LEADERSHIP

Hope To Walk is a volunteer-run organization.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Heath Guinn

Vice-Chair
Heath Guinn is an entrepreneur and social impact leader based in Tennessee.

Heath Guinn is an entrepreneur and social impact leader based in Tennessee. Over the last 20 years, Guinn has led multiple projects and companies to sustainable success and become a leader in regional economic development strategy. In 2019, Guinn started Sync Space, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on unleashing the power of entrepreneurship for social and economic change. Over the course of the first four years of the organization, a network of 50+ supporting businesses and more than $5,000,000 has been deployed in the rural Appalachian region of the United States, and the extension of the organization’s entrepreneurs have reached more than 23 rural counties of Appalachia and more than 12 countries worldwide. Guinn is a respected voice for the role that social impact entrepreneurship plays in creating prosperity for traditionally social and economically disadvantaged communities around the world.

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Phillip Johnson

Founder
Phillip has over 34 years of prosthetic and orthotic experience. He is an inventor with many skills and a passion for training others.

"My passion is to be Hope To Walk’s inventor and problem-solver. If I can donate my life by passing on God’s gift to me, that’s my goal."

 
Hope To Walk’s founder, brings 37 years of prosthetics and orthotics experience. He is a certified orthotist and a certified prosthetist through the Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics. In 2002, Phil traveled to Guatemala to help a young boy with a prosthetic
leg. The next morning, 18 children were lined up in hopes of receiving a leg as well. He was overwhelmed by the need in the third world, and knew there was no way he could help them with the standard prosthetic devices used in the first world. The trip
got him thinking of ways to solve the problem for those who could not afford prosthetics and had no access to healthcare or insurance. In 2014, Phil met a young medical student and the two founded Hope To Walk.
 
Since its inception, Phil has taken over 60 mission trips to Central America, Asia and Africa. He has invented and patented a below-the-knee, above-the-knee and an arm
that are some of the lowest cost prosthetics in the world. Phil enjoys the outdoors, gardening, painting and woodworking in his spare time.
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Loy Burch

Loy Burch

Board Member
Loy grew up at Espanola, New Mexico, holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from Eastern New Mexico University. He and his wife have been involved in mission work…

Loy Burch grew up at Espanola, New Mexico, holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from Eastern New Mexico University.  He and his wife have been involved in mission work in Honduras for over 30 years. He presently serves on the Board of Directors at the Baxter Institute, a four year Bible College and Medical Clinic in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Baxter is having a great impact on all Latin countries with students from eleven nations.  These students come from their home countries to study the Bible for 4 years and after graduation, return to their nations to serve others. This school is also the site of the clinic where Hope To Walk is based out of.

In 2011 Loy was contacted by a friend that a Honduran man, Juan Zavala, was in an accident and lost a leg. After inquiring about possibilities of his receiving a prosthetic leg in Honduras, he learned it was next to impossible. Loy brought Juan’s picture to Phillip Johnson and asked, “What will be the cost of a prosthetic leg for Juan?”  Phillip said, “Bring him here and I will make him a prosthetic leg at no cost”.  Next thing you know, Juan was on a plane leaving for America for the first time in his life. Philip fitted him with his prosthetic leg and Juan walked immediately. Loy and Phil continue to joke about how they had to tell Juan to slow down as he was running up the hill behind the office.

This whetted the interest of Loy and Phil.  They thought, “How can these prosthetic needs be met in Central America and around the world to help the poor?”  Phil had been concerned about this need for quite some time and had ideas and interest in the concept for “Hope To Walk.”  This development is so exciting that such a blessing can be potentially available to so many people in developing countries.

Loy is interested in making the “Johnson Leg” available to all who need it.

Loy and his wife Mary currently reside in Blacksburg.

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Jack Richmond profile picture

Jack Richmond

Board Member
A seasoned leader, Jack previously served as the CEO of the Amputee Coalition, the nation’s leading non-profit serving people affected by limb loss and limb difference.

We are thrilled that Jack Richmond has joined the Hope To Walk Board as of the Fall of 2019.

Jack’s leadership experience will play a pivotal role in Hope To Walk’s growth.  He previously served as the CEO of the Amputee Coalition, the nation’s leading non-profit serving people affected by limb loss and limb difference from 2016 to 2019. Jack understands full well what challenges amputee patients face as he experienced a crush injury to his foot in 1987 that resulted in a transtibial (below-knee) amputation. Soon after his limb loss he began working with a local amputee support group and quickly discovered he could help others to move forward while he was also moving on after limb loss.

