Member and Chair of the Board of Directors

Jess brings four decades of leadership experience in advertising and marketing communications to his Gaston Christian Center board membership. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the H.H. Herbert School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Oklahoma, Norman.

Throughout his extensive career in marketing and communications, Jess has demonstrated a keen understanding of how to effectively share mission-driven messages and build meaningful connections with diverse audiences — skills that prove invaluable to board leadership.

Jess’ passion for mission work was cultivated early in life through a deep appreciation for foreign missions and the history of Baptist missionaries. When invited to join the GCC Board of Directors in November 2020 he recognized the organization’s significant mission impact and potential for growth and service. As Board Chair, Jess is inspired by the purposeful mission work happening throughout the GCC building and among its many tenant organizations.

His vision is to continue fostering an environment where diverse ministries can thrive and extend both their local and global reach. His commitment is to build upon the strong foundation of hope and service which defines the Gaston Christian Center.

Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and Member of Personnel Committee

As Vice Chair and Founding Board Member of Gaston Christian Center, Mark Wingfield has been instrumental in shaping the organization's vision and mission from its inception. With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of New Mexico and graduate studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Mark brings a unique combination of communication expertise and theological foundation to the board's leadership.

A veteran religion journalist, Mark also dedicated 17 years to pastoral ministry, providing him with deep insight into both the media landscape and the practical needs of church communities. This dual perspective has proven invaluable in developing GCC's outreach and communication strategies.

Mark's founding vision for Gaston Christian Center was both profound and practical: to establish a place where hope continues to flourish and extend far beyond the founding church's original mission. Under his leadership, GCC has become a thriving hub that amplifies the legacy of service and ministry, creating lasting impact in the community through the many organizations it supports.

His commitment to this vision continues to guide GCC's growth and development as a center for Christian ministry and community service.

Board Secretary and member of Nominating Committee

Candy McComb brings a rich background in music ministry and education to her service on the Gaston Christian Center Board. A retired public school choir director, she has recently served on the music staff at Wilshire Baptist Church, where she continues to use her talents to enhance worship and community engagement.

Candy was drawn to join the GCC Board because of the organization's commitment to supporting groups that serve marginalized and underserved members of the community. She is inspired by GCC's far-reaching impact, which extends from local neighborhoods to communities around the globe.

What particularly excites Candy about GCC's mission is its role as a networking hub where diverse organizations can connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. She sees this collaborative approach as essential to effectively addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of those they serve.

Candy views her work with GCC as a direct expression of Christ's call to love our neighbors and treat others as we wish to be treated. She finds great joy in contributing to this vital ministry and is energized by the potential for continued growth as GCC embraces new opportunities to serve and make a difference in the world.

Board Treasurer and Member of Finance Committee

Dana Dickson joined the Gaston Christian Center Board in 2024, bringing a wealth of business experience and a heart for community service to the organization. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and retired after an impressive 30-year career with Chase Bank.

Dana's connection to GCC runs deep, having been part of the Gaston community over two decades ago. Her decision to return and serve reflects her commitment to giving back to the community that once nurtured her own faith journey.

With her extensive background in banking and finance, Dana provides valuable insight into the operational and fiscal aspects of running a successful nonprofit organization. Her passion for supporting the churches and community organizations that call GCC home drives her dedication to ensuring they have the resources and facilities needed to thrive in their ministries.

Dana's blend of professional expertise and personal investment in the Gaston community makes her an integral part of GCC's mission to serve as a hub for Christian organizations and outreach efforts.

Board Member and Member of Personnel Committee

Bobby Broyles joined the Gaston Christian Center Board in 2025 and currently serves on the Personnel Committee. He brings over four decades of ministry experience to his role, having faithfully served as a church pastor for 41 years before his retirement.

Bobby holds a Master's degree from Logsdon Seminary and currently works as a real estate broker, bringing valuable expertise in property management and community development to the board.

His passion for supporting nonprofit organizations drives his commitment to GCC's mission. Bobby recognizes the vital role that affordable facilities play in enabling charitable organizations to focus their resources on serving the community rather than overhead costs. He believes strongly in GCC's approach of providing accessible space that allows nonprofits to remain engaged and effective in their important work.

