Tim Herron, Founder and Director

The Act Six initiative was developed by Tim Herron, a National Board Certified teacher who spent ten years in Tacoma Public Schools teaching mathematics and advocating for Lincoln High School students as they made the journey to college. He watched far too many bright and talented students come up short of a degree. Act Six emerged from his passion to see students from urban Tacoma thrive in college and use their education and leadership to make a difference in their home communities.

As founder and director, Tim provides overall leadership to the Act Six network while continuing to support the operations of the Tacoma-Seattle site.

Ben Sand, Strategic Director

In his role as CEO of Portland Leadership Foundation, Ben is committed to strengthening leadership for the spiritual and social renewal of the city. Ben’s experience and expertise align well with the opportunity Act Six provides for leaders in the cities of the Northwest.

As Act Six Strategic Director, Ben focuses on building strategic relationships and maximizing the impact of the Act Six network. He also works to develop new opportunities for scholars and alumni and to identify new partners throughout the region. Ben and Tim serve as the Act Six Central Office team.

Crystal Ben, Tacoma-Seattle Site Director

Crystal, a graduate of Lincoln High School in Tacoma, joined the Act Six staff immediately after finishing her B.A. in International Studies with a minor in Peace Studies at Whitworth University.

As Tacoma-Seattle site director, Crystal provides direction in all programmatic aspects of the Tacoma-Seattle initiative and guides the selection, training and support of Tacoma-Seattle scholars.

Pamela Ryan, Portland Site Director

After a long and successful career as a corporate executive, Pamela brings a commitment to excellence and a passion for leadership development and reconciliation to the PLF team. Guided by values of faith, family and giving back, Pamela finds joy in mentoring and investing in the next generation of diverse young leaders.

As Portland site director, Pamela provides leadership for all programmatic aspects of the initiative in Portland and guides the selection, training and support of George Fox scholars.

Anthony Jordan, Portland Urban Service Track Coordinator

A life-long resident of Portland, Anthony serves as President of the Portland Leadership Foundation, where he combats the city's systemic issues by building strategic partnerships. Anthony is excited about Jesus, his wife and his children, and finds joy in investing in the lives of others. In his spare time, Anthony coaches youth sports and own a sports photography business.

For Act Six Portland, Anthony guides the selection, training and support of Warner Pacific Urban Service Track scholars.

Oscar Harris, Spokane Site Director

Oscar has been committed to loving and serving Spokane since relocating to the city from Arkansas more than 10 years ago. A counselor, founder of a downtown homeless ministry, mentor, bass fisherman and radio dee jay, Oscar has worked in a wide range of organizations across the city, including Spokane Public Schools as an advocate for ESL students and families. He earned B.A. in history, was selected as a McNair scholar and recently finished a Masters in Social Work from Eastern Washington University, all while working full time and raising a family.

With a passion for education and community, a gift for listening and learning, and a deep commitment to the mission of Act Six, Oscar leads the recruitment, selection, training and support of Spokane scholars.

Delinda Higgins, Upper Yakima Valley Site Director

Born and raised in Yakima, Delinda Higgins spent many years as a music specialist in the Yakima School District before taking a role as middle school and urban coordinator for Yakima Young Life. She has recently returned from ten years in rural South Africa, preceded by a year and a half in Nepal, first as a teacher and teacher trainer, then as principal of a school serving victims of apartheid. Delinda has a B.A. in music and education from Western Washington University, and holds a master's degree in Global Leadership from Fuller Seminary, where she is currently pursuing a doctorate in Intercultural Studies.

Delinda leads the recruitment, selection, training and support of Act Six scholars in the City of Yakima and the Upper Yakima Valley, working closely with Corey as part of the Yakima Valley staff team.

Corey Greaves, Yakama Nation Site Director

Corey is a Blackfeet Indian whose reservation is in Northwest Montana. His wife, Gina, is Yakama. They have blended a family of four children and make their home in Toppenish, on the Yakama Reservation. After serving as youth pastor for both the America Indian Evangelism Association/McKinley Indian Mission and the Central Washington Presbytery, In 2005, Corey and Gina founded Mending Wings, which has become home to one of the largest Native American youth ministries in the country.

Corey currently serves as president of Mending Wings, and leads the recruitment, selection, training and support of Native Act Six scholars on the Yakama Nation, working closely with Delinda as part of Yakima Valley staff team.

Tara Yi, Tacoma-Seattle Program Assistant

Fatima Ortega, Tacoma-Seattle Program Assistant

Fa'ana Fanene, Seattle Coordinator

Fa'ana was also a member of the very first Act Six cadre at Whitworth University, and graduated in 2007 with a B.A. in English.

With deep roots, extensive community connections, and significant experience working with youth in White Center and South Seattle, Fa'ana coordinates recruitment, selection and training efforts in Seattle.

Pat Thompson, Seattle Coordinator

Irene Johnson, Portland Act Six Scholarship Coordinator

An Act Six alum from the first cadre at George Fox University, Irene graduated in May 2011 with a B.A. in Writing and Literature.

A graduate of David Douglas High School, Irene assists with recruitment, selection and training efforts in Portland while working to develop career opportunities for scholars across the network.