Board of Trustees
Designated as the “keepers of the university mission,” the Board of Trustees provides perspective, clarity, and direction to the president and administration.
Larry Acosta, DMin
Christian Ministries
Founder of Urban Youth Workers Institute, Hispanic Ministry Center, and KidWorks, Acosta continues to focus on the development of the next generation of urban leaders for transformation ministry through his speaking, writing, and mentoring.
Jesus Arriaga
Technology Executive
Arriaga is a technology executive, consultant, and advisor focused on providing strategic technology and architecture services for business solutions in start-up, turnaround, and established environments.
Matthews Chacko, MD
Interventional Cardiologist
Chacko is assistant professor of medicine and director of peripheral vascular interventions at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, with a specialty in interventional cardiology. He earned his undergraduate degree from Azusa Pacific University and was honored as APU’s Alumnus of the Year in 2013.
Lynette Ilertsen
Teacher/Administrator
Ilertsen recently retired from Christian private education, having served for 40 years as a teacher and administrator. She is the proud wife and parent of APU alumni.
Ray Johnston
Senior Pastor
Johnston is the founding pastor of a church in Granite Bay, California, and president of a leadership consulting group. He is also an author and sought-after conference speaker.
Richard Link
Business Executive
Link is a seasoned financial executive, most recently serving as the group vice president controller and chief accounting officer for Smart & Final Stores. He brings financial, accounting, and strategic planning experience to APU’s Board of Trustees.
Cathy McIntyre, MAS
Former Conference Consultant
McIntyre began her professional career in the hospitality industry, then started a consulting business providing logistic and conference management support to a variety of corporate clients. A longtime advocate of Christian education, McIntyre most recently served as board president of a K-12 school.
Lucie Moore, JD
Attorney
Moore is an independent trustee and chair of the governance committee for two funds. Prior to that, she was a partner at a firm specializing in corporate finance, securities law, and mergers and acquisitions.
Adam J. Morris, PhD
President
Morris is president of Azusa Pacific University and has 30 years of experience in Christian higher education. Prior to this role, he was executive vice president, chief transformation officer, and chief institutional advancement officer at Biola University.
Kelli O’Gorman, CPA
Finance Executive
O’Gorman is a seasoned finance executive with more than 20 years of experience leading finance organizations in public and private high-technology companies. She is a Chief Financial Officer, and former principal consultant and senior advisor in a consulting firm in Silicon Valley.
Lindsey Rehfeld, MA
Business Executive
Rehfeld has been a CEO in the senior homecare industry for 17 years. Prior to that role, she spent 14 years in Fortune 500 environments developing her leadership, marketing, and financial expertise. Rehfeld is an APU alumna (BS ’86) and a former School of Business and Management faculty member.
Rishi Sriram, PhD
Professor and Higher Education Administrator
Sriram is associate professor of higher education and student affairs, graduate program director for the Department of Educational Leadership, and faculty-in-residence for Brooks Residential College, a living-learning community of approximately 400 students at Baylor University. His research interests include the development of talent, student affairs professional practice, and college student retention, engagement, achievement, and learning.
Tim Stripe
Real Estate Development Executive
Stripe is copresident/ownership partner of a real estate development firm that focuses on timeshare and hotel development.
Robert Tiede
Business Executive
Tiede is the former president and CEO of Sonoco, Inc. He is an entrepreneur with vast business, board, and strategic planning experience.
Larry Walkemeyer, DMin
Lead Pastor
Walkemeyer is lead pastor of a large, multiethnic church that has planted dozens of other churches. He is also director of equipping and spiritual engagement for Exponential and the author of several books.