STAFF
DEAN NIEWOLNY
PRESIDENT/CEO
DEAN NIEWOLNY, President/CEO
Dean Niewolny spent 23 years in executive roles with three of Wall Street’s largest financial firms, finishing his career in the financial sector as a market manager for Wells Fargo Advisors in Chicago, where he oversaw a $100mm market. While in Chicago, he and his wife, Lisa, traveled many times to Africa and, seeing the abject needs of widows and orphans, made life changes that enabled them to get involved, such as helping to complete an orphan home and a hospice home in Durbin, South Africa.
In 2010, Dean left his marketplace career to help more people who, like him, wanted to expand their own first-half success and skills into passion and purpose for meeting human needs and making a significant difference. Dean joined the Halftime Institute as Managing Director and in 2011 became Chief Executive Officer. He speaks at events around the world, encouraging business leaders to channel first half achievement into a second half defined by joy, impact, and balance.
In 2017, Dean authored his first book, Trade Up: How to Go From Just Making Money to Making A Difference. In it, Dean shares candidly about his personal transition into a second half of meaning and significance and the learnings of the Halftime Institute over 20 years of helping marketplace leaders do the same. Trade Up is available on Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, and Barnes&Noble.com.
Having grown up playing sports—eventually in college and semi-professional baseball—Dean still enjoys coaching his son and attending his games. He and Lisa and their two children live in Southlake, Texas.
“The appetite for significance is at an all time high, yet most people have no idea where or how to identify their gifts and talent—and to connect to their passions. And that’s my love for Halftime. Nothing satisfies more than to help a man or woman say, ‘This is what God has for me to do.’” — Dean Niewolny, Halftime Institute CEO
Check out Dean’s articles:
BOB
KARCHER
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
BOB KARCHER, Chief Operating Officer
Bob spent a large part of his career in the publishing and advertising industries. He served as a Chief Operating Officer in the Tribune Company, owner of the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Hoy Publications, and multiple other properties operating in the print, broadcast, and digital media sectors. Following his publishing career, he spent several years in the nonprofit sector, serving in a variety of executive-level staff and board member roles. He now serves as Chief Operating Officer for the Halftime Institute.
Reading the book Halftime and attending a Launch Event in 2010 were foundation-setting opportunities the Lord used to move Bob into the work he now considers himself privileged to do as an author, speaker, and life coach. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Biola University and is a Certified Halftime Coach.
Bob works at the Halftime Institute to support the growth and development of Halftime Coaches and our products and services.
Bob, and his wife Susan co-authored Who Are the Joneses Anyway?, a popular, best-selling book focused on helping others live the intentional, authentic lives they were created for. They are blessed to have four grown children and live in Orange County, CA.
- Read Bob’s Articles on the Halftime Blog:
- Learn more about Bob and Susan’s book and watch the book trailer HERE
LLOYD
REEB
FOUNDING PARTNER
LLOYD REEB, Primary Spokesperson
Lloyd Reeb is a successful real estate developer and owner of retirement housing who made a mid-life transition, looking for greater meaning, joy, and impact in his second half. To his surprise, he discovered that he was not alone in this journey and that many talented leaders are longing for midlife renewal.
Lloyd has had the privilege of investing 20 years helping leaders plan their second half. He helped launch the Halftime Institute, a global team that teaches, coaches, and connects successful men and women in pursuit of significance.
In Lloyd’s words, “When all you’ve done or own seems to matter less …and your heart craves more meaning, joy, and balance…when something triggers in your mind that you’re entering your second half of life and you’re unsure what your calling is for the next season… you’re in Halftime.”
Lloyd has taken the Halftime message around the world: speaking, teaching and coaching individuals through the journey. As a result, he understands the issues that surround your Halftime in a deep and practical way.
He is the author of From Success to Significance: When the Pursuit of Success Isn’t Enough, which is a roadmap for this mid-life transition. His book The Second Half: Real stories, Real adventures, Real significance provides compelling evidence that your second half could be the most creative and productive season of your life.
Lloyd and his wife, Linda, have written the book Halftime for Couples. They live in Charlotte, North Carolina. They have three adult children, two married, and two precious granddaughters.
Check out Lloyd’s articles:
RHONDA KEHLBECK
VICE PRESIDENT ADMISSIONS
RHONDA KEHLBECK, Vice President of Admissions
Rhonda spent her first half in education; her own (a Bachelors and Masters from Baylor and a Ph.D. from Fordham University) and helping others with theirs as speaker, lecturer, teacher, and Professor at Dallas Baptist University. She is also an author of a book for parents that encourages reading and writing with children.
