Our Board

Phillip had a vision to establish a Christian adoption agency over twenty years ago.  It was his vision that led to the creation of “Spirit of Faith Adoptions”(aka “SOFA”) in 2006. Phill was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio and received both his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Toledo. Prior to devoting his career to SOFA, Phill worked as an attorney in private practice focusing on municipal law and adoption law. Phill now serves as the Chief Executive Director of SOFA as well as a member of its Board of Directors.  In addition to SOFA, Phill has served in various capacities in his local church and as an officer and member of the Board of Directors of “Friends of Russian Orphans”. He and his wife, Lisa, are the parents of five children, and his personal experience as an adoptive dad gives him insight into the complexities, challenges, and blessings of adoption.

Lisa is Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Dana Incorporated, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of vehicular and equipment propulsion and energy-management solutions for global mobility markets.  In addition to her service with “Spirit of Faith Adoptions”, Lisa is also the founder and president of “Friends of Russian Orphans”, a non-profit charitable organization that has been serving orphans and vulnerable children since 2002,  and a member of the Taylor University Parent Council.  Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University, and Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law.  Lisa and her husband, Phill, are the parents of five children including three sons adopted internationally. 

Edward has been a long time board member of SOFA, and serves as the Vice President of the Board. Ed is a retired Electrical Engineer (Professional Engineer) working for various consulting engineering firms for 43 years. Ed served as a staff engineer, manager, and Master Engineer during his career. He focused on finding and implementing complex engineering solutions for his clients and his employers' concerns and projects . These projects have led to work locally, across the country and internationally. Ed has been a member and leader of the Five Lakes Church (formerly McCord Road Christian Church) in Sylvania, Ohio. Ed is married to Donna McConnell and actively involved in the lives of his two daughters, their spouses and eight grandchildren.

Mark has served on the SOFA Team for many years as a member of the Board.  Mark is an attorney in Toledo, and has been a partner at Ritter, Robinson, McCready and James, LTD for the past 28 years. Mark received his undergraduate degree from Kent State, and his law degree from the Ohio State University. He and his wife are parents to two adopted children.