Meet Our Board of Directors and Staff
Dr. Paul Gordon, is an Associate Professor-Educator and co-director of the Medical Device Design Program in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati. He has made multiple mission trips to teach and service medical technology and plays a key role in the development of our National Biomed Training program. Paul and his wife, Amanda, and two daughters live in Milford, Ohio, and attend New City Presbyterian Church.
Matthew Hannula, is a Biomedical Engineering and MBA graduate of the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He is currently a Project Manager working with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Matt and his wife, Melina, live in West Allis, WI.
Jim Moore, a Vietnam Veteran, began his career as a biomedical technician in Western North Carolina. In 1996 Jim cofounded MedEquip Missions, a ministry to support medical work on the mission field.
In 1998, Jim left MedEquip Mission, and his job at St. Joseph's Medical System, to serve in full-time ministry with Samaritan's Purse, located in Boone, North Carolina. Jim served with Samaritan’s Purse for twenty-four years, where he consulted and traveled internationally serving our Lord through medical missions. Jim and his wife, Rita, now serve on the Samaritans Purse Chaplaincy Team and live in Claremont, North Carolina.
Richard Packard , Chairman of the Board. Rich studied at Central Michigan University and Michigan State University. Rich is a retired high school and college science teacher after teaching for 42 years. Rich has been an active Sunday School teacher, Mission team leader, and Life Group leader. Rich and his wife, Averill, are cofounders of Worldwide Biomed and reside in Midland, MI.
Mel Richardson was a small-time farmer and a Machinist, and a Machine Repairman at General Motors for 36 years, retiring in 2007. Mel is a very active member of Midland Evangelical Free Church where he and his wife, Pat, have served as Lead Ushers and Greeters. Mel and Pat, live in Auburn, Michigan.
Matt Streitmatter, Vice President, is a graduate of Illinois State University where he studied in the field of public relations. For the past 20 years, Matt has served as a marketing manager at MyMichigan Health. He and his wife, Kim, live in Midland, Michigan and attend Midland Evangelical Free Church. Over the years they have served as Sunday school teachers, pastoral search committee members, and Life Group leaders. Matt also previously served on the church’s Elder Board. He is currently serving as part of the leadership council for Community Bible Study (CBS).
Rick Wood, President and Executive Director, is a Navy submarine veteran and received a ministry degree from Spring Arbor University. Rick has served in medical missions for over thirty years and has served in 40 countries. Rick currently works part-time with Samaritan’s Purse and has worked with multiple TECH member organizations. Rick and his wife, Jennie, reside in Sparta, TN.
Linda Burns is a retired nurse from MidMichigan Health in Midland, Michigan, Linda brings decades of compassionate, service-driven experience to the organization. Her late husband, Gary Burns, was one of the founding members of WBCS, and Linda continues to honor his legacy through her dedication to its mission. Linda resides in Midland, MI where she is an active member of Midland Evangelical Free Church.
In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Friends and Board Members
Joe Leier served on the Board of Directors of Worldwide Biomedical Charitable Services from January 2022 to November 2023. Joe trained as an electrician in Canada and went on to become a biomed engineer. He founded Freelance Missions and not only provided biomed and consulting services to various North America medical teams serving in Guatemala, but traveled frequently with WBCS to provide biomed tech training and technical support to mission hospitals in other countries. Joe and his wife, Karen, served full-time in Guatemala before the Lord called him home to be with Him on November 26. 2023.
Gary Burns served as Secretary of the Board of Directors of Worldwide Biomedical Charitable Services. He was one of the original founders of WBCS and served on the Board from 2011 to January 2024. Gary studied at Saginaw Valley State University and retired from Supreme Floor Covering in Midland, where he was the Manager. Gary and his wife, Linda, resided in Midland, MI until the Lord called him home to be with Him on January 10, 2024.