About Waterstone

THE WATERSTONE COMMUNITY OF GIVING

At WaterStone, we are honored to be part of a broader community of organizations committed to advancing Kingdom values through faithful stewardship, financial integrity, and principled leadership. Our community shares a deep dedication to personal spiritual growth and glorifying God in every aspect of our financial and business decisions.

Mission

Honoring God through the transformational power of giving. Serving Givers at the intersection of faith and finance. Building the Kingdom by transforming assets into living water.

Vision

Empowering Generosity for Kingdom Impact

Values

Christ-centered: 

Love,
Integrity,
Service

Waterstone Statement of Faith

WE BELIEVE the entire Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice. We believe that there is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and was true Man and is true God. 

We believe that in this age, God manifests Himself through the Holy Spirit who is a distinct personality, eternally coexistent with the Father and the Son, whose basic task is to convict sinners, regenerate those who believe and empower believers to live godly lives and in every way glorify the Father and the Son through His indwelling presence.

We believe that man was created in the image of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also spiritual death that was eternal separation from God and is upon all men.

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the basis of His shed blood.

We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected in body, ascended into heaven, presently lives there for us as High Priest and Advocate, and that His personal, physical return to earth is imminent.

We believe that there will be a bodily resurrection of both the just and the unjust, the just to the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the unjust to the everlasting conscious suffering of the lost.

Get personalized charitable solutions based on your needs.

Where we started and where we're going...

WaterStone Leadership

The WaterStone leadership is comprised of experienced professionals whose dedication and passion has been to faithfully serve our clients.
Ken Harrison
CEO
John Mulder
Chief Generosity Advisor
Rick von Gnechten
President
Chris Start
CFO
Gaston Mooney
COO
The WaterStone Team

With WaterStone, you work with experienced, Christian relationship managers who align with your core values, biblical views, and financial goals, so you can increase your charitable giving and make a greater impact to the Kingdom during your lifetime.

Gina Shelley
Director of HR & Executive Assistant to CEO

Ruthann Witkop
Corporate Compliance & Executive Administration

Stephanie Hoff, CPA
Director of Client & Business Solutions | View Bio

Josh Enger
Gift Strategist

Kelly Shaw
Senior Accountant

Michele Tubbs
Staff Accountant

Holly Curtis
Accounting Administrative Assistant

Lindsey Breaux
Property Accountant

Michelle Mueller
Operations Coordinator

Gayle Perkins
Giving Strategies Manager

Garrett Craig
Giving Strategies Specialist

Tina Dale
Senior Giving Strategies Specialist

Christina Baker
Giving Strategies Specialist

Sally Stokes
Senior Giving Strategies Specialist

Genesis Billinger
Giving Strategies Specialist

Catrell Strong
Giving Strategies Specialist

Charles Ritz
IT Manager

Board Members

Each board member brings a different and unique set of skills and expertise to the WaterStone team, yet each remains unwavering in their values, beliefs, and commitment to the Statement of Faith that is the foundation for WaterStone’s giving.

Ken Harrison
Doug Kiesewetter
Chairman
John Mulder
Alan Brown
Thomas (Tim) Lyles
Joel Sanders
David Dunn
Ricky Caplin
Ben Carson, Jr.
Demi-Leigh Tebow

Advisory Board

The primary purpose of the WaterStone Advisory Board is to advise the WaterStone CEO, Board Chair and the Board of Directors on matters relating to assurance of long-time compliance with the Statement of Faith as it appears in the Articles of Incorporation. The Advisory Board is to offer Spiritual advice and counsel and commits itself to Biblical Truth and Prayer.

John Mulder
Chairman
Doug Kiesewetter
Os Guinness
Bob G. Brown
Rich Lavinski
Kittie Watson

WaterStone Financial Information

Christian Community Foundation, Inc, dba WaterStone and its affiliates contract with Eide Bailly LLP to conduct an annual audit in accordance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards. This combined audit provides an unqualified opinion of reasonable assurance representing the fair presentation of our consolidated financial statements.

The following are copies of the most recent audit and the Federal Form 990s (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax) for Christian Community Foundation, dba WaterStone and for WaterStone Support Foundation.

** WaterStone is an accredited member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

Are You a Financial Advisor?

At WaterStone, we know your expertise is the key to unlocking your clients’ charitable potential. Our process makes it simple for you to lead the way. While we handle the complexities—from strategy to implementation—you stay in control of their investments. Together, we help your clients achieve their financial and charitable dreams, making you the trusted guide they rely on.

The History & Future of WaterStone

WaterStone’s journey began in 1975, rooted in a deep commitment to faithful stewardship and generosity. At the heart of our story is a moment of profound trust in God’s calling when Douglas Kiesewetter Sr. made the bold decision to step away from a successful legal career and dedicate his life to creating an organization that would empower individuals to steward their resources for God’s glory. 

