who we Are


Transforming lives and communities through 

faith, work and fellowship

Our mission is to inspire and equip young adults to lead purposeful lives of faith, leadership, and service.

Our vision is rooted in the example of Jesus, cultivating servant-hearted leaders.

Over the course of nine-months, Fellows participate in professional work placements, spiritual mentorship, and service opportunities. 

Every experience reinforces our belief that growth flourishes at the intersection of these pillars.


Faith

Work

Community


At Winston-Salem Fellows, we firmly believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the power that transforms lives and relationships, communities, and ultimately the nations. Growing in our identity in Christ is the heart of our program.
— Steve Angle | Assistant Director
 

The vision for Winston-Salem Fellows began in 2014, with a small group of community members praying and working towards launching the program. Since then, we’ve been able to see how God is shaping young leaders and communities alike.

  • In the fall of 2014, a group of community members from Winston-Salem began discussing and praying about the possibility of launching a Fellows program in their city. Excitement grew around the potential of bringing young, faithful leaders to Winston-Salem.

  • In 2015, this group met with other Fellows directors to learn more about the program. After careful consideration, they decided to take a year to build a strong foundation rather than rushing the process. By late summer of 2015, the first director was hired.

  • That fall, the first board was formed, and essential partnerships were established. These partnerships continue to serve as the backbone of the program today.

  • On August 24, 2016, the first cohort of Winston-Salem Fellows arrived, marking the official launch of the program.

  • In August 2020, due to the pandemic, the program transitioned to community housing at Cross Nore. What was initially intended as a temporary solution has since become an integral part of the Fellows’ community. The arrangement has proven so beneficial that the program remains at Cross Nore to this day.

 

Meet our team


 
 

HEF TURNER | Director

Heather “Hef” Turner grew up in southwestern Virginia. She attended Gardner-Webb University, outside of Shelby, North Carolina. In the fall after graduation, she accepted a position on Young Life staff in Shelby where she served in several roles over the next six years.

In 2015, Hef and her husband, CT, and new daughter, Reese, moved to CT’s hometown of Winston-Salem. During this time, Hef stepped away from the workforce to be at home with Reese and their second daughter, Miller Jane.

In 2019, Hef became the Assistant Director of the Winston-Salem Program. After serving as Interim Director in ‘22, she was promoted to Co-Director of the Winston-Salem Fellows. Then in ‘24, Hef took over as the Director of the Winston-Salem Fellows.
Hef’s passionate about her work with the Fellows and desires to cultivate a program in which young men and women learn more about who God is creating them to be and the unique skills He has given them.

 

STEVE ANGLE | Assist. Director

Steve has been walking with and discipling young men and women for over forty years. He loves that God reveals Himself in Holy Scripture—that His written Word takes us again and again to the Living Word, Jesus, and His gospel of grace. Steve has given his life to studying and ministering that Word to others. 

Before joining the Fellows, Steve served on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, received a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling and a Master of Divinity, and planted and pastored two churches. 

Steve and his wife Christy have two married daughters and three grandchildren.

In addition to those loves, he enjoys running, reading, woodworking, and watching the transforming power of the gospel change lives and relationships.

Our Board


Daniel Johnson III | President

Financial Planner/Entrepreneur

Rev. Lynn Brewer | Vice Chair

Retired, former Young Life staff

John Bost | Board

Real Estate Development

Steve Lineberger | Exec Team

Startup Investor and Retired Corporate Executive

Justin Bailey | Board & Treasurer

Senior Director, Strategy | Bellomy

Cyndy Barnes | Board &

Co-facilitates Women’s Bible Study

Retired Youth and Missions Director

Shannon Rainey | Board & Co-Facilitates Women’s Bible Study

Retired Counselor, Spiritual Director

Denise Heidel | Board

Executive Director Lewisville-Clemmons Chamber of Commerce

Dudley Bell | Board

Peditrician

Dana Nicholson | Board

Director of Education & Marketing, NOMAD Farms, LLC

Christian McConnon | Alum


Program Manager, Strategy, Veristat

Sarah Young | Board

Attorney

Bryn Lenkaitis | Secretary, Alum


Philanthropic Project Specialist , Atrium Health