The Pittsburg, Texas native met her husband at church, where he drew her name from a pool of 500 women to become her secret Valentine. Almost three decades later, she and Keith have two daughters who are married and now live and work in Oklahoma City. Rhonda and Keith find being intentional with their family even more fulfilling and important as they treasure their sons-in-law and one-year-old grandson, Louis.
As Vice President of Admissions, many find their Halftime journey begins by interacting with Rhonda. Her nurturing and caring spirit helps people get enrolled into the Halftime Institute.
She is a 2013 Halftime Institute alumna and considers Psalm 86:11 her favorite verse: “Lord, tell me where you want me to go and I will go there. With all my heart, I will praise you.”
“I first read Bob Buford’s book several years ago, but my Halftime really began when my youngest left for college. I knew then I didn’t just want another job, but wanted to give back to God by making a significant impact for His kingdom.”
Read Rhonda’s Article: 5 Indicators You’re In Halftime
Read Rhonda’s Biz Journal article co-written with Bob Buford
TOM
MCGEHEE
DIRECTOR OF DEPLOYMENT WITH THE BUFORD CENTER FOR KINGDOM IMPACT
TOM MCGEHEE, Director of Deployment with the Buford Center for Kingdom Impact
As a child, Tom McGehee didn’t know what he wanted to be when he grew up. He liked building models, creating things and envisioning different ways to do things. As he grew, sports and teamwork entered the picture, but his future was unclear all the way into college. In 1976, Tom met Jesus through a Campus Crusade meeting at Auburn University. By God’s grace, Tom started his relationship with Him before he had to begin making life-long decisions and God has led Tom down a path he could have never imagined for himself.
Tom grew up the son of an Air Force Officer and was born while his father was stationed in Japan. Tom attended Auburn University and became an Officer in the United States Marine Corps after graduation. During his service, Tom commanded several combat units, and served at the Marine Barracks, Washington DC. Tom served in the Marines for 12 years before moving to Texas, first to work on large outsourcing deals with EDS, then to become a Partner with Ernst & Young Consulting.
At E&Y, Tom was introduced to the area of group facilitation and collaborative work. He felt called to this work and became one of the leaders of this center of expertise at E&Y. In 2001, Tom left to start his own company focused on this type of work. It was then that God lead Tom to Bob Buford, who was not only a mentor (and in many ways a father figure), but he also opened up to Tom through his Halftime and Leadership Network organizations, a world of Kingdom work even beyond the business network that E&Y had created.
Today, Tom’s work extends to over 25 countries and has carried him from some of the biggest boardrooms in the US, to some of the most innovative churches around the world. His work is his passion and his biggest blessing short of his wife and family.
Tom and his wife, Elaine, will celebrate 42 years of marriage in June. Elaine has been a spiritual helpmate and a leader while deployed and home. Their biggest challenge came with their oldest son’s 10-year battle with a drug and alcohol addiction. In 2009, he tragically died in a motorcycle accident, but the family was able to see God in the tragedy. Today, their two daughters and younger son are all married, and they have eight grandchildren and counting.
Currently, Tom is acting as the Director of Deployment with the Buford Center for Kingdom Impact.
Also, he is the Founder of WaveChanger. A company focused on not only facilitating collaborative work, but also equipping organizations (businesses, ministries, and churches) to Go Faster Together!
JIM
STOLLBERG
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BUFORD CENTER FOR KINGDOM IMPACT
JIM STOLLBERG, Executive Director of The Buford Center for Kingdom Impact
Jim spent 20 years in the material handling automation industry, holding executive leadership roles with Dematic and HK Systems. As EVP Global R&D at Dematic, he led their technology transformation, positioning them as a market leader in the provision of cutting-edge solutions for the world’s top e-commerce, retail, and general merchandise companies. In 2016, after the successful sale to KION, a German public company, Jim assumed the role of EVP, Global Products and Solutions before stepping down in July of 2018.
Upon retiring from Dematic in 2018, Jim founded Gemini Global Advisors LLC to assist his clients in achieving similar results to what he has delivered throughout his career, including advising venture capital, private equity, supply chain and industrial companies. In 2019 he joined the board of e-commerce fulfillment company, shipmonk.com, #29 Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies. He also recently joined the board of AutoStore, a privately held Norwegian automation company, and the advisory board of covariant.ai, a privately held artificial intelligence robotics company.
