Board Members
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Paul West Okojie
Paul W. Okojie brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for service to his role as president at Mission 1414, Inc. He is a physician with over 20 years’ experience spanning medicine, public health, research, and academic sectors. Paul has a proven track record of helping organizations grow, thrive, and stay true to their mission. He is passionate about the intersections of medicine and public health and how both work together to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations globally and in an atmosphere of faith. His expertise in public health, leadership, strategic planning, and community outreach, has been invaluable in guiding Mission 1414, Inc. on its journey to be a leading light in serving humankind globally. Paul has coordinated infectious disease responses both in Nigeria and the United States, serving as senior advisor and public health lead. He holds a medical degree from the University of Benin and Master of Public Health and epidemiology degrees from University of Benin and Liberty University.
Born and raised in a low-resourced community, Paul is able to blend his professional expertise with a deep, personal understanding of individual and community struggles. Paul’s love for people, his heart for service, and his commitment to making a difference position him as an invaluable asset to our board. He thus provides leadership to ensure that every single program at Mission 1414, Inc. is curated to meet the needs of the population it aims to serve.
Paul is committed to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ and continues to use his training and resources to advocate for and serve others, especially in low-resourced communities. His faith-driven approach to leadership aligns perfectly with the values of Mission 1414, Inc., where he is able to help drive meaningful change in the lives of those in need. He believes strongly in the organization’s mission and is passionate about seeing it grow as a beacon of hope, providing physical and spiritual support to vulnerable people around the world while proclaiming the teachings of Christ.
In addition to his role with Mission 1414, Inc., Paul is actively involved in his local congregation at the Fort Avenue Church of Christ, where he serves as song leader and College class Bible teacher. He and his wife, Sonia, have four children and live in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Billy H. Newman
Billy Newman is a Carroll County native, and Nelson County resident for 39 years. He received an A.S. in Science from Wytheville Community College, B.S. in Forestry and Wildlife Resources from Virginia Tech, and M.B.A. from Averett University.
Billy was the Virginia Department of Forestry Area Forester for Nelson County; District Procurement Forester for Stone and Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation; and has been Owner/Manager of EnviroFor, LLC. (Environmental Forestry and Wildlife Consulting, LLC.) since 2000. He is co-owner of Appalachian Forest Restoration, LLC. since 2023 as well.
He is currently Co-Program Head and Associate Professor, Forest Management Technology at Mountain Gateway Community College (formerly Dabney S. Lancaster Community College).
Billy is a lifetime member of the Virginia Forestry Association and FFA, SAF Certified Forester and a 42- year member of the Society of American Foresters (SAF), and served as Virginia Division SAF Chair and Skyline SAF Chapter Chair. Billy is a Certified Tree Farm Inspector, and past Virginia Tree Farm Committee Region 4 Chair. He is also a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture – ISA.
Billy is an exemplary leader and teacher with scriptural soundness and a strong commitment to support missions of the gospel. He skillfully applies his extensive breadth of knowledge of conservation of the green ecosystem to personal and organizational stewardship leading to financial prudence to make the most use of our resources in an impactful way.
Billy attended the Church of Christ at Gambetta from childhood and was a member of the Church of Christ at Wintergreen for 35 years where he served as Trustee for 22 years. Billy and Linda currently attend the Fort Avenue church of Christ in Lynchburg.
M. Lee Cannon
Lee Cannon is the minister of the Fort Avenue Church of Christ, where he has served since 1991. He has promoted the building of a church in Nigeria and local outreach to serve the poor. He has a passion for ministries that serve the needy and ministries that develop young Christians so that they can have a greater impact on the world.
During the week, Lee works for an insurance company, where he develops computer applications. Lee has an undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Virginia Tech, a Master of Divinity degree from Harding University, and an MBA from the University of Lynchburg.
Lee is married to Anita, and they have three grown children and four grandchildren. In his spare time, Lee enjoys gaming, going to Virginia Tech football games, and hiking.
Patrick Odum
Patrick Odum has served Northwest Church of Christ as a minister for 30 years, and as an elder for over 10 years. Northwest is a multi- ethnic church in the Mayfair neighborhood of Chicago with a long-standing commitment to helping to make health care and other necessities available to the poor locally and in many places around the world.
Patrick directs the Food Pantry at Northwest, and is well-respected in the community and among Churches of Christ in the area. He has a B.A. in Ministry from Harding University and a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from North Park University.
Patrick is married to Dr. Laura Blount-Odum. They have an adult son, Josh.
Sonia Okojie
Sonia Okojie has built a career in the management field for about two decades. She has an unwavering passion for using her knowledge and skills to improve businesses, encouraging young people, and steering them towards the path of faith and godliness through career counseling and motivational talks on value reorientation.
Sonia knew the Lord from her teenage years and learned the value of hard work for personal and career success through her association with the Church family. She attended the University of Benin, where she earned an accounting diploma and a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. She also holds a Master of Science degree in accounting in addition to holding an MBA degree from Liberty University.
Her leadership extends beyond the management field into youth empowerment and family life counseling, where she combines her career experience and godly wisdom to encourage, support, and motivate people to excellence.
Sonia works as a compliance officer with a financial institution in the city of Lynchburg, where she resides with her family. She enjoys cooking, watching soccer, and spending time with family.
