Jim Palmer, President
Jim’s heart was captured at the age of 14 years old when a friend of his family’s became homeless. Jim worked tirelessly to find help for this homeless, single mother and her 7-year-old son. That motivation continues to live on today as Jim lives his calling to minister to the Least, the Last, and the Lost with Christ’s example of love and dignity. He first came to Orange County Rescue Mission, more than 28 years ago, as a volunteer painter. He quickly, thereafter, joined the staff as President of the Rescue Mission. In Jim’s spare time, he enjoys “clowning” around with the staff and has the reputation of being the official office prankster.
Jim’s professional bio can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimpalmer911/.
Bryan Crain, Chief Operating Officer
Bryan’s passion for serving the homeless began when he started volunteering with a small ministry that served a hot chili dinner, once per week, to the homeless community in downtown Santa Ana. Over time, that ministry grew into the Orange County Rescue Mission’s Chili Van, which now serves hundreds of people each month in multiple locations.
Larry Gwilt, Chief Financial Officer
Larry is a CPA who joined Orange County Rescue Mission in 2016. Larry’s deep compassion for the poor and homeless began more than 20 years ago, serving in an outreach ministry that provided meals and clothing to the poor and homeless at a neighborhood park in Brea.
Kyle Houlton, Chief Development Officer
Jodie Saunderson, Chief Human Resources and Compliance Officer
Jodie was immediately drawn into the work of Orange County Rescue Mission when she first began as an HR consultant in 2012. In her current role as Chief Human Resources and Compliance Officer, Jodie manages Human Resources, Payroll and Global Compliance.