LIFE SURGE is a movement that has a clear purpose: to know God and to make Him known.

Meet the Founder

We want to lead a global movement of people surging their lives God’s way, by inspiring, transforming and equipping believers to do all that God has called them to do. Years ago, Billy Graham Jr. said, “I believe one of the next great moves of God is going to be through the believers in the workplace.”

Not only do we believe that – we want to be a part of seeing that reality in our lifetime! From live events to digital media and ongoing education and training, we want to impact every sphere of our society with the Power of God and the life-altering truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

LIFE SURGE is passionate about bringing our events to our attendees, LIVE AND IN-PERSON! We believe in the power of a local community that fellowships together, worships together, and encourages each other exactly where they are. By bringing together some of the top Christian speakers, business minds, entrepreneurs, and worship teams, our hope is to create an atmosphere of transformation.

Our mandate is to provide an opportunity for each attendee and believer to experience increase in their personal lives, careers, businesses, wealth, and legacy for the generations to follow. Because of John 10:10, we believe that there are always opportunities to live a better life, and that can happen suddenly and powerfully.

Your Co-Laborer,

Joe Johnson, PhD
Founder and Chief Entrepreneur

LIFE SURGE Leadership Team

Joe Johnson, PhD

Founder and Chief Entrepreneur

Shawn Marcell

President

Aaron Spiropoulos 

Chief Revenue Officer

Bill Bouyoucas

Chief Operating Officer

Jeremy Nosek

Chief Strategy Officer

Larry Quier

Chief Financial Officer

Matt Maggio

Chief Product Officer

Rob Collins

Chief Marketing Officer

Dane Epling

Director, Credit

David Evans

Vice President, Operations

Desiree Rasch

Director, Talent

Heidi Boykin

Senior Vice President, Operations

Lauren Mallette

Chief of Events

Marie Code

General Counsel

Nina Cherry

Vice President, People

Ryan Frazier

Director, Creative Communications

Joe Johnson, PhD

Founder and Chief Entrepreneur

Shawn Marcell

President

Aaron Spiropoulos 

Chief Revenue Officer

Bill Bouyoucas

Chief Operating Officer

Jeremy Nosek

Chief Strategy Officer

Larry Quier

Chief Financial Officer

Matt Maggio

Chief Product Officer

Rob Collins

Chief Marketing Officer

Dane Epling

Director, Credit

David Evans

Vice President, Operations

Desiree Rasch

Director, Talent

Heidi Boykin

Senior Vice President,
Operations

Lauren Mallette

Chief of Events

Marie Code

General Counsel

Nina Cherry

Vice President, People

Ryan Frazier

Director, Creative Communications

Life Surge is a movement that has a clear purpose: to know God and make Him known in the marketplace.

Life Surge is a movement that has a clear purpose: to know God and make Him known in the marketplace.

PURPOSE

To know God and make Him known in the marketplace.


Hosea 6:3

MISSION

To inspire, transform, and equip people to SURGE their lives God’s way.

Isaiah 48:17

VISION

To lead a global movement of surging our lives God’s way.


John 10:10

PURPOSE

To know God and make Him known in the marketplace.


Hosea 6:3

MISSION

To inspire, transform, and equip people to SURGE their lives God’s way.

Isaiah 48:17

VISION

To lead a global movement of surging our lives God’s way.


John 10:10

OUR CORE VALUES

OUR CORE VALUES

We're SURGE Obsessed

S
U
R
G
E

"I believe one of the next great moves of God is oging to be through the believers in the workplace."

Billy Graham Jr.

DECISIONS FOR CHRIST

We see THOUSANDS of people commit their life to Christ through our organization and events.

Life Surge is developing Christian leaders who maximize their potential for global transformation. Our goal is to expand Christian reach and influence to amplify Kingdom Impact.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
JOHN 10:10

95%

of our attendees say that Life Surge INSPR

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JOE JOHNSON

Founder and Chief Entrepreneur

Driven by his mantra “If at first you don’t succeed, try again,” Dr. Joe Johnson, a serial entrepreneur and investor, has spent over 25 years empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. He’s the architect behind Welfont which was lauded by Entrepreneur Magazine for its innovation and growth. But Joe’s true passion lies in fueling Kingdom Impact. His latest venture, LIFE SURGE, is not just any Christian ministry; it’s the fastest-growing in America, poised to reach over 150,000 attendees this year alone. This explosive movement embodies Joe’s commitment to inspiring and equipping individuals to build resources and make a tangible difference in God’s Kingdom on earth. Joe Johnson’s journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative potential of faith, making him a sought-after speaker and motivator within the Christian community.

