Professional Leadership & Expertise
Gerrit brings over 25 years of proven experience in team development and strategic leadership, honed through his work with several Top 50 investment banking corporations. His exceptional ability to build high-performing teams, nurture leadership potential, and implement scalable business strategies has not only advanced his career but also directly informs his impactful role at ManAlive. After a transformative spiritual retreat, Gerrit boldly returned to his foundational passion - construction - and for the past nine years has leveraged his expertise to help start-up construction companies achieve long-term success through revitalized company culture and streamlined operational processes. In his capacity as the leader of the ManAlive Expedition Council, as well as an active contributor on both the Speaking and Operations teams, his strategic vision and operational acumen drive key initiatives that empower the organization to fulfill its mission.
Personal Journey & Commitment to the Movement
Gerrit's personal journey of faith has been equally transformative, shaping his life's mission and the very core of his leadership. Experiencing firsthand the profound impact of spiritual renewal - witnessing his three children come to know the Lord and reviving a 28-year marriage into a deeply connected, honeymoon-level relationship - he co-founded ManAlive Expedition with a resolute commitment to calling men into their God-given purpose. Every day, Gerrit passionately pursues a vision where men rise as spiritually-led leaders, strong husbands, fearless fathers, and beacons of light in their communities. His personal testimony not only inspires those around him but also ensures that the strategic direction of ManAlive is firmly anchored in authentic faith and transformational change.
Professional Leadership & Expertise
Canadian‑born entrepreneur John McBride has spent the past two decades in Chippewa Falls, WI, launching and scaling companies alongside his wife and business partner, Jennifer. Their ventures have generated jobs and margin for generosity, funneling resources into Fierce Freedom, Honduras Well Project, Leading with Power, and Generations Academy. Known for spotting opportunity and turning it into sustainable impact, John supplies the ManAlive Council with a founder’s eye - helping us steward gifts wisely, open new regions, and keep growth mission‑true.
Personal Journey & Commitment to the Movement
An atheist for 45 years, John met Jennifer and encountered a Father who pursues sons. A ManAlive Expedition soon followed, transforming belief into brotherhood and purpose. He now serves with Jennifer and their two beautiful children, Easton and Adalynn, underwriting and leading the first Wisconsin camp and mentoring new teams as the movement spreads. John’s entrepreneurial drive, network, and regional leadership are expanding ManAlive’s reach every season. His conviction captures his why: “There is something important for every man’s masculine journey - regardless of age, race, or religion. I’m committed to helping as many men as possible, through ManAlive Expedition, discover freedom and live the joyous existence our heavenly Father wants us to have.”
Professional Leadership & Expertise
Jim’s career has been defined by decades of high‑pressure decision-making and technical mastery. A North Texas native with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, he spent 37 years as a professional pilot and licensed Aviation Maintenance Technician - managing complex aviation operations and leading FAA Certified Repair Stations with precision and calm under pressure. His steady hand and tactical expertise have proven invaluable in environments where every decision counts, setting a high standard for operational excellence without ever losing sight of the human element.
Personal Journey & Commitment to the Movement
For Jim, service defines him. He believes that his heart to serve others - especially when they’re facing one of the ten worst days of their lives - has shaped how he serves in every capacity. Whether it’s moving 300 people halfway around the world, helping his team reload hose after a major fire, or sitting with a man on a snowy mountaintop as he chases after his heart, Jim approaches every challenge with genuine care. With over 30 years as a volunteer firefighter and more than 20 years as a board member, he transformed his department from an all-volunteer, modest-budget organization into a professional, 24/7 force operating on a multi-million-dollar budget. By raising the bar for volunteers and encouraging continuous growth, Jim’s leadership not only strengthens the department but also inspires every man he serves to step into his true potential.
Professional Leadership & Expertise
Dr. Pack is a distinguished leader in mental health and rehabilitation, holding an earned doctorate in Rehabilitation Education and Research from the University of Arkansas, a master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a bachelor’s in Psychology. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, nationally Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and Board Certified in Telemental Healthcare and Autism Spectrum Disorder, he brings a wealth of expertise to his practice at Restored Life Counseling in Conway, Arkansas. Additionally, as an Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, he plays a key role in training the next generation of counseling professionals. His extensive background not only informs his work in the community but also shapes the curriculum and operational strategy of ManAlive Expedition.
Personal Journey & Commitment to the Movement
Dr. Pack’s commitment to ManAlive runs deep - rooted in a transformative encounter during a ManAlive event in 2010, where, amid the quiet of the woods, he experienced a clear calling towards ministry and vocational direction. Since that pivotal moment, his journey has been marked by profound personal change: from adopting a son and building a thriving counseling business to witnessing God’s presence in his family, friendships, and professional life. Through years of dedicated service - from his early roles with the Arkansas Band of Brothers to leading multiple teams at ManAlive Expedition - Dr. Pack now passionately strives to help other men experience a transformative, life-changing relationship with God, just as his own has been renewed.
Professional Leadership & Expertise
Jeremy Ramsey is a trailblazer in Geographic Information Systems with 18 years of hands-on experience. He played a key role in ushering Arkansas into the digital mapping era during the Fayetteville Shale expansion, transforming outdated paper maps into interactive, online resources accessible worldwide. Recently obtaining his Part 107 pilot license, Jeremy now leads a team of UAV pilots who are pioneering innovative methods to map environmental and energy prospects—such as locating and sealing abandoned wells to reduce methane emissions. As the Operations Team Leader for ManAlive since 2013, Jeremy’s technical expertise and problem-solving prowess ensure every event detail, from captivating stage designs to the essential daily coffee, runs smoothly, driving the movement’s mission forward.
Personal Journey & Commitment to the Movement
Jeremy’s journey with ManAlive began in 2011 when he first encountered a personal message from God that ignited a passion to help other men experience that transformative call. Affectionately known as “MacGyver” for his ability to make things happen, Jeremy has consistently crafted environments that foster genuine connection—whether it’s designing a working waterfall stage with live fish or building campfires that spark deep conversations. Embracing his love for the outdoors, he now leads adventurous trail rides and off-roading challenges, pushing men beyond their comfort zones and cultivating true brotherhood. Jeremy’s blend of innovative spirit and heartfelt commitment inspires others to step boldly into their God-given potential, making him an invaluable asset to ManAlive’s mission.
Professional Leadership & Expertise
A graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Architecture, David Winchester has spent three decades transforming blank space into purposeful design. As the founder of Winchester Design Group in Arlington, TX, he guides clients from rough sketches to final build. On the ManAlive Council, David’s architect’s eye shapes everything from camp layouts to long‑range facility planning. At the same time, his Dallas–Fort Worth business network opens new doors for funding and growth opportunities.
Personal Journey & Commitment to the Movement
David met Jesus at eight and has been learning to walk with God - and walk alongside men - ever since. Married to Julie since 1991 and dad to three adult children, he’s invested in men’s ministry for more than twenty years, offering steady mentorship and a listening ear. His favorite bridge to brotherhood is a disc‑golf round, where theology and life blend naturally between throws. At ManAlive, David pairs that relational gift with design savvy, crafting environments and conversations that help men encounter the Father. His heartbeat: “Faith, family, and serving God in every detail.”