About us

Throughout her career at Dunn Associates, Fabean has worked to engage voters in the political process. Her leadership on the board will work to engage more members in the organization's mission to be wise with money and live generously. "The Thrivent Member Network recognizes that our members represent diverse people who can make a meaningful difference locally. Never underestimate the power of the individual at the grassroots level."

Tamesis Cruz-Ballauf aka "Tami Free" currently serves as a Pastor at Crossover Church ATL and Director of Operations for City Takers, an urban outreach non-profit organization based in Atlanta, GA. She holds a juris doctorate from Florida A&M University and served as an Assistant State Attorney for the State of Florida. After marrying Scott Free, founder of City Takers, she has dedicated herself to the work of urban missions in the inner city of Atlanta, administering, speaking, leading, teaching, and driving the mission of City Takers to 'raise up urban missionaries who transform cities through hip-hop, love, and Jesus.' City Takers facilitates radical serving initiatives for the poor and marginalized and believes social justice efforts start by loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Pastor Eric Gamero is Lead Pastor of The Local Church in Davie, Florida were he has served since 2012. Eric’s passion is for people to know their identity in Christ and live in the power of the purpose that comes from God. He is a member of EXCEL Leadership Network and Association of Related Churches. Pastor Eric volunteers at Everglades Correctional Institution, is a coach for community leaders for Excel Leadership Networks, and is the Chaplain for the Davie Police Department. Pastor Eric met his wife, Jessica, while serving in ministry. They have three beautiful children, and all share an overstated love for all things Disney. Pastor Eric joined the Southeast Thrivent Member Network Board to share his perspective as a pastor and help engage other churches and communities of faith in the mission of Thrivent.

Pastor Bill, a 1987 graduate of Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps, embarked on a diverse journey. After working as a personal assistant to United States Senator Paul Trible in Washington, DC and serving four years on active duty, three of them in Germany, as an Army communication officer, he left active duty in 1992 to join the Army reserve as a chaplain. In 1996, Pastor Bill earned his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He subsequently served as the pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church in Charlotte, North Carolina from 1996 to 2000. In October 2000, Pastor Bill embraced a new calling as the Mission Developer for a new Lutheran Church in Clayton. The church officially chartered in October 2001, and he continues to serve as the Senior Pastor of Holy Cross. Additionally, Pastor Bill retired from the Army reserve in 2005 and, alongside his wife, Sue, is proud parents to one daughter, Sarah.

Susan's field of expertise is in the higher education sector, most recently serving as the senior vice president for finance and treasurer of Valparaiso University ("Valpo"), Valparaiso Indiana. She has also held leadership positions on several higher education sector boards, most recently serving as the chair of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) board of directors and previously as president of the Central Association of College and University Business Officers (CACUB) board of directors. Since her retirement from Valpo, Susan continues to speak and advise on issues relative to higher education. She is also currently serving as Chair of the Lutheran Services of Florida (LSF) board of directors. LSF is one of the largest social services agencies in Florida and the nation, providing more than 60 programs throughout the state of Florida.