Board Member and Chair of Finance Committee

Allyson Cook joined the Gaston Christian Center Board of Directors in 2024 and currently serves as Chairperson of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Ad-Hoc Communications Committee. She brings a unique blend of healthcare education expertise and theological training to her board service.

 Allyson works as the manager of operations for the Department of Family and Community Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She has 20+ years  of experience in program development and organizational leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Campbell University Divinity School in Buies Creek, North Carolina.

Allyson's educational background in both community health and Christian ministry provides her with a comprehensive understanding of holistic community development. Her passion for supporting diverse communities aligns perfectly with GCC's mission of empowering multi-ethnic congregations and nonprofit organizations.

What draws Allyson to her service with GCC is the organization's commitment to providing shared space and resources that enable various groups to maximize their community impact. She finds it an honor to help steward a facility that uplifts diverse communities and fosters sustainable, Christ-centered transformation. Her leadership in finance and communications helps ensure GCC continues to effectively serve as a hub for meaningful ministry and community development.

Board Member, and member of the Personnel Committee

Originally from Brookston, Texas, Jessica graduated Baylor University in 2008 with honors and in 2013 from SMU Law School with honors. 

Following law school, she clerked at the Dallas Immigration Court through the Department of Justice Honors Program. She then joined the Global Missions staff at Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas, coordinating domestic and international mission trips. Subsequently she assumed a leadership role overseeing church directed outreach in Dallas’ Vickery Meadows community helping to develop and strengthen partnerships with public schools, local churches, and parenting groups.

In 2022 Jessica stepped away from ministry to be more present with her family. Currently, she works remotely as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) with El Paso County Texas. She is a member of Royal Lane Baptist Church, Dallas, where her husband, Tommy, serves as a deacon. She is the mother of and personal assistant to their three very busy children, a son and two daughters.

The work of Gaston Christian Center resonates deeply with Jessica. She has witnessed first-hand the powerful impact providing affordable space to local leaders can have. A useful place to exercise their talents, linguistic abilities and culturally specific expertise can bring hope and healing to diverse communities. She looks forward to serving that mission and to supporting opportunities for transformational growth powered by intentional, relational outreach.

Board Member and member of Finance Committee

Patty Lane joined the Gaston Christian Center Board in 2024. She holds a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and brings extensive experience in multicultural ministry to her role.

As a church planter with Texas Baptists and Director of Intercultural Ministries, Patty has dedicated her career to building bridges across cultural divides and expanding the reach of Christian ministry. Her expertise in developing and nurturing diverse faith communities provides valuable insight into GCC's mission of supporting various organizations and churches.

Patty was drawn to serve on the GCC Board because of her strong belief in the organization's mission and its potential to create meaningful transformation within the community. She is particularly passionate about GCC's intercultural church partnerships, recognizing how these relationships extend the center's impact far beyond local boundaries to touch lives around the world.

Her combination of theological education, practical ministry experience, and global perspective makes Patty an invaluable contributor to GCC's vision of fostering hope and community through diverse Christian partnerships.

Board Member and Chair of Nominating Committee

Patsy Meier brings a rich background in healthcare and missions to her service on the Gaston Christian Center Board. She earned her nursing degree from Baptist College of Health Sciences in Memphis, TN, and has worked as an RN specializing in operating room nursing.

Throughout her career, Patsy has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving others through various roles including missionary work, community development, and volunteer service. Her diverse experience includes teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), participating in global health initiatives, volunteering with both Cornerstone Community Kitchen and Parkland Hospital, Dallas. She continues to serve as a dedicated caregiver, bringing compassion and expertise to those in need.

Patsy’s support for Gaston Christian Center stems from her belief in the organization’s practical approach to enabling ministry. She values how GCC provides other nonprofit organizations with affordable office and workspace, allowing them to direct more of their resources to core missions. For Patsy, GCC’s work represents a tangible way to live out Christ’s commandment from John 15:12 to love one another.

