Leadership

Ron Nikkel, President/CEO

Ron Nikkel came to PFI in 1982 when there were only 5 national Prison Fellowship ministries.  Today, Ron oversees over 100 Prison Fellowship organisations representing every region of the world.  Prior to joining PFI, Ron held national leadership positions with the juvenile offender programme of Youth for Christ in Canada (1973-78) and the United States (1978-1982).  Ron was born in Alberta, Canada.  He holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and English (BA) and a graduate degree in theology (MPS); he has studied at the University of Winnipeg (English & Psychology), University of Lethbridge (Psychology), York University (Social Work), Wycliffe College (theology), and Loyola University (theology).

In addition to his work with PFI, Ron has served as chairperson of the United Nations Alliance of Non Governmental Organisations in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (1988-1996) and Vice President of the International Association of Volunteers in Criminal Justice (1983-1986).  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Advocates International, The Jericho Road Foundation, and Love in Action.  He serves on the Advisory Council of the Centre for Religion and Democracy and is a member of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. Ron is the author of Your Journey with Jesus (2006).

Soren Johnson, Senior Vice President

Soren Johnson serves as Senior Vice President for Prison Fellowship International, where he oversees PFI's work with ministry affiliates in Europe and the Caribbean.  Prior to joining PFI, Soren held positions as spokesman for the Diocese of Arlington and communications officer at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  He has interned for the Judiciary Committee of the Illinois House of Representatives, the American Enterprise Institute, and the Moscow bureau of the Chicago Tribune.  Soren has studied abroad in Russia and Israel.  His writing has appeared in the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Richmond Times-Dispatch, National Catholic Register and Dappled Things, and he has taught church history at Marymount University in Arlington, Va.  A native of West Chicago, Ill., he received a B.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University with a certificate in Russian Area Studies and an M.A. in theology from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary.  Soren lives in the Washington, DC, area with his family.

Timothy Khoo, Executive Vice President

Timothy came to PFI in 1989 to serve as training director.  He now oversees PFI’s Institute for Leadership Formation (ILF).  Based in PFI’s Singapore office, the ILF trains and assists national PF leaders with leadership and management skills.  Prior to joining PFI, Timothy was the Chief Management Trainer in the Management Education Branch for the Ministry of Defence.  Timothy graduated Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honors) from Oral Roberts University in the United States with a double major in Psychology and Theology and a minor in Business Administration.  He was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1985, a distinction conferred on those who have displayed character, scholarship and leadership.

-- BOARD OF DIRECTORS --

Michael Timmis, Chairman

Ronald Nikkel, President/CEO

Ian Elliott, Vice Chair, New Zealand

Jack Kiervin, Treasurer, Canada

David Ong, Secretary, Singapore

Jonathan Aitken, England

Charles Cofie, Ghana

Mark Earley, United States

Raymundo Leal, Mexico

-- BOARD OF TRUSTEES --

Ian Elliott, Chairman

Ronald Nikkel, President

Constantin Asavoaie, Europe

Pauline de Ferrero, At-Large, Peru

Herb Griffith, North America/Caribbean

Lacides Hernandez, Latin America

Jack Kiervin, At-Large, Canada 

Roy Moussalli, Middle East

BVR Rao, Asia

John Rucyahana, At-Large, Rwanda

Stan Thorburn, Pacific

Symphorien Toi, Africa

Pawel Wojtas, At-Large, Poland