He spent his first 11 years in business consulting at Accenture (previously Andersen Consulting) where he led mission critical engagements for his manufacturing and supply chain clients, including Harley-Davidson, Miller Brewing, Johnson Controls and BF Goodrich. After leaving the firm in 1998, he spent one year as VP, Professional Services at EXE Technologies, a supply chain software company before joining HK Systems where he assisted of the sale of HK Systems to Dematic in 2000.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University and continued his education at INSEAD, where he completed the Global Executive Program during his tenure at Dematic. He serves on Marquette’s Supply Chain Advisory Board and volunteers for their Advanced Global Business Leadership program. He previously served on the Supply Chain Advisory board at Georgia Tech and has served as Council President at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Brookfield.
Jim’s interests include travel (his career took him to a lot of interesting places) and all Wisconsin based sports (Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Badgers). He is an avid Marquette Basketball fan and holds season tickets with Leslie. He also loves to read (primarily history, biographies and faith-based books) and enjoys the company of his family and friends.The Stollberg Foundation supports a partial scholarship to first generation Marquette students interested in supply chain studies. They also support Compassion International (Thanawit from Thailand and Katarim from Columbia) The Children’s Outing Association (COA), Wounded Warrior Project, Folds of Honor, and the Wisconsin Humane Society.
ALYSSA HEFFLEY
PROGRAMS & MARKETING MANAGER
ALYSSA HEFFLEY, Programs & Marketing Manager
As the Programs & Marketing Manager for the Halftime Institute, Alyssa Heffley combines her creativity, Type-A planner personality, and desire to serve others in her day-to-day life!
A Native Texan, Alyssa grew up in the DFW suburb of Prosper. She left the Lone Star State to attend The University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, earning a degree in Advertising with minors in Consumer Science and Italian.
Prior to joining the HTI team in January 2017, Alyssa served in Communications and Marketing roles for both a North Texas food bank and a ministry in Uganda, Africa. Through these experiences, God touched her heart for international ministry. Her passion for writing and experiencing new cultures through traveling are areas in which she is excited to see the Lord work in her future!
One of Alyssa’s many favorite verses is Micah 6:8, “He has told you what is good; and this is what the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
RENI
FILBRUN
CLIENT EXPERIENCE MANAGER
RENI FILBRUN, Client Experience Manager
Reni Filbrun joined the Halftime team in December of 2015. A Grand Prairie, Texas native, Reni grew up in the DFW Metroplex with her parents, Phil and Tanna, and two sisters, Jara and Kali. She adores being a daughter, sister, aunt, and (sometimes excessively) a granddaughter. She graduated from Abilene Christian University in May 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Youth and Family Ministry.
Reni has a heart for ministry, specifically to teen girls, and spent 3 years prior to joining the Halftime Team in Spring, TX serving as the Youth Ministry Intern at Bammel Church of Christ. There are very few things in life that bring Reni more joy than knowing she has affected a teen’s life in a positive way. She learned a love of sports from her father and runs as her main outlet to relax. “Go Cowboys, Go Buckeyes, Adios.”
Her favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:38-39 (with Psalm 46 a very close second), “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
DIANE
HAYES
COACHING COORDINATOR
DIANE HAYES, Coaching Coordinator
Diane Hayes joined Halftime in 2010 and brought a diverse background that included ministry, interior design, retail management, and property management. These career experiences strengthened her skills in servant leadership, project management, and problem-solving. Her raison d’être is simply to serve others through Christ’s love. She views each day at Halftime a divine opportunity to fulfill this calling.
Outside of work, Diane embraces her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and friend with passion and excitement. She enjoys travel, outdoor activities, and using her creative gifts.
Diane and her husband, Darwin, live in Las Colinas, Texas, and attend Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, where they actively serve in Gateway’s Volunteer Ministry.
BONNIE PATTERSON
PROGRAMS & MARKETING COORDINATOR
BONNIE PATTERSON, Programs & Marketing Coordinator
Passionate about curating spaces and experiences that allow others to connect and grow, Bonnie Patterson serves as Programs & Marketing Coordinator at the Halftime Institute.
Bonnie grew up in Carrollton, TX and is a proud member of the fightin’ Texas Aggie class of 2018 (Whoop!). She returned to the DFW area upon graduating from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences and minor in Business Administration.
Bonnie began her career working in a retail marketing capacity for a local beauty brand. Having benefited first-hand from a Christian leadership development program, she was excited to discover the ministry of Halftime and joined the team in July 2019. She enjoys spending time with friends, pursuing creative outlets, and volunteering as a Young Life leader for high school girls.
A foundational verse in Bonnie’s life is Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”