Eric Ford served for 20 years in Asia with his wife, Jen, and was initially involved in campus ministry. Most recently, the Fords lived in Thailand and helped lead a pre-field training program for East Asian missionaries based on MTI's Compass program. Jen also worked and taught at Grace International School in Chiang Mai for 6 years. In 2022 the Fords transitioned back to the USA and have joined the staff of MTI. Eric and Jen have 3 children in college.

Deb Heefner serves MTI as the Director of Compass, Partner Connect, and MTI Mobile. She served with Cru for 28.5 years before coming to MTI. 21 of those years were spent overseas: in Leningrad, USSR; Lithuania; Kandern Germany; and then the UK. Deb loves Jesus and loves people, so watching the two connect in the context of safe community is her favorite part of her job. Deb is single and on a free day Deb can be found somewhere in nature with her camera in tow taking pics of nature and critters! A day spent with a friend laughing wholeheartedly and then talking deeply about the Lord and life is a day well spent.

Steve Imperato spent three years in Zambia as a long-term missionary ministering to orphaned and vulnerable children following multiple short-term mission trips to Central and South America. He and his wife, Jill, have two biological children, Noah and Hollie, and have adopted two daughters, Grace and Izzy. Some of their favorite interests include spending time with family, traveling, and all outside activities. They recently returned from the mission field, and we were blessed to have them join the MTI family in 2022.

Vern and Janell Salter have been in vocational ministry for over 30 years, with 25 of those being with the Navigators. They did military ministry with the Navigators for 23 years.

Since 2016, Vern has been on the Pastoral Care Team of the Navigators, offering trauma therapy, individual biblical informed therapy, and marriage therapy. He coordinated a nationwide network of counselors that served Navigator staff all over the world. Vern has a passion for restoration and healthy rhythms in vocational ministry. With an MA in Clinical Counseling from Colorado Christian University, He blends pastoral and professional care in his perspective on providing care to cross cultural workers. Trained in EMDR, Gottman Marriage Therapy, and Soul Care, He brings a broad scope to member care work.

Currently, Vern is the Director of Care and Special Projects at MTI, where is looking to address the holistic care needs of cross cultural workers across the life arc of their career. He is also directing the creation of the John Powell Institute @MTI. A policy institute for member care and collaboration among care giving agencies.