THE HEART BEHIND THE MISSION

Helping people overcome addiction with Christ at the center.

Hello & Welcome... I'm Don.

I'm a Family Practice/Addiction Medicine physician, a follower of Jesus, and the founder and CEO of the Dunamis Initiative.

I also enjoy long term sobriety.

Read My Story

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our board provides strategic oversight and direction, helping expand access to Christ-centered recovery resources. With a shared passion for service and transformation, they play a key role in advancing our mission to bring hope and healing to individuals and communities.

Russel D. Smolden

BOARD MEMBER | CEO, B3 STRATEGIES

Russell D. Smoldon is a seasoned business strategist and founder of B3 Strategies, where he advises organizations on growth, leadership, and operational excellence. With decades of experience across multiple industries, Russell is known for helping leaders gain clarity, strengthen execution, and build organizations that last. Russell is also in long-term recovery, bringing both personal experience and deep compassion to his work with The Dunamis Initiative. His passion for helping others find freedom aligns with the mission to guide individuals through faith-based transformation. He is committed to seeing lives restored, leaders raised up, and lasting change take root.

Steve Polski

BOARD MEMBER | CEO, PERGENA SYSTEMS

Steve Polski is a seasoned executive with more than 38 years of experience driving supply chain efficiency and building profitable, sustainable growth. A former Cargill leader, he worked globally to strengthen resilience in complex commodity markets. He currently serves as CEO of Pergena Systems and previously co-founded Live Better Beef, LLC, helping lead the strategy and development of Sustainable Beef, LLC—a Walmart-backed venture in North Platte, Nebraska.
Steve brings a passion for building strong, purpose-driven organizations to The Dunamis Initiative, along with a deep commitment to expanding access to faith-based recovery. He is driven by the opportunity to help create pathways for lasting freedom, healing, and restored lives.

BRAD ANDERSON

BOARD MEMBER | VICE CHAIR, CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD

Brad Anderson is a seasoned commercial real estate leader with more than 30 years of experience advising property owners, investors, developers, and occupiers. A leader at Cushman & Wakefield, he is known for his analytical, straightforward approach and his ability to guide clients toward wise, strategic decisions in complex markets. Before entering real estate, Brad played in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears. A man of faith, he is actively involved in his community and passionate about supporting efforts that bring hope and transformation. Brad brings that same heart to The Dunamis Initiative, helping advance a mission centered on healing, restoration, and lives changed through Christ.

TIM HAYDEN

BOARD MEMBER | CO-FOUNDER OF HOLDFAST RECOVERY

Tim Hayden is the co-founder of Holdfast Recovery, a Christian treatment center focused on restoring individuals physically, mentally, and spiritually. He is deeply passionate about serving others and leading people to Christ, with a specific commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health in the Church. His work reflects a belief in whole-person healing, integrating faith with evidence-based care to help individuals find lasting freedom and renewed purpose. Tim brings 18 years of experience in the corporate IT world, with a background ranging from startups to leading national teams at global software companies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, and Communications from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and remains actively involved in his church community alongside his wife.

BEN GOWELL

BOARD MEMBER | EXECUTIVE PASTOR, CHRIST CHURCH OF THE VALLEY (CVV)

Ben Gowell serves as Executive Pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley, where he oversees Worship, Production, Media Arts, Marketing & Communications, Interactive Technologies, and Next Gen ministry teams. He holds a BS in Performance Arts from North Central University and spent years in the professional music and touring industry before transitioning into full-time ministry. With more than 20 years in church leadership, Ben is passionate about building healthy culture and helping the church lead with authenticity and creativity. He and his wife, Jen, share a heart for seeing lives transformed through Christ-centered worship and believe the church plays a vital role in shaping culture and bringing lasting hope.

join our board of directors

Interested in joining our board? We’re always looking for passionate, experienced leaders who care deeply about addiction recovery and want to help advance a life-changing mission. Let’s start a conversation.