Jack never forgot his initial journey of loss and recovery and it inspired him to enter a career in rehabilitation and prosthetics. Working for several providers and manufacturers since 1991, he earned a clinical credential as a Certified Prosthetic and Orthotic Assistant (CPOA) from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC).

Jack is committed to improving access to prosthetic care for people around the world. He has been a volunteer with several organizations, including serving as the president of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation (OPAF), the Barr Foundation for Amputees and the United Amputee Services Association (UASA).  In 2018, the American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics (AAOP) recognized Jack’s commitment to advocacy and helping other amputees by awarding him an Honorary Lifetime Membership. 

Jack is an avid runner and cyclist and has completed five marathons since his limb loss. While the competition motivates him in races, he says his greatest motivation is ensuring others have access to the same support and prosthetic care that has enabled him to take care of his family and live a life of new ability, not disability.  He and his wife Laurie are an incredible addition to the Hope To Walk family and they currently live in East Tennessee.

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Loy Burch

Loy Burch

Board Member
Loy grew up at Espanola, New Mexico, holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from Eastern New Mexico University. He and his wife have been involved in mission work…

Loy Burch grew up at Espanola, New Mexico, holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from Eastern New Mexico University.  He and his wife have been involved in mission work in Honduras for over 30 years. He presently serves on the Board of Directors at the Baxter Institute, a four year Bible College and Medical Clinic in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Baxter is having a great impact on all Latin countries with students from eleven nations.  These students come from their home countries to study the Bible for 4 years and after graduation, return to their nations to serve others. This school is also the site of the clinic where Hope To Walk is based out of.

In 2011 Loy was contacted by a friend that a Honduran man, Juan Zavala, was in an accident and lost a leg. After inquiring about possibilities of his receiving a prosthetic leg in Honduras, he learned it was next to impossible. Loy brought Juan’s picture to Phillip Johnson and asked, “What will be the cost of a prosthetic leg for Juan?”  Phillip said, “Bring him here and I will make him a prosthetic leg at no cost”.  Next thing you know, Juan was on a plane leaving for America for the first time in his life. Philip fitted him with his prosthetic leg and Juan walked immediately. Loy and Phil continue to joke about how they had to tell Juan to slow down as he was running up the hill behind the office.

This whetted the interest of Loy and Phil.  They thought, “How can these prosthetic needs be met in Central America and around the world to help the poor?”  Phil had been concerned about this need for quite some time and had ideas and interest in the concept for “Hope To Walk.”  This development is so exciting that such a blessing can be potentially available to so many people in developing countries.

Loy is interested in making the “Johnson Leg” available to all who need it.

Loy and his wife Mary currently reside in Blacksburg.

Read More
Jack Richmond profile picture

Jack Richmond

Board Member
A seasoned leader, Jack previously served as the CEO of the Amputee Coalition, the nation’s leading non-profit serving people affected by limb loss and limb difference.

We are thrilled that Jack Richmond has joined the Hope To Walk Board as of the Fall of 2019.

Jack’s leadership experience will play a pivotal role in Hope To Walk’s growth.  He previously served as the CEO of the Amputee Coalition, the nation’s leading non-profit serving people affected by limb loss and limb difference from 2016 to 2019. Jack understands full well what challenges amputee patients face as he experienced a crush injury to his foot in 1987 that resulted in a transtibial (below-knee) amputation. Soon after his limb loss he began working with a local amputee support group and quickly discovered he could help others to move forward while he was also moving on after limb loss.

Jack never forgot his initial journey of loss and recovery and it inspired him to enter a career in rehabilitation and prosthetics. Working for several providers and manufacturers since 1991, he earned a clinical credential as a Certified Prosthetic and Orthotic Assistant (CPOA) from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC).

Jack is committed to improving access to prosthetic care for people around the world. He has been a volunteer with several organizations, including serving as the president of the Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation (OPAF), the Barr Foundation for Amputees and the United Amputee Services Association (UASA).  In 2018, the American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics (AAOP) recognized Jack’s commitment to advocacy and helping other amputees by awarding him an Honorary Lifetime Membership. 

Jack is an avid runner and cyclist and has completed five marathons since his limb loss. While the competition motivates him in races, he says his greatest motivation is ensuring others have access to the same support and prosthetic care that has enabled him to take care of his family and live a life of new ability, not disability.  He and his wife Laurie are an incredible addition to the Hope To Walk family and they currently live in East Tennessee.

