Staff & Board of Directors

A Bio from Hal Stevenson

Born in Rock Hill, Mr. Stevenson graduated from Wofford College in 1981. After developing billboard sites across the country with his wife Diana, they established what is now known as Grace Outdoor Advertising in Columbia in 1987. Grace manages over 300 billboard displays in the Carolinas and Georgia, including 35 digital billboards.  Active for many years in business, political, civic, and Christian organizations, Hal currently serves on the boards of the Outdoor Advertising Association of South Carolina, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the Vista Guild, Columbia’s premier art and entertainment district. He is a past president of the Columbia Rotary Club and former chairman of the SC Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council. He recently rotated off the board of the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council where he served for 10 years. Many people would be surprised to know that in 1996 and 2000, he ran the presidential campaign for Alan Keyes in South Carolina.  Hal and Diana, a Columbia native and USC graduate, also have 5 children (Alex, Hannah, Noelle, Grace, and Jacob) one grandson (Calvin) with 2 more on the way! The Stevenson’s are founding members of River City Chapel, an independent church plant that meets at the SC State Museum, where Hal serves on the leadership council. Hal’s hobbies include playing golf and tennis, learning Spanish and Guitar, and spending time with family and friends.  

A Bio from Clete Cordero

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Clete graduated from the University of Tennessee where he played rugby. Clete has the pleasure of serving as the Vice President of Pricing and Traffic for Southeastern Freight Lines. He is a board member of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association and the University of Clemson Institute for Ethics, as well as a Directional Elder for Radius Church. Clete and his wife, Carie, have three incredible children – Ansley, Braden, and Carson. Clete enjoys being on the lake with his family and both coaching and playing sports.

Clete’s favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

A Bio from Christy Cox

Christy serves as the Director of Communications for the South Carolina Department of Education. Before joining the Department, she spent four years as Development Director at Providence Home. Deeply moved by the organization’s Christ-centered mission, Christy remained committed to its work by continuing her service as a member of the Board. With nearly four decades of experience in communications, Christy began her career as a television journalist. She later served as deputy speechwriter for Governor David Beasley, Director of Communications for the South Carolina House of Representatives, and at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, working for Ambassador David Wilkins.

Christy has been married to her husband, Tobe, for more than thirty years. They are the proud parents of two adult children, William and Reagan, along with a wonderful son‑in‑law, Jackson, and the world’s most amazing grandson, Bennett. Christy loves the Lord and strives to grow wherever God places her. 

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

She and Tobe are grateful members of Covenant Baptist Church in West Columbia.

A Bio from Jon Pucci

Born on a farm in Alliance, Ohio, Jon was recruited to wrestle at the University of Mount Union where he studied accounting, business administration, and pre-law. He enjoyed a 35-year career in the cleaning industry with Stanley Steemer, where he held positions in executive leadership, ownership, and finance.

Jon has three children, Evan 30 (Ohio), Alexis 28 (Texas), and his youngest son Conroy, 21, who lives here in Columbia.

He loves hiking, fly fishing, and bow hunting out West. He says, “Nature allows you to be in awe of God’s amazing presence. Be still and listen for Him.”

Jon is a member of Grace Life Church.

Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything flows from it.”

A Bio from Hal Stevenson

Born in Rock Hill, Mr. Stevenson graduated from Wofford College in 1981. After developing billboard sites across the country with his wife Diana, they established what is now known as Grace Outdoor Advertising in Columbia in 1987. Grace manages over 300 billboard displays in the Carolinas and Georgia, including 35 digital billboards.  Active for many years in business, political, civic, and Christian organizations, Hal currently serves on the boards of the Outdoor Advertising Association of South Carolina, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the Vista Guild, Columbia’s premier art and entertainment district. He is a past president of the Columbia Rotary Club and former chairman of the SC Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council. He recently rotated off the board of the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council where he served for 10 years. Many people would be surprised to know that in 1996 and 2000, he ran the presidential campaign for Alan Keyes in South Carolina.  Hal and Diana, a Columbia native and USC graduate, also have 5 children (Alex, Hannah, Noelle, Grace, and Jacob) one grandson (Calvin) with 2 more on the way! The Stevenson’s are founding members of River City Chapel, an independent church plant that meets at the SC State Museum, where Hal serves on the leadership council. Hal’s hobbies include playing golf and tennis, learning Spanish and Guitar, and spending time with family and friends.  

