Northpark Community Church Board Candidates 2026
For more information about the Annual Business Meeting and upcoming board election, please go to NorthparkChurch.org/meeting
These candidate profiles are intended to give you a brief introduction to each candidate.
Be sure to join us at the Annual Business Meeting as we have a live interview with the board candidates prior to the election.
DEAN MENARD
Spouse: Tina
Children: Justin (spouse Brianna, 2 sons), Courtney (spouse Kody, 3 daughters)
Occupation: Retired Police Sergeant/Bomb Squad Commander
Accepted Christ: 2000
Joined Northpark: 2005
Current Ministries:
Board Member, Ministry of Protection Team, Men’s Ministry volunteer, Small group attendee
Spiritual Journey:
I was born and raised in Clovis. I attended Clovis schools and graduated from Clovis High. I graduated from college with two degrees, Public Administration and Energetic Materials (Explosives). I’m currently a retired Police Sergeant/Bomb Squad Commander where I served a wonderful 33 year career at the Clovis Police Department.
I’ve been married to my beautiful wife, Tina for 47 years. We have two married adult children and five wonderful grandchildren.
I accepted Christ in 2000 and never looked back. I have a strong faith in Christ and I’m very blessed to have what I have.
Prior to attending Northpark, my wife and I visited numerous other churches in the Fresno/Clovis area however, none really seemed to be the right fit. Once we were invited and visited Northpark, we both knew in our hearts that this is where the Lord wanted us. Over twenty plus years, this is still our home. I enjoy attending, volunteering and serving at Northpark where my knowledge and faith continue to flourish as I learn more about God.
JODY JO MIZE
Children: Taylor, Morgan, Lauren, 2 Grandsons
Occupation: Radio Personality 93.7 Kiss Country
Accepted Christ: As a child
Joined Northpark: 1998
Current Ministries:
Worship Team and Choir
Spiritual journey:
I was raised in a Christian home with my parents being extremely involved in youth group, choir, multiple ministries in the church, which meant us kids were also involved. I started attending Northpark with my sister, Nicole Liberta, in 1998 and I was hooked! I then attended our church plant, The Quest, when it was first beginning. After they were well established, I missed my Northpark family, so I came back. I was rebaptized with my 2 youngest daughters in 2007 at Northpark to publicly declare I had been reenergized to walk with Christ.
I have been singing with the Northpark choir and worship team since my kids were young! My daughters attended Northpark and were involved with children’s ministry, youth, Mexico missions trip and Hume.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and went through 6 months of chemo and countless surgeries. I have no idea how anyone gets through all of that without faith! I leaned on mine every step of the way.
My daughters are all married, Taylor is in Texas with my grandbabies, Morgan is in Salt Lake City and Lauren is still in Clovis.
I serve on the board for 2 local organizations. The Light House Recovery Center is one of the ministries that Northpark supports and I host their weekly podcast. I also serve on the board for Pink Heals, helping men, women and children with life threatening illness or disease.
STEVE SILVA
Spouse: Cheryl Silva
Adult Children: Julie, Stephen (3 grandchildren)
Occupation: Consultant
Accepted Christ: 1990
Joined Northpark: 1991
Current Ministries:
Worship Team, Choir, Prayer team, facilitator of Saturday morning Men’s prayer group, Love INC volunteer, National Day of Prayer committee, HUB, City of Fresno Mighty Men of Prayer, Summer Adventure Volunteer
Past Ministries:
Past Northpark Board Member, taught adult Bible studies, led Men’s Ministry groups, served on Missions and Building Committees, hosted House Church, assisted with Summer Adventure, held leadership role with Promise Keepers and Mighty Men Ministries.
Spiritual Journey:
I was born and raised in the church and was born-again at age 40. At that time my walk with God was solidified. Through the teaching I have received at Northpark and through personal study, my walk with the Lord has become a focus of my life. With Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit as my guide, I look forward to serving my church family at Northpark.