Read More
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Shelley Ballard

Board Member
Shelley Ballard, is a sales management, marketing, and event executive of the State, Local and Education (SLED) technology sector with more than 25 years of experience.

Her passion is to help implement products, services, and policies, to effectively improve the
citizen experience.

She has worked with all levels of government including elected officials, state legislators, and government affairs. In her current roll, she serves as a client executive for the research and advisory firm, Gartner Inc, working directly with State of California Health and Human Services departments and agencies.

Her “why” to join the board of Hope to Walk, is driven by her passion for helping people, her experience with loved ones impacted by the inability to walk, and desire to be a change agent for good.

She lives outside of Sacramento, CA. She attended CA State University at Sacramento where she studied business, communications, and journalism.

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Dr. Daniel Drysdale

Board Member
Dan is a Florida native who grew up on an Alligator Farm which his brother still runs.

After finishing medical school at Duke, he specialized in ophthalmic surgery and has been working in Blacksburg his entire career.

Between work and visiting children and grandchildren with his wife Debi, he enjoys reading, travel, and golf, especially with his brother in St. Augustine, and with college classmates in New Jersey.

He has designed several eye surgical instruments, one of which has become a world-wide favorite and has a special place in mission eye surgery.

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IMG_2179

Shelley Ballard

Board Member
Shelley Ballard, is a sales management, marketing, and event executive of the State, Local and Education (SLED) technology sector with more than 25 years of experience.

Her passion is to help implement products, services, and policies, to effectively improve the
citizen experience.

She has worked with all levels of government including elected officials, state legislators, and government affairs. In her current roll, she serves as a client executive for the research and advisory firm, Gartner Inc, working directly with State of California Health and Human Services departments and agencies.

Her “why” to join the board of Hope to Walk, is driven by her passion for helping people, her experience with loved ones impacted by the inability to walk, and desire to be a change agent for good.

She lives outside of Sacramento, CA. She attended CA State University at Sacramento where she studied business, communications, and journalism.

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dr drysdale headshot

Dr. Daniel Drysdale

Board Member
Dan is a Florida native who grew up on an Alligator Farm which his brother still runs.

After finishing medical school at Duke, he specialized in ophthalmic surgery and has been working in Blacksburg his entire career.

Between work and visiting children and grandchildren with his wife Debi, he enjoys reading, travel, and golf, especially with his brother in St. Augustine, and with college classmates in New Jersey.

He has designed several eye surgical instruments, one of which has become a world-wide favorite and has a special place in mission eye surgery.

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LEADERSHIP TEAM

phil headshot

Phil Johnson

Founder
Phil has over 34 years of prosthetic and orthotic experience. He is an inventor with many skills and a passion for training others.

"My passion is to be Hope To Walk’s inventor and problem-solver. If I can donate my life by passing on God’s gift to me, that’s my goal."

Hope To Walk’s founder, Phil Johnson, brings 34 years of prosthetics and orthotics experience. He is a certified orthotist and a certified prosthetist through the Board of Orthotics and Prosthetics.

In addition to his practice, Phil has a passion for using his training and skills to help those who are most in need by traveling on mission trips to Central America. On a trip to Guatemala, he gave a boy a leg. The next morning, thirty more children were lined up in hopes of receiving a leg as well. He was overwhelmed by the need and knew that there was no way that he could help them with the standard prosthetic devices available at the time.

Years later, when Phil met Michael Mabry, his interest was re-ignited as Michael was able to bring some new skills and capabilities that could help them address this need. Together they began to research and collaborate. Michael introduced Phil to Ed Bellaire and Hope to Walk was born.

Phil’s quite a renaissance man. From bull riding to gardening to painting, he’s truly done it all. Phil’s an outdoors-man who enjoys hiking, fishing, and hunting near his century-old house in Appalachian Mountains of Virginia.

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Reed Kennedy SQ400

Reed Kennedy

Executive Director
Reed lives in Blacksburg, is retired from teaching in the business school at Virginia Tech, but his primary career was in hospital administration.

Reed B. Kennedy recently retired as an Associate Professor of Management Practice at the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. He began his career as a naval officer, but his primary career has been in hospital administration. His education includes a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, a Masters of Healthcare Administration from Medical College of Virginia / Virginia Commonwealth University, a Masters of Public Health from Virginia Tech, and a Graduate Certificate in Global Planning and International Development from Virginia Tech. In retirement, Reed is actively engaged as a volunteer consultant for Christian mission hospitals abroad, as well as local community service and church lay leader positions.

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