SHAWN MARCELL

President

Shawn Marcell, President of LIFE SURGE and former COO, brings a wealth of leadership experience from both pastoral and marketplace settings. With over 26 years in pastoral ministry, he founded non-profits domestically and internationally. Transitioning to the marketplace, Shawn excelled as a Vice President of Sales and later led a commercial real estate firm to become the fastest growing in its sector for two consecutive years. 

Beyond professional achievements, he co-authored “Offspring: Becoming a Family Full of Heritage and Hope” with his wife, Nichole, reflecting their testimony to God’s goodness and restorative power in their 32-year marriage. 

In his role at LIFE SURGE, Shawn’s leadership goes beyond titles. With a heart for people, Shawn aims to bridge the gap between ministry and the marketplace.

AARON SPIROPOULOS

Chief Sales Officer

Aaron Spiropolous is the Chief of Sales at Life Surge, where he leverages over 20 years of dynamic industry experience to drive exceptional growth and forge lasting client relationships. Known for his strategic vision and innovative approach, Aaron leads the Life Surge sales team with expertise, passion, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

 

Aaron’s career is marked by his ability to exceed targets and deliver outstanding results, making him a trusted leader and mentor for the organization. His profound understanding of market trends and customer needs has been instrumental in expanding Life Surge’s market presence and enhancing customer satisfaction.

 

Outside of the workplace, Aaron is an avid boating and diving enthusiast. Whether navigating the open waters or exploring the vibrant marine life beneath the surface, he finds inspiration and rejuvenation through these adventures. His love for the ocean reflects his approach to sales: adventurous, explorative, and always seeking new horizons.

BILL BOUYOUCAS

Chief Operating Officer

With 37 years of operational expertise, Bill leads Life Surge and SurgeU as their COO. Recognized for streamlining processes and fostering growth, he excels in cross-functional collaboration and strategic alignment. Leveraging his military background, Bill advocates for innovation and operational excellence, ensuring smooth execution and customer satisfaction. His dedication to empowering teams and delivering results propels Life Surge and SurgeU towards continued success in a dynamic market landscape.

JEREMY NOSEK

Chief Strategy Officer

Jeremy Nosek serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Life Surge & SurgeU. In this role, he works closely with the C.E.O. and other members of the executive team to drive strategic planning and execution. Jeremy also plays a pivotal role in new growth opportunities, R&D, M&A, and other large-scale strategic initiatives. 

 

Jeremy has spent most of his career in financial services and financial education, working at large financial institutions and small education start-ups in roles ranging from marketing and sales management to President. Early in his career, he received his Registered Representative (Series 7 and Series 63) “stockbroker” licenses, which have since expired. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Penn State University. 

 

Jeremy joined Life Surge in January 2024 and is passionate about equipping Christian entrepreneurs and investors with world-class financial education and skills. 

MATT MAGGIO

Chief Product Officer

With 20 years of experience in the financial education space, Matt leads Life Surge and SurgeU as their Chief Product Officer (CPO). He is a sales and product specialist with a proven track record of success, having worked with startups and established industry leaders both globally and in the US. Recognized for his expertise in implementing systems and processes that increase conversion rates and enhance client satisfaction, Matt is dedicated to driving excellence within the organization. 

With experience in all aspects of the financial education business model—from marketing and sales to product fulfillment—Matt possesses a unique perspective on how these key areas collaborate and enhance each other for optimal outcomes. A professional passion of Matt’s is growing leaders and inspiring them to reach their full potential.

ROB COLLINS

Chief Marketing Officer

Rob Collins is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong track record in the entertainment, media, and hospitality sectors.
 
Prior to his role at Life Surge, Rob held senior marketing positions at Universal Studios, Paramount, Nickelodeon, and Turner Entertainment Networks (tbs, TNT, and Turner Classic Movies). His tenure at these iconic companies honed his skills in crafting compelling marketing campaigns and cultivating brand loyalty.
 
Rob’s leadership was notably demonstrated during his time as the Chief Marketing Officer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, one of the hottest and fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant concepts with more than 1,000 locations in 44 states. His strategic vision and innovative marketing initiatives played a pivotal role in driving customer loyalty and engagement at a time of rapid growth as the company was opening a new location every 3 days.
 
During his tenure as the Chief Marketing Officer at Carmike Cinemas, he launched a new movie dining concept, Ovation Cinemas; re-branded the Sundance Cinemas locations; and led investor and corporate communications during Carmike’s sale to AMC theatres.

DANE EPLING

Director, Credit and Collections

With over two decades of experience in finance, business development, and operations, Dane is a seasoned professional dedicated to helping businesses thrive. Currently serving as the Director Credit at LIFE SURGE. Dane leads initiatives to diversify revenue streams and mitigate risk through strategic credit opportunities. Dane’s role involves establishing lending relationships, securing merchant processing relationships, and implementing robust credit policies, resulting in significant cost savings for the company.
 