Her medical background, missionary heart, and extensive volunteer experience make her a valuable advocate for GCC’s mission of empowering organizations to serve their communities with love and compassion.

Board Member, and member of the Finance Committee

Matt is a retired attorney and civic leader with experience in public service, private practice, and nonprofit involvement. As the presidentially appointed United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Matt led all federal law enforcement and community outreach across one of the nation’s largest judicial districts. After completing his federal service, he had a successful law practice holding leadership roles at global law firms advising clients on complex litigation, regulatory matters, and strategic business issues.

Since retiring from law, Matt has devoted himself to working on charitable and philanthropic activities including serving on a variety of nonprofit boards supporting education, healthcare, faith-based initiatives, and community development. He brings to board service deep legal and executive experience, a public-sector perspective, and a longstanding commitment to community impact.

Matt is deeply committed to strengthening communities through collaboration and service. Because of this commitment, he is honored to serve on the Gaston Christian Center board.  He is especially inspired by GCC’s practical approach of multiplying the impact of other nonprofits by providing affordable space and shared resources. As a board member, Matt recognizes the opportunity to help GCC’s nonprofit tenants expand their reach and better serve all brothers and sisters in Christ who may need a helping hand.

Board Member and Chair of Personnel Committee

Carolyn Porterfield brings over 35 years of leadership experience in missions, discipleship, and mobilization to her service on the Gaston Christian Center Board of Directors. She holds a Master's degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has extensive cross-cultural ministry experience that spans multiple continents and communities.

Throughout her career, Carolyn has demonstrated a deep commitment to empowering diverse faith communities and supporting organizations that serve people from around the world. Her expertise in missions mobilization and cross-cultural ministry provides valuable insight into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by GCC's international partners.

Carolyn finds great fulfillment in her board service, as it allows her to continue pursuing her lifelong passion for supporting ethnic churches and nonprofit organizations. She is particularly drawn to GCC's mission of enabling these groups to effectively share the love of Jesus with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Her combination of theological education, extensive missions experience, and heart for cross-cultural ministry makes[him/her] an invaluable member of the GCC board as it works to create an inclusive environment where organizations can thrive in their service to communities around the globe.

Board Member and Member of Finance Committee

Christopher Schein joined the Gaston Christian Center Board in 2024 and currently serves on both the Finance Committee and the Ad-Hoc Communications Committee. He brings three decades of expertise in public policy and crisis communications to his role, having founded his own strategic communications counseling firm after years of professional experience in the field.

Chris's extensive background in strategic communications provides valuable insight and support to GCC's mission and outreach efforts. His understanding of effective messaging and stakeholder engagement helps strengthen the organization's ability to connect with the community and communicate its impact.

When initially approached about board service, Chris took time to thoroughly research GCC's programs and mission. With a natural affinity for nonprofit work, he quickly recognized that GCC aligned perfectly with his desire to make a meaningful difference in the community.

Chris finds his service with GCC to be both personally rewarding and professionally fulfilling. His commitment to the organization's mission, combined with his strategic communications expertise, makes him a valuable asset to the board's leadership team as they work to expand GCC's reach and effectiveness in serving the community.

Board Member and member of the Nominating Committee

Al is the founder of Allen Stewart, P.C., a Dallas based plaintiff’s trial law firm. After 36 years he currently focuses on the art and science of jury trial practice. Taking a BS degree from the University of Arizona, he worked as a research and development chemist. Al then graduated University of Arizona Law School in 1990 after serving as Editor-in Chief of The Arizona Law Review.

Al has tried more than 50 cases to trial verdict and gone to trial in twelve states where he has obtained settlements for more than a billion dollars. Currently licensed to practice law in eight states, he holds board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) in Civil Trial Law and Civil Practice Advocacy.

Married to Chris for 34 years, Al is the father of four adult children: Emery, Isla, Curtis and Grant. He is active in Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas, and has served on its Pathways to Ministry Committee. As a member of the Gaston Christian Center board, Al sees the opportunity to expand God’s resources to grow Christian communities. On his first visit to GCC during open house, Al observed children laughing while running to play outside. That’s when he knew he wanted to be a board member.