Dr. Brian Autry, the former pastor of Parkway Baptist Church in Moseley, Va., recently became the SBC of Virginia’s new executive director as well as Innovative Faith Resources president. Autry graduated from James Madison University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in both psychology and political science. He earned his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1996. In 2002, he received his doctorate from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary with a focus in evangelism, church growth, and church consulting. Autry and his wife Jennifer have three children: Melissa, Mark, and Jenna.

Brandon is a story-teller at heart with a passion for missions. Since graduating from Liberty University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, he has been reporting for television networks, network affiliates and ministries.

Along with his responsibility as Vice President of IFR, he is also the Director of Media Services for the SBC of Virginia. Before that, he was the Communications Director of the North American Mission Board. While there, he and his team won 2 Emmy Awards (the 2010 Southeast Regional Emmy for the 30-minute documentary called "A New Hope" about the Angola Prison, and the 2009 Southeast Regional Emmy for the 30-minute missions TV program, "On Mission Xtra" featuring missionary Brenda Crim.

Brandon and his wife, Wendy, have four children: Andrew, Lauren, Raechel, and Lily.

Life Verse:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colossians 3:23-24

Ishmael loves working with media. He graduated from Liberty University with a bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism that prepared him for television news reporting for an ABC affiliate station. After five years in the news industry, he followed God’s calling to serve as Communications Director for a faith-based humanitarian organization.

 

 

 

In 2011, Ishmael again followed God’s direction to serve as Media Director for Innovative Faith Resources to manage media productions.

Ishmael and his wife, Sara, have four boys: Ethan, Jayden, Rylan, and Deacon. 

Life Verse:

“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Phillippians 4:13

Chris has a passion for finding creative ways to utilize technology and media to help organizations grow and work more efficiently. He is also a graduate of Liberty University where he spent his time studying business and traveling around the country with the Sounds of Liberty ministry team leading churches in worship. Chris has a background in finance as well as non profit marketing and enjoys connecting people. He has a heart for helping ministries and businesses reach their goals. Chris also enjoys traveling with his wife Jessica and exploring new places with friends. Life Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11

Patti Spencer is a graphic designer with over 15 years experience in the print design industry. Her passion lies with helping others put their mission in print and especially enjoys making a client's vision become a reality. Having worked for First Baptist Norfolk for 10 years, she understands church culture and has a heart for supporting churches and ministries with their design needs. Adding to her design toolbox, she recently graduated from ECPI University with a degree in Web Design.

Brian Wood started at IFR as a senior intern from Liberty University studying graphic design. Brian started his internship with during the Fall semester and is now a full time videographer, editor and animator. He is also a talented musician. Brian recently married his wife, Catherine, and they are enjoying their new life together.

Bobby has a passion to create cutting edge, functional designs that combine his love for graphic design with his traditional training in drawing. In his spare time, you will find him drawing typography or sketching out a new idea for coffee packaging. He loves to provide excellent customer service and project management achieving the most effective result for clients. He is a graduate of Liberty University, receiving a Bachelors degree in Graphic Design and a Minor in Photography and Drawing. Life Verse: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." - Colossians 3:23

The newest member of the IFR team, Rachel is passionate about impactful design and deeply communicative photography. She combines a zeal for creativity with an unfettered love of people, and applies these toward helping individuals, ministries, and businesses communicate their own vision and passion to others. Rachel is a graduate of Liberty University where she received her Bachelors degree in Graphic Design.  Life Verse: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14