William B. Whitney, PhD, is the Executive Director for Faith, Leadership, and Service and an Associate Professor in the School of Behavioral Sciences at Azusa Pacific University. He earned a PhD from Fuller Theological Seminary, an MA in Theology from Oxford University, a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary, and is currently completing his PhD in Developmental Psychology at Claremont Graduate University. His teaching and research focus on the integration of theology, positive psychology, human development, and culture. He is co-author of The Integration Journey (IVP, 2024) and Theology for Psychology and Counseling (Baker Academic, 2022), both of which explore how Christian theology can inform and enrich psychological research and clinical practice. His scholarship has been supported by the John Templeton Foundation, the Lilly Endowment, and the Louisville Institute. A licensed marriage and family therapist with more than 15 years of experience, he draws on his clinical work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to inform his teaching, research, and service.

Cheryl Fletcher serves as Pastor-in-Residence for the Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service at Azusa Pacific University, where she equips students and ministry leaders to encounter and share the beauty of Jesus through preaching, teaching, and coaching. She holds a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell and a Master of Theology from Fuller, bringing both theological depth and practical wisdom to the classroom, pulpit, and mentoring space. For nearly four decades, Cheryl has preached the gospel, shepherded communities, and mobilized leaders through Young Life, local churches in Austin, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area, as well as conferences and retreats across the U.S. and internationally. She is known for making Scripture come alive, creating spaces of spiritual transformation, and equipping leaders to join God’s redemptive mission in the world. Students and ministry partners describe her as a gifted communicator and compassionate guide who inspires, challenges, and empowers others to grow as disciples and leaders.

Andrew Harootian, M.Div., is the Assistant Director for the Christian Workers Initiative. Andrew had the honor of pastoring in three different local churches in various capacities over the span of a dozen years before joining the IFLS team. He is an APU alum where he got both his Bachelors in Youth Ministry (’13) and his Masters of Divinity (’18). Andrew has a heart for both care and empowerment that is inspired by God’s love. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Elyssa, and his two sons, Henri and Asher, as well as reading, hiking, TV shows, and all things superheroes.

Candice McVey serves as the Assistant Director of the Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service’s Nurturing Children through Worship and Prayer Initiative. She is passionate about sharing the redemptive love of Christ, the spiritual formation of children, and supporting brave ministry leaders in this journey. Candice’s ministry background is in children, families, and pastoral care. She holds a BA in Liberal Studies from California State University Long Beach and an MA in Ministry from Point Loma University of the Nazarene. She is a 2026 candidate for ordination in the church of the Nazarene. Before joining the Lord in ministry, she worked as a teacher and marketer in commercial real estate. Candice is also devoted to being a wife and mom to three amazing kids.

Lisa Keesler, M.Div., is the Operations Manager for the Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service at Azusa Pacific University. After earning her B.A. in Biblical Studies and Master of Divinity as a first-generation college student, Lisa joined IFLS and now oversees the operations for all Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service programs. She hopes to embody “loving thy neighbor” in every area of life and is passionate about the church being the hands and feet of Jesus. Lisa serves as a worship leader, pastor, writer, and discipleship mentor at her local church; alongside being an avid Lord of the Rings watcher and puzzle-solver at home.

Paola Mae Biton serves as a Program Manager for the Institute of Faith, Leadership, and Service at Azusa Pacific University. Raised in one of the most multicultural neighborhoods of Los Angeles to first generation Filipino immigrants, she is passionate about community-based programming and research that centers the strengths and lived experiences of God’s sons and daughters across the lifespan. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from APU (‘23), where she participated in research initiatives focused on culture, well-being, and positive psychology. Following graduation, she worked closely with older adults, a meaningful experience that grounded her commitment to intergenerational connection. She is eager to serve the Lord and the APU community in the Institute. In her free time, she enjoys reading, junk journaling, and trying new food!