MEET OUR LEADERS
Encore Directors
JOE AND RONNI BERNARDY
Joe and Ronni both came to Christ through The Navigators at Minnesota State-Mankato. After graduation, Joe taught sixth grade and Ronni worked as a school speech pathologist.
They were married in 1978. Following staff training at Michigan State, they ministered at South Dakota State, then pioneered the ministry at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. For half of that time Joe also served as the Regional Leader for the Upper Midwest Collegiate ministries. In 2010 they moved to Manhattan, Kansas, serving as Campus Director at Kansas State and as Trainer Coaches for the region.
They have served with Navigators Encore since September 2018, moving to Minnesota in 2019.
Joe and Ronni have four children and seven grandchildren, all in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Leadership Team
RAY AND ELLEN CLARK
Ray’s relationship with Jesus was kindled through the collegiate ministry at North Carolina State in 1975 where he also caught a passion for II Timothy 2:2. Following a 43-year career as an architect, leader and disciplemaker, he and Ellen are pursuing their passion for making disciples and training staff in the Raleigh/Durham (RDU) area. Ellen has a vibrant ministry with women and jointly through group and life-to-life venues they are igniting disciplemaking communities both within local churches and in the community. They are “… warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:28.
GENE AND MARILYN SMITH
Gene and Marilyn Smith spent 43 years ministering to the military in the Philippines, Guam, and California. Gene now works with Marines at Camp Pendleton and helps staff with fundraising. Marilyn invests in women through healing prayer. They enjoy shepherding staff together.
RUTH KNUTSON
Ruth’s first involvement with The Navigators was at University of Northern Colorado. After teaching school in Colorado Springs, Ruth joined Navigator staff and has continued on staff for 43 years. Her first 16 years were in Kenya where she was involved in evangelism, discipleship, and training – first with university students and then with young professionals. Since her return to the U. S., she has lived in Colorado Springs where she has served with NavMissions and Collegiate, mentoring and encouraging younger staff. Praise God for His great faithfulness!
DENNIS AND SARA WILLIAMS
Denny and Sara Williams came to Christ through the Navigators Nebraska collegiate ministry. After starting careers and volunteering on campuses for several years, they joined staff in 1977. They helped launch Navigators college works in New England, and pioneered the Detroit city ministry with their local Nav team. Denny served as Michigan state director, and currently coaches Canadian Navigators city ministries. Denny and Sara have an enduring passion for life-to-life investment, trusting God and His promises for generational disciplemakers who today serve throughout the world.