A Bio from Clete Cordero

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Clete graduated from the University of Tennessee where he played rugby. Clete has the pleasure of serving as the Vice President of Pricing and Traffic for Southeastern Freight Lines. He is a board member of the National Motor Freight Traffic Association and the University of Clemson Institute for Ethics, as well as a Directional Elder for Radius Church. Clete and his wife, Carie, have three incredible children – Ansley, Braden, and Carson. Clete enjoys being on the lake with his family and both coaching and playing sports.

Clete’s favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

A Bio from Christy Cox

Christy serves as the Director of Communications for the South Carolina Department of Education. Before joining the Department, she spent four years as Development Director at Providence Home. Deeply moved by the organization’s Christ-centered mission, Christy remained committed to its work by continuing her service as a member of the Board. With nearly four decades of experience in communications, Christy began her career as a television journalist. She later served as deputy speechwriter for Governor David Beasley, Director of Communications for the South Carolina House of Representatives, and at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, working for Ambassador David Wilkins.

Christy has been married to her husband, Tobe, for more than thirty years. They are the proud parents of two adult children, William and Reagan, along with a wonderful son‑in‑law, Jackson, and the world’s most amazing grandson, Bennett. Christy loves the Lord and strives to grow wherever God places her. 

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

She and Tobe are grateful members of Covenant Baptist Church in West Columbia.

A Bio from Jon Pucci

Born on a farm in Alliance, Ohio, Jon was recruited to wrestle at the University of Mount Union where he studied accounting, business administration, and pre-law. He enjoyed a 35-year career in the cleaning industry with Stanley Steemer, where he held positions in executive leadership, ownership, and finance.

Jon has three children, Evan 30 (Ohio), Alexis 28 (Texas), and his youngest son Conroy, 21, who lives here in Columbia.

He loves hiking, fly fishing, and bow hunting out West. He says, “Nature allows you to be in awe of God’s amazing presence. Be still and listen for Him.”

Jon is a member of Grace Life Church.

Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything flows from it.”

A Bio from Mark Davis

Meet Mark Davis, our new Executive Director here at Providence Home! Mark has been serving faithfully with us for 3 ½ years, but his heart for ministry and helping men in crisis goes back more than 12 years. Every day, he oversees the big picture and day-to-day operations of Providence Home.

Originally from Georgia (and still a die-hard Georgia Bulldogs fan), Mark has called South Carolina home for the last 21 years. He’s a proud graduate of Columbia International University and attends Village Church in Blythewood.

When he’s not leading at Providence Home, you can usually find Mark on the golf course, working in his yard, or spending time with his greatest joys—his family. He and his wife Charlene have been married for 34 years, and together they have two children: Alex (married to Brandon) and Jacob. Mark is also “Pop-Pop” to two amazing grandchildren, Jase and Lena Anne, who keep him smiling. And of course, we can’t forget Sandy, the family’s beautiful Pit Bulldog, who steals plenty of attention too!

We’re grateful for Mark’s leadership, his heart for Christ, and his dedication to the men we serve.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

A Bio from Libby Wright

Libby Wright joined Providence Home as Development Director, bringing a strong background in both corporate and nonprofit leadership. A 2004 graduate of Charleston Southern University, she earned her degree in Communications with a minor in English.

Before joining our team, she spent seven years as a Senior Account Executive in the corporate sector and previously served as a Community Manager with the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society, where she developed a passion for building meaningful community connections.

She and her husband have been married for 20 years and are proud parents of two children, Addison (15) and Cooper (13). Together, they are active members of Shandon Baptist Church, where they serve on the worship team.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, caring for her dogs, cats, and plants, and camping whenever she can.

Ephesians 3:17-18 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that love, which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

A Bio from Rob Settle

Rob has been part of Providence since 2013, first serving as our Executive Director and now as Executive Director Emeritus and Campus Pastor. Before joining us, he spent 12 years as a Bible teacher and Dean of Students at Ben Lippen and also pastored churches in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

He and his wife, Sally, have been married for 45 years and love spending time with their three kids (Jonathan, Joshua, and Carrie) and their growing crew of grandkids. At home, you’ll also find their rescue pup, Cooper.

