Our Leadership Team

Kevin Kiser

Board Chairman

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama

I have a heart for service. Throughout my life I have always held some sort of service role in addition to my "paying bills" job. I have been on boards of other nonprofits and served in local government and ministry roles, but working with The Ladder has given me a unique opportunity to work alongside incredible people who have overcome personal obstacles. I love the stories of what my fellow Board members have been through and what God is doing within all of us to redeem our lives so that we can help others in return. Everyone on this board knows what it's like to struggle and to need a helping hand. That includes me, and I am so honored to be able to help others. I enjoy mentoring men and traveling the world with my wife and children.

Dave Woods

Board Treasurer

Co-Owner, DDS Solutions

While in addiction recovery, I found a sense of purpose I had not embraced before—to bless others with what God provides for me. Through healing and sponsoring others, I have seen God show up over and over. When I started my company in 2017, the strategic plan included sharing the success of the company with those who needed help. I believe God will grow and multiply our ability to help others. In my free time, I thoroughly enjoy what God has blessed me with, including snowboarding, travel, and spending time with my wife and two children. The Ladder has allowed me a vehicle to pursue my passion of helping others and then seeing how it benefits their family and those around them for generations.

Tara Bevelheimer

Board Secretary

Community Volunteer & Mentor

Jennifer Gilbert

Board Member

JE

Board Member

Jefferson Kinney

Board Member

Coach - Virginia Tech Men's Soccer

I have a background in coaching and previously as a COO, and both roles have taught me the same lesson: real growth happens when you give people the tools and belief to take the next step forward. I first heard about The Ladder in its earlier days, and the personal lives it had already impacted, specifically for a family in my small group. When I met the other board members, I felt it immediately — a genuine heart for people, not just a mission statement. I knew right then that giving back to the Birmingham community, alongside people like that, was exactly where I wanted to be. I'm so thankful for all the blessings God has given me. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, and I believe the heart of this organization is living out that grace — meeting people in the moment and walking with them toward something better. That's a mission I'm honored to be part of. When I'm not working or serving with The Ladder, I'm spending time with my wife and our three children, or out fishing — always hoping the whole family is there with me.

John Thomas

Board Member

National Account Manager, DDS Solutions

In July of 2016, I found myself at a crossroads. My addiction to drugs and alcohol had led me to a place where I never thought I would end up. I was lost. Through the help of others, I was able to get treatment for my addiction. After going through a 12-step recovery program and surrendering my will and my life to Jesus, I was finally free. At that point, I realized that a life of serving others is how I would truly fulfill the purpose for which I was created. Over the past seven years, I have served as a volunteer in various capacities at my local church and in 12-step recovery groups. I work as a National Account Manager for DDS Solutions. It was at DDS that I was first introduced to The Ladder by our owners, Dave Woods and Will Strait. Since joining the Board of Directors for the Ladder, I have been honored to show people in our community the love of Christ in the same way that others once helped me.