Who serves on the Board of Directors?

Dr. Bill Barker is the Executive Director of Horizons Social Services of Adams County.  After co-founding a marketing firm for the financial industry in Boston, MA, Bill left this career track to pursue theological studies, earning a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and then a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, England. He taught as a faculty member at Gordon College, Wenham, MA and at the University of Cambridge, England.  He has been involved in some form of pastoral ministry for over 10 years and is the author of 19 published articles with more on the way.  Able to read and write in over 15 languages, Dr. Barker has lived and worked in Europe, the Middle East and South America.  In 1999 Bill says he made the best decision of his life and married Sara Wood of Elvaston, IL.  After 10 years of marriage, their son, William Aidin Barker II, was born.  Dr. Barker is the Lead Minister of LifePoint Bible Church here in Quincy.

Mr. Ramsay Easterling, Jr. serves on the Board of Directors for Horizons Social Services of Adams County.  Mr. Easterling began his career working at Hy-Vee here in Quincy, eventually becoming an assistant manager there. After his time at Hy-Vee, Mr. Easterling became a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch.  Ramsay and his wife Heidi worship at St. John’s Parish, where Ramsay also serves as the Business Manager.

Mr. Troy Figge serves on the Board of Directors for Horizons Social Services of Adams County. Mr. Figge was raised in Warsaw, IL. Troy works as the Supervisor of Network Operations in the Information Technology Department of The Knapheide Manufacturing Company here in Quincy. He worships and serves as the Senior Warden at St. John’s Parish. He is married to Jody and has 4 children: Emma, Drew, Kennedy, and Thea.

Father Patrick Smith serves on the Board of Directors for Horizons Social Services of Adams County.

Don Gnuse serves on the Board of Directors for Horizons Social Services of Adams County.

Lyn Fross serves on the Board of Directors for Horizons Social Services of Adams County.

Emeriti Board of Directors

Mrs. Anne McDonald Oakley serves on the Board of Directors for Horizons Social Services of Adams County.  She graduated from Duke University in Durham, NC in 1954 with a degree in English, and she was married to Thomas A. Oakley of Quincy, IL later that same year.  After Tom’s 3 years of service in the US Air Force, Tom and Anne moved to Quincy and have made their home here since 1957.  Mrs. Oakley has been a member of St. John’s Parish since she moved to Quincy.  In the mid- seventies, she served on the vestry and taught Sunday School there, and was active in St. John’s guild.  Through the years Anne has been highly active in the Quincy community, serving a number of important organizations: as the President of the Quincy Service League (1964-1966); as a member and President of the Anna Brown Home Board; as a member of the Cheerful Home Board; and, as President of the Friends of the Library.  She has also worked with many community fund drives, such as the campaign for the United Way of Adams County, Inc.  She has been on the Board of the Illinois Women’s Golf Association for many years and served as its President from 1981-1983.  Mrs. Oakley’s strong record of service for the people of Quincy continues now with her work for Horizons, among other involvements.

Father James Derbyshire is the President of the Board of Directors for Horizons Social Services of Adams County.  Father Derbyshire has been the priest of St. John’s Parish here in Quincy since September 2006.  Father Derbyshire earned his Master’s degree in Aeronautical Systems in 1973 from the University of West Florida.  Father Derbyshire later earned a Master of Divinity in Mission from the Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, Pittsburgh, PA.  Father Derbyshire has worked internationally using business development strategies to assist the poor in developing countries.  He also served for 11 years as a pilot in the US Navy.  Following his time in the Navy, Father Derbyshire had a successful career working for the aerospace industry in business and airport operations.  In addition to his work for Horizons and St. John’s Parish he also serves on the Board of Directors for Barnabas Community Builders to develop resources for community improvement projects.  He and his wife Beth have been married for 30 years.