When he’s not teaching or preaching, Rob enjoys hunting, fishing, and coaching sports (he’s even coached varsity basketball and baseball!).

Fun fact: Once upon a time, Rob served both as a pastor and a small-town police chief. The joke was, if he pulled you over, your “penalty” was listening to four of his sermons!

We’re so thankful for Rob’s leadership, sense of humor, and heart for people.

2 Chronicles 16:9a  For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

A Bio from Ron Smith

Ron comes to Providence Home bringing a diversity of education and experience to our team. After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1991, his primary career was as a leader in administration with the Georgia Department of Corrections, with specific experience in human resources management and database administration.  Life began to change drastically in the late 90s when he answered the Lord’s calling into ministry.

Ron graduated from seminary at Liberty University in 2000. After service as an associate pastor, Ron fulfilled a dream of planting a new church for the glory of God.  Through this, he gained rich experience in the preaching and teaching of Scripture, pastoral care and counseling, financial budgeting and management, and future planning and development. Under Ron’s leadership and by God’s grace, the church grew abundantly.  

Ron’s shepherd’s heart and desire to point others to Jesus has always been at the core of his calling. Over the past five years, the Lord has been opening new doors for Ron to minister to the homeless, and to those seeking recovery from addiction, as well as to the formerly incarcerated.  Ron is excited to bring his diverse ministerial background and experience in social services and case management to the table at Providence Home.  

Ron is currently a member of Northside Baptist Church in Lexington, SC.

Favorite Bible Verse(s):

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7; NLT)

A Bio from Carleen Edmonds Smoak

Carleen enjoyed more than 35 years in the legal profession serving as an administrative assistant specializing in real estate, estate planning and corporate law; managing trust accounts, overseeing the real estate department and working as a title insurance underwriter before starting her work at Providence Home in 2020. Serving as office manager, Carleen has numerous responsibilities overseeing budgetary and administrative operations.

While Carleen is a gifted bookkeeper and administrator, it is her deep love for Jesus Christ that shines through in her work.  She is a true prayer warrior – devoting much time and attention to the ministry’s resident men, fortifying them continually by praying with them and for them.

Originally from upstate New York, she moved to South Carolina in 1983 and began her career as a certified fitness trainer and continues to enjoy that work parttime. She is currently employed at the Columbia YMCA and at Fit Columbia as needed.

Carleen has a passion for healthy living and an active lifestyle. She is an avid tennis player, loves the outdoors and camping, and spending time with family and friends.

She is wife to Allen and they enjoy a large blended family.  She is the mother of two amazing adult daughters, and thinks her beloved grandson, Charlie, hung the moon!

The Smoaks are members of Sandy Level Baptist Church in Blythewood.

Favorite Bible Verse:  

The joy of the Lord is my strength! Nehemiah 8:10

A Bio from Christen Jordan

A graduate of Erskine College with a degree in Psychology, Christen brings both creativity and heart to her role. Before joining Providence Home, she worked in her family’s business, managing social media and providing administrative support—skills that will serve her well as she helps grow community engagement and share the stories of transformation happening here every day.
When asked what drew her to Providence Home, Christen shared:
“It’s the heart behind the work here. The goal isn’t just to increase engagement, but to be a vessel for God to change lives.”
Outside of work, you can find Christen spending time with family and friends, relaxing with her cat, reading cozy books, sipping iced coffee, exploring local coffee shops, thrift shopping, and traveling.

A Bio from Steven Stevenson

Steven came to Providence Home on August 6, 2018 due to changes in his previous living situation involving a devastating experience.  Thankfully, having been involved in Celebrate Recovery for many years, he had the tools to get him through this traumatic time.  Steven recalls it was a time to get back to putting his focus on God.  He knows that God had a plan and purpose for him being at Providence Home.  Steven joined the staff of Providence Home in 2019 to assist residents during intake and regarding their steps to progress.  His goal is to help other resident men realize their potential and God’s purpose for their life.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.  

A Bio from Nick Foulks

Nick Foulks is an entrepreneur, chef, husband, dad, and Christ-follower. He brings to Providence Home years of culinary experience, including cooking, training, hiring, and overseeing kitchen operations at various institutional and ministry kitchens, as well as upscale restaurants in both North and South Carolina.