SELAH VALADEZ
Spouse: Andres Valadez
Children: Alyssa, Adoline, Ezra, Ayden
Occupation: Art Teacher, Fresno Unified
Accepted Christ: 1988
Joined Northpark: 2018
Current Ministries:
Board Mentoree, Worship Team, Youth Ministry
Past Ministries:
(at previous churches) Homeless Outreach, Hospital calls/prayer, Home visits, Greeter, Prayer Team, Mexico Missions trips, Camp Counselor at Hume Lake Wagon Train, Worship Team, Small Group Leader, Sunday School Teacher
Spiritual Journey:
I grew up as a pastor’s kid in a Quaker church; the church was truly my second home. Because of my upbringing and involvement in the church community, I associated the Church as an extension of my family. I accepted Christ at 8 years old while attending church camp and have been involved in ministry in some capacity ever since.
A significant turning point in my life was the loss of my father in an accident. During that time of pain, my faith became more deeply rooted, as God revealed His truth and faithfulness to me through grief and loss.
I married my husband, Andres, in 2017. In 2018, we found Northpark Community Church together, and have been here ever since. From the beginning, we were drawn to the intimacy and genuine care of the people at Northpark. The church immediately felt like family, and over the years we have built meaningful friendships that have deeply enriched our lives and strengthened our faith.
What I value most in ministry is serving alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am drawn to ministry because I want others to know they matter, that they were created with purpose, and that God has a plan for their lives. No one is a waste, and everyone is deeply seen and loved by God.
JAN WELDON
Spouse: Mark
Children: Justin (spouse Staci, 3 children), Jarrod (spouse Madison), Makenna
Occupation: Sr. Field Auditor for ICW Group
Accepted Christ: Young Age
Joined Northpark: 1988 (Founding member)
Current Ministries:
Board Member, Worship Team, Summer Adventure Volunteer, Wednesday night table leader
Past Ministries:
Worship Leader, Church Secretary, Missionettes Leader, Youth Sponsor, MOPS Leadership
Spiritual Journey:
My journey with Northpark began at Full Gospel Tabernacle when I was 9 months old. I was raised in a Christian home by my wonderful parents Walt and Joan Opie who were very active at the church. Through their example, I learned early on the importance of being involved in church life.
During high school, I played piano for the church choir and sang on the youth worship team. In 1988, when Northpark began, I played piano on the worship team and later served as the worship leader for nine years, as well as church secretary.
Over the years, I have also had the privilege of serving as a Missionette leader, MOPS leader, Summer Adventure volunteer, Wednesday night table leader, and play keyboard on the worship team.
Mark and I were married in 1990 and began participating in ministry together as youth sponsors until 1992. It has been a joy to be a part of Northpark from such an early age, and I am excited to see what God is preparing for us in the future.
BOARD ELECTION INFORMATION
At this meeting, the membership will elect THREE new members of the church’s Board of Trustees. The regular term for a Board Member is three years. A Board Member may be elected to serve two (2) consecutive three year terms.
2026 NOMINATING COMMITTEE
- Steve Conner, Chairman, Board Member
- Lindsey Murakoshi, Board Member
- Matthew Dill, Board Member
- Dave Maur
- Jody Mize
- Tom Moshier
- Kim Tatham
BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES
Being a Board Member means service. In addition to monthly meetings, Board Members take turns as “Board Member on Duty” overseeing Sunday morning activities and volunteers. They may serve as Church/Board officers (Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer) and hold one or more portfolios in which they serve as liaisons with Northpark ministries (including Children’s Ministries, Youth, Young Adults & College, Worship & Arts, Spiritual Growth, Women’s Ministries, Men’s Ministries, Missions, and Facilities)
Each year the Board selects the Church/Board Officers and determines what portfolio(s) each member will be assigned for the year.
THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE PROCESS
Electing Board Members is a very important decision in which Northpark Church’s membership seeks God’s guidance to select individuals for leadership positions. The Committee’s first step is to review the qualifications necessary for the position as listed in Scripture and in the Northpark Church Bylaws. The next step in the process is to try to select a group of individuals with a healthy mix of personalities, backgrounds, and talents to cover the Board’s responsibilities (Church/Board Offices & Portfolios). The committee also looks at current and past ministry involvement at Northpark, as well as their support of the church and its mission. Because the Board of Trustees and pastoral staff is very much a team effort, we seek good team players; Board Members must be willing and effective at expressing their views, and equally as important, good listeners who encourage others to express their views, all in a spirit of unity.
The Nominating Committee believes the Lord has led and directed us in the selection of a slate of candidates that have the qualifications and the desire to serve as Board Members of Northpark Community Church. We ask that you review the slate of candidates, their biographies, and then spend time in prayer before making your selections for THREE Board Members.