Specializes in mixed-use projects, hotels, and retail. Rochester Institute of Technology graduate in Civil Engineering. Active in Prison Ministry and church leadership. Married to Cyndi, with 3 children. Spending most time in Charleston.
Member of the Board of Directors
Karl Brady Jr.
Karl Brady Jr., CFRE and CNP holder, with an MS in Nonprofit Management and pursuing EdD in Leadership. Experienced in nonprofits and government standards, Karl has strong technical writing skills for grants and campaigns. Karl L. Brady, Jr. is the Charleston City Councilmember for District 5, representing Outer West Ashley and Johns Island.
Member of the Board of Directors
Melodie Truluck
Melodie Truluck Co-founder of SHIELD Ministries has served as a founding Board Member since 2009 when SHIELD Ministries received its nonprofit status. Melodie served as a volunteer from 2007 through 2015 serving in operation and program systems development.