Board of Directors

Tim Skoog, Founder and Chairman, Centrav, Inc.

Tim is a serial entrepreneur and world traveler who has started five companies after serving in an executive role at Northwest Airlines. He has over 80 countries stamped into his passports. A humanitarian missions veteran who started the non-profit AFC Global over 15 years ago, he has served on the Executive Board of the Assemblies of God World Missions Department and provides an invaluable network spanning from Sudan to Nepal; from Burma to Armenia.

Tom Tomlinson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Center for Diagnostic Imaging

Tom has over 20 years experience as an executive at multiple publicly traded companies. He was Chief Financial Officer of Department 56 and the President of Harmon Solutions Group before becoming the President of Center for Diagnostic Imaging. His current experience of managing over 1000 staff allows him to bring wisdom and organizational development to our board. He holds a B.A. from the University of St. Thomas and an MBA from Columbia University. Tom is also an avid cyclist, downhill skier and action sports enthusiast.

Roger Lane, Consultant, AG Financial 

Roger has distinguished himself as a leader in church and institutional fund-raising campaigns with over 25 years of stewardship campaign development experience. He conducted scores of campaigns across the nation ranging in size from $300,000 to $18 million.  Roger’s leadership abilities include team building, stewardship education, constituent faith building, board leadership, and mentoring. Roger, a North Central University graduate, is also an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He has spent countless hours coaching the Venture staff and helped develop the sustainability of Venture’s capacity into the future.

Troy Groves, Manager and Husband of Recording Artist Sara Groves

Troy and Sara Groves are artists, activists, and humanitarians. Sara, a vocalist and musician, has won several nominations and awards, including a Dove Award nomination and several Album of the Year awards. Troy and Sara have used their platform to speak for the world’s most vulnerable poor partnering with World Vision, Food for the Hungry and International Justice Mission over the past decade. Troy has a natural ability to shape Venture’s voice for the Christian community at large.

Mark R. Geier, Partner, Larkin & Hoffman Attorneys at Law 

Mark is a veteran lawyer with over 20 years experience as an outside general counsel. He has served in multiple countries around the world, but his particular interest and experience lies in Southeast Asia. He provides invaluable counsel into liabilities and legalities as Venture grows both in the United States and overseas. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School.

Linda Furry, Executive Vice President, AFC Travel

Linda is a living example of diversity overcoming discrimination as a female Native American who rose to executive levels in several corporations. She has 25 years of experience in the travel industry. Her experience and discernment lead to strategic connections and knowledge of regions where Venture works. Linda has a particular focus on empowering woman overseas and often travels to Southeast Asia, doing humanitarian work in communities of displaced people groups.

Mark Durene, Missionary, Assemblies of God World Missions 

Mark has pioneered missionary work in Thailand for over 16 years. He has been internationally recognized for his leadership and dedication to empowering local Thai leadership to affect change in their country. Mark understands Thai culture and oversees the Venture Community Center in Ban Pong, Thailand.

Jesse Olson, President, J and B Community Services, Co-Founder of Venture

Besides being a real estate entrepreneur, Jesse is an avid outdoor adventurer. He led past Venture expeditions and has particular experience in expedition safety and safety procedures. His expertise has helped Venture teams retain a low injury and accident rate. Jesse helped ensure Venture’s growth ever since being a part of the very first Venture campaign.

Mark Thompson, President, DipCo Worldwide, Inc.

Mark is an innovator whose company produces products for Fortune 500 companies that save both money and the environment. His innovative thinking has challenged Venture to continue pursuing its pioneering strategy. Mark also funds other projects for refugees in Southeast Asia.