Prior to Life Surge, Dane has held other senior positions, including Sr. Director of Finance, HR, and Administration at LeoTerra Development Inc., and COO roles at both LeoTerra Development Inc. and FIXXUS Industrial Holdings Company. In these roles, Dane provided strategic leadership, managed financial and operational functions, and drove significant growth and efficiency improvements. Dane’s background also includes extensive experience in business banking and relationship management at F.N.B. Corporation and Wells Fargo, where he supported businesses in achieving economic success and financial security.
 
Dane is skilled in financial reporting, project management, strategic planning, leadership, risk management, and more, making him a versatile and valuable asset to our organization.

DAVID EVANS

Director, I.T.

As the IT Director at Life Surge, David Evans brings his background in Information Systems and Operations to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of innovation and efficiency. He previously held positions in the eCommerce and Distribution industries, including selling several startups he owned and operated. David’s current role is fueled by a passion for technology, systems, and processes and a commitment to leveraging these passions to enhance Life Surge’s mission. 

 

Beyond his professional life, David is blessed to be a husband to his wonderful wife, Joanna, and father to three incredible children: Jake, Jade, and Jaxon. These roles fill his life with joy, purpose, and endless adventure. David and his family are deeply integrated into church and community, participating in various programs that aim to enrich their congregation and extend outreach into the wider community. 

 

In his free time, David enjoys fishing, golf, and coaching his kids’ sports teams. Their family shares a deep love for sports, a passion that not only keeps them active and engaged but also teaches valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of striving for excellence in all they do. 

DESIREE RASCH

Director, Talent

Desiree serves as the Talent Director at Life Surge, leveraging a diverse background and extensive experience in industries focused on people and relationships. Specializing in strategic talent acquisition, she brings a wealth of knowledge to curate exceptional talent experiences that resonate with our audience. Passionate about cultivating growth and excellence, she collaborates closely with her team to ensure seamless talent coordination and execution. Since joining in 2021, she has dedicated herself to nurturing growth while maintaining a faith-centered life. Committed to seeing lives transformed for Kingdom impact, Desiree thrives on empowering others to succeed and contributes to their journey with integrity and humility.

MARIE CODE

General Counsel

Marie has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. She is licensed to practice law in the States of Oregon and Florida, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. She is multi-lingual with broad experience in corporate, international, real estate, employment and transactional law, covering a diverse scope of areas including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, syndications, intellectual property, compliance, corporate governance, business structuring, corporate and estate planning and protection, executive management and employee training, asset protection, marketing, and document security.

Marie provides legal counsel to domestic and international clients in fourteen countries. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, provides pro-bono legal services to indigent clients within the community and volunteers her tine assisting various local not for profit organizations. Prior to relocating to Florida, Marie was in-house and General Counsel for the Solid Waste Management Authority and in-house counsel for McDonald’s Corporation in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, serving 13 countries under her jurisdiction. Upon relocating to Florida, Marie held the positions of Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Legacy Education {f/k/a Whitney Information Network, Inc.}, a publicly traded company focused on secondary education in the fields of real estate and stock investing. She supervised and managed all legal matters, legal staff and outside counsel at the company’s corporate headquarters, and ten additional domestic and international offices. She was also instrumental in the implementation of the company’s Quality Assurance and Compliance department, supervision of the company’s domestic and international Human Resources division, and creation of a global in-house training program for employees, independent contractors and vendors.

Marie is currently interim General Counsel for Life Surge and oversees the Legal and Compliance Departments and operates her law firm in Southwest Florida.

NINA CHERRY

Director, Human Resources

Nina Cherry holds a Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Counseling, equipping her with the skills to understand and address various mental health challenges. Furthering her education, Nina Cherry earned an MBA with a focus on Human Resource Management, blending her counseling expertise with a strategic understanding of business and personnel management.

Married to Demetrius Cherry, they are proud parents to four wonderful children: Jaedin, Journie, Elijah, and Bryce. Together, Nina and Demetrius lead Golden Roots Ministries, a marriage ministry devoted to the restoration and enrichment of relationships. Their passion for seeing people restored and thriving is at the heart of their mission.

With several years of extensive experience, Nina has held key roles such as Director of Training, Quality Assurance, and Human Resources. This diverse expertise has equipped Nina with the skills necessary to drive organizational success and foster environments where people can grow and flourish.

RYAN FRAZIER

Director, Creative Communications

With over 25 years of experience in live event production, Ryan Frazier is dedicated to helping people strengthen their faith through motivation, inspiration, and transformation. As the Producer at Life Surge, Ryan leverages his extensive background to create impactful events that inspire and challenge people to fight for their dreams. Holding a BA in History and an MA in Creative Writing, Ryan combines his academic expertise with his passion for storytelling and God-inspired initiatives.