His prior work experience supervising the kitchen at the Manning Work Release facility gives him special insight into ministering to men who have served their time and are striving to create new and healthy lives for themselves. So, in addition to providing for the nutritional needs of our resident men, Nick also ministers to our residents’ hearts, committed to sharing God’s love and life-saving grace.

As well as overseeing the Providence Home kitchen, Chef Nick also operates his own catering business.

He is a proud husband to Jazzmin, a middle school teacher, and they are parents of two children, Nasir and Jireh.

The Foulks are members of Calvary Chapel Northeast.

Nick’s favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

A Bio from Mark Davis

Meet Mark Davis, our new Executive Director here at Providence Home! Mark has been serving faithfully with us for 3 ½ years, but his heart for ministry and helping men in crisis goes back more than 12 years. Every day, he oversees the big picture and day-to-day operations of Providence Home.

Originally from Georgia (and still a die-hard Georgia Bulldogs fan), Mark has called South Carolina home for the last 21 years. He’s a proud graduate of Columbia International University and attends Village Church in Blythewood.

When he’s not leading at Providence Home, you can usually find Mark on the golf course, working in his yard, or spending time with his greatest joys—his family. He and his wife Charlene have been married for 34 years, and together they have two children: Alex (married to Brandon) and Jacob. Mark is also “Pop-Pop” to two amazing grandchildren, Jase and Lena Anne, who keep him smiling. And of course, we can’t forget Sandy, the family’s beautiful Pit Bulldog, who steals plenty of attention too!

We’re grateful for Mark’s leadership, his heart for Christ, and his dedication to the men we serve.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

A Bio from Libby Wright

Libby Wright joined Providence Home as Development Director, bringing a strong background in both corporate and nonprofit leadership. A 2004 graduate of Charleston Southern University, she earned her degree in Communications with a minor in English.

Before joining our team, she spent seven years as a Senior Account Executive in the corporate sector and previously served as a Community Manager with the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society, where she developed a passion for building meaningful community connections.

She and her husband have been married for 20 years and are proud parents of two children, Addison (15) and Cooper (13). Together, they are active members of Shandon Baptist Church, where they serve on the worship team.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, caring for her dogs, cats, and plants, and camping whenever she can.

Ephesians 3:17-18 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that love, which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

A Bio from Rob Settle

Rob has been part of Providence since 2013, first serving as our Executive Director and now as Executive Director Emeritus and Campus Pastor. Before joining us, he spent 12 years as a Bible teacher and Dean of Students at Ben Lippen and also pastored churches in Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

He and his wife, Sally, have been married for 45 years and love spending time with their three kids (Jonathan, Joshua, and Carrie) and their growing crew of grandkids. At home, you’ll also find their rescue pup, Cooper.

When he’s not teaching or preaching, Rob enjoys hunting, fishing, and coaching sports (he’s even coached varsity basketball and baseball!).

Fun fact: Once upon a time, Rob served both as a pastor and a small-town police chief. The joke was, if he pulled you over, your “penalty” was listening to four of his sermons!

We’re so thankful for Rob’s leadership, sense of humor, and heart for people.

2 Chronicles 16:9a  For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

A Bio from Ron Smith

Ron comes to Providence Home bringing a diversity of education and experience to our team. After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1991, his primary career was as a leader in administration with the Georgia Department of Corrections, with specific experience in human resources management and database administration.  Life began to change drastically in the late 90s when he answered the Lord’s calling into ministry.

Ron graduated from seminary at Liberty University in 2000. After service as an associate pastor, Ron fulfilled a dream of planting a new church for the glory of God.  Through this, he gained rich experience in the preaching and teaching of Scripture, pastoral care and counseling, financial budgeting and management, and future planning and development. Under Ron’s leadership and by God’s grace, the church grew abundantly.  

Ron’s shepherd’s heart and desire to point others to Jesus has always been at the core of his calling. Over the past five years, the Lord has been opening new doors for Ron to minister to the homeless, and to those seeking recovery from addiction, as well as to the formerly incarcerated.  Ron is excited to bring his diverse ministerial background and experience in social services and case management to the table at Providence Home.  

Ron is currently a member of Northside Baptist Church in Lexington, SC.

