Staff Bios
Chris Jehle, Chief Executive Officer
Chris founded The Hope Center in 1998, and has served as its CEO since its inception. He has over 10 years of experience working with urban youth. He graduated from The University of Kansas in 1992 with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. Prior to working for The Hope Center, Chris worked as the Outreach Director for Heartland Community Church and as a youth care worker for Boys Town of Washington D.C. Chris and his wife Tammi have chosen to live in the same inner-city neighborhood where they serve. Chris also serves on the board of the CCDA (Christian Community Development Association).
Tammi Jehle, Executive Advisor
Tammi has worked with urban youth for over 15 years. She spent 10 years as a volunteer leader for The Caring Place, an urban ministry in Indianapolis. She also was a staff member for the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis. Tammi received a BS in Education with a minor in Spanish from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. She shares her husband Chris’s passion for developing urban youth and is excited to live in the community where they serve. Tammi also serves on the board of the CCDA (Christian Community Development Association).
Jake Latta, Chief Operating Officer
Jake joined The Hope Center in 2008 after 9 1/2 years at AT&T. He served in various capacities at AT&T that included sales leadership with Global Business Clients. At The Hope Center he will be responsible for the new ventures including Hope Leadership Academy, Hope Family Care Center and Hope CDC. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1998 and earned an MBA from Baker University in 2004. Jake was a Leaders in Training tutor with The Hope Center before coming on staff.
Matt Nagel, Operations Director
Matt joined The Hope Center in 2009 after 6 years in the home building industry where he managed the construction of custom homes. At The Hope Center he is responsible for the day to day operations as well as coordinating with our volunteer base and managing our facility. He will also be involved in our new ventures including Hope Leadership Academy, Hope Family Care Center and Hope CDC. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1999 with a BS in Psychology. Matt was a Leaders in Training tutor with The Hope Center before coming on staff.
Kelli Johnson, Leaders In Training Coordinator
Kelli graduated from William Jewell College with a degree in Psychology. She has experience as a case manager at SAFEHOME, a shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children, as well as working with teens in shelter at Synergy Services. Kelli was an Outreach Bible Study leader with The Hope Center before coming on staff.
Christian Dashiell, Leaders In Training Coordinator
Prior to working for The Hope Center, Christian completed a youth ministry training internship through Hillcrest Covenant Church in Overland Park, KS. He also has worked with youth and adults at two additional churches. He is nearing completion of a Masters in Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. He currently holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Sterling College in Sterling, KS where he studied Christian Education/Youth Ministry and Greek.