MEET THE TEAM

Rev. David Truluck, Organizational Co-founder, averages a 0% recidivism rate among post-release graduates and a 9% post-release non-graduates.  As Executive Director, David oversees strategic planning, program execution, employee supervision, and fundraising.  David leads various programs including Celebrate Recovery, Cognitive Learning 101 (Sustain the Change), Healing for Damaged Emotions/of Memories, and provides chaplaincy support. David's passion is helping men learn and grow in their spiritual journey. David also engages and works with various community partners such as law enforcement and state service agencies, other nonprofit organizations, employers, churches, and volunteers.

Melodie Truluck, Co-Founder and Operations Manager at SHIELD Ministries since January 2015.  Melodie previously served as a volunteer in operations support from 2007 until 2015.  Melodie is a founding Board of Directors Member. With over 30 years of nonprofit and higher education employment experience, Melodie develops operational system processes, data management, accounting and financial management, and direct program services for both pre and post-release programs.  Melodie's passion is teaching men evidence-based truth about the ability to change thinking and choice patterns through forgiveness, neuroscience mind management, and by applying Christian Biblical Principles.

John Ring, Jr.'s passion is helping men find purpose in God's plan for working. With John's previous experience with the nonprofit, Jobs for Life,  John helps men walk through the re-entry process by teaching and preparing men for success in the workplace in the immediate and assisting with life-long career planning.  John works closely with the Executive Director in creating and sustaining accountability among the students who are enrolled in the SHIELD Post-Release Program.

Kathy Simmons, Program and Accounting Assistant at SHIELD Ministries processes and reviews accounting transactions, billing and receiving, provides data entry support for operations and program services, and more. With experience at We Are Sharing Hope SC, Kathy excels in detail-oriented tasks and collaborative efforts. Kathy holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is passionate about family and youth ministry. Resides in Summerville, SC.

Tom Pace is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and has over 40 years of experience working in management positions in engineering, sales, and construction of pollution control and energy management projects. Since retiring Tom has put his energies into volunteer activities including disaster rebuilding, affordable home construction, feeding the homeless, ministering to seafarers, and providing services to veterans. Tom's passion is prison ministry and serves as a volunteer for SHIELD Ministries as our Pre-release Lead Faculty & Advisor.

Kayla has provided operations support since 2015. With Kayla's prior training in military security forces, Kayla excels in our application processing and data collection. Kayla's passion is her children, reading, and gardening, and is passionate about giving second chances.

With experience with Take It to the Street Ministry, Martha supports community change through nonprofit work.  Martha is passionate about helping those in need and supports SHIELD Ministries operations and programs through data processing, marketing, and human resources services.