Favorite Bible Verse(s):

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7; NLT)

A Bio from Carleen Edmonds Smoak

Carleen enjoyed more than 35 years in the legal profession serving as an administrative assistant specializing in real estate, estate planning and corporate law; managing trust accounts, overseeing the real estate department and working as a title insurance underwriter before starting her work at Providence Home in 2020. Serving as office manager, Carleen has numerous responsibilities overseeing budgetary and administrative operations.

While Carleen is a gifted bookkeeper and administrator, it is her deep love for Jesus Christ that shines through in her work.  She is a true prayer warrior – devoting much time and attention to the ministry’s resident men, fortifying them continually by praying with them and for them.

Originally from upstate New York, she moved to South Carolina in 1983 and began her career as a certified fitness trainer and continues to enjoy that work parttime. She is currently employed at the Columbia YMCA and at Fit Columbia as needed.

Carleen has a passion for healthy living and an active lifestyle. She is an avid tennis player, loves the outdoors and camping, and spending time with family and friends.

She is wife to Allen and they enjoy a large blended family.  She is the mother of two amazing adult daughters, and thinks her beloved grandson, Charlie, hung the moon!

The Smoaks are members of Sandy Level Baptist Church in Blythewood.

Favorite Bible Verse:  

The joy of the Lord is my strength! Nehemiah 8:10

A Bio from Christen Jordan

A graduate of Erskine College with a degree in Psychology, Christen brings both creativity and heart to her role. Before joining Providence Home, she worked in her family’s business, managing social media and providing administrative support—skills that will serve her well as she helps grow community engagement and share the stories of transformation happening here every day.
When asked what drew her to Providence Home, Christen shared:
“It’s the heart behind the work here. The goal isn’t just to increase engagement, but to be a vessel for God to change lives.”
Outside of work, you can find Christen spending time with family and friends, relaxing with her cat, reading cozy books, sipping iced coffee, exploring local coffee shops, thrift shopping, and traveling.

A Bio from Steven Stevenson

Steven came to Providence Home on August 6, 2018 due to changes in his previous living situation involving a devastating experience.  Thankfully, having been involved in Celebrate Recovery for many years, he had the tools to get him through this traumatic time.  Steven recalls it was a time to get back to putting his focus on God.  He knows that God had a plan and purpose for him being at Providence Home.  Steven joined the staff of Providence Home in 2019 to assist residents during intake and regarding their steps to progress.  His goal is to help other resident men realize their potential and God’s purpose for their life.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.  

A Bio from Nick Foulks

Nick Foulks is an entrepreneur, chef, husband, dad, and Christ-follower. He brings to Providence Home years of culinary experience, including cooking, training, hiring, and overseeing kitchen operations at various institutional and ministry kitchens, as well as upscale restaurants in both North and South Carolina.

His prior work experience supervising the kitchen at the Manning Work Release facility gives him special insight into ministering to men who have served their time and are striving to create new and healthy lives for themselves. So, in addition to providing for the nutritional needs of our resident men, Nick also ministers to our residents’ hearts, committed to sharing God’s love and life-saving grace.

As well as overseeing the Providence Home kitchen, Chef Nick also operates his own catering business.

He is a proud husband to Jazzmin, a middle school teacher, and they are parents of two children, Nasir and Jireh.

The Foulks are members of Calvary Chapel Northeast.

Nick’s favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

A Bio from Ben Moore

Providence Home is excited to welcome Ben Moore, one of the newest members of our team, serving as Case Manager. In his role, Ben helps keep resident cases up to date, welcomes new men into the program, and walks alongside each one as they work toward renewed independence — both practically and spiritually.

Ben and his wife, Kristen, have been married for 30 years and are the proud parents of three grown daughters, along with their “bonus blessing,” 8-year-old Aiden. The Moore family has been active members of Northside Baptist Church in Lexington since 1997.

Before joining Providence Home, Ben spent 22 years with South Carolina’s Disability Determination Services, where he gained valuable experience serving individuals with unique needs and circumstances.

Outside of work, Ben is a longtime volleyball enthusiast, having played weekly for 15 years and still enjoying watching classic beach matches on YouTube. A fun fact about Ben — his grandfather, Bud Moore, was a legendary NASCAR team owner. Ben even stood in victory lane at the 1978 Daytona 500 at just five years old!

We’re grateful that God has led Ben to Providence Home and look forward to the impact he’ll make in the lives of our residents.