Five years into their consulting practice, Douglas Kiesewetter Sr. and his son established what would become WaterStone in 1980, initially known as the Christian Community Foundation (CCF). With a vision centered on advancing the Kingdom, they created the foundation to serve the unique charitable purposes of their clients. Leveraging his expertise in tax law and financial planning, Douglas Sr. pioneered Christ-centered strategies that empowered individuals to steward their God-given resources in ways that would leave a lasting impact for generations to come.

WaterStone quickly became a trusted partner to major Christian organizations like Campus Crusade, Young Life, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and the Navigators. These early partnerships were instrumental in developing innovative giving solutions, such as the Donor Advised Fund, which has since been widely embraced both within the Christian community and beyond. From the very beginning, our work has focused on equipping others to unlock generosity and steward the resources God has entrusted to them.

In 1986, after the sudden passing of his father, Douglas Kiesewetter Jr. stepped into the leadership of the organization, continuing the mission they had built together. Drawing from the legacy of trust, faith, and stewardship that his father instilled, Douglas Jr. carried forward the vision, ensuring that WaterStone remained rooted in its founding principles. Under his guidance, the organization has continued to grow and serve as a faithful steward of God’s resources, empowering others to do the same.

Over the decades, WaterStone has facilitated billions in charitable gifts, supporting ministries and organizations that align with our core values. Every organization we partner with is carefully vetted to ensure they share our commitment to advancing God’s Kingdom, allowing us to confidently steward the resources entrusted to us.

Today, under the leadership of CEO Ken Harrison, WaterStone offers a range of innovative giving solutions, including Donor Advised Funds and Charitable Trusts, designed to help families and individuals maximize the impact of their giving in tax-efficient ways. While we continue to lead with innovative strategies, our mission remains unchanged: to glorify God by helping our community steward what He has provided.

For over 40 years, WaterStone has been a trusted name in Christian philanthropy, and we are dedicated to walking alongside donors and financial advisors alike. Whether you are looking to make a lasting impact or help your clients achieve their charitable goals, our expertise and commitment to excellence are here to serve you.

We invite you to be part of this mission as we build a future where God’s resources transform lives and advance His Kingdom. Together, we can continue a story marked by faithful submission to God’s call, using the resources He has entrusted to us for His glory.

Ken Harrison
WaterStone CEO

Ken Harrison is the Chief Executive Officer of WaterStone, which gives away about $5 million every week to support Kingdom impact. After graduating from Marine Corps Officer Candidate School and then serving as a Los Angeles Police Officer, Ken built the largest independent real estate valuation firm in the United States. In 2006, he sold the majority interest to Colliers International, the second largest commercial real estate company in the world, staying on as CEO of U.S. Valuation and Chair of International Valuation.

An author and corporate speaker, Ken has appeared on many television and radio interviews, including Fox News, The Huckabee Show, James Dobson’s Family Talk, Fox Nation, The 700 Club and Turning Point. He is a Colson Fellow and has served on many boards, such as Promise Keepers (Former Chairman), FCA, Corban University, Colorado Uplift and Urban Youth Ministries.

Ken has authored three books: Daring Faith in a Cowardly World, The Rise of the Servant Kings – What the Bible Says About Being a Man, and Victors and Victims. Ken graduated from Western Baptist College and then played in the Portland Trailblazers’ pro-am league. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Elliette, and near his three adult children and two grandchildren.

John Mulder
Chief Generosity Advisor

John Mulder has served as President since August 2001 and started serving as WaterStone’s Chief Generosity Advisor in 2022.

He has 22 years of executive experience in the financial services industry where he served as district manager of a group of banks and a trust company with more than $750 million in assets under management.

He also served as regional president of U.S. Bank and CEO of Technology Concepts, a real estate software and Internet services company. In addition, he was an adjunct faculty member at Northwestern College (St. Paul, MN) where he taught courses in finance and investments.

John has served as a church elder and currently serves on the Board of several ministries.

John holds a B.A. in economics from Wheaton College and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. John and his wife Lynn, have three adult children and three grandchildren.

Rick von Gnechten
President

Rick von Gnechten serves as WaterStone’s President. He has a passion for helping Christian leaders realize their Kingdom calling to fulfill the Great Commandment and Great Commission.

Rick has nearly three decades of senior financial executive experience for public (NYSE, OTC), private, Fortune 600, emerging growth, and international companies in various industries, including financial services, energy, real estate/construction, healthcare, software, diversified business and non-profit.

Prior to joining WaterStone, Rick spent 10-years as CFO/COO for a registered investment advisor, growing assets under management from $400 million to $1.2 billion. He previously spent six years running an executive consulting firm and serving as CFO to various public and private companies, providing corporate finance, capital-raising, strategic planning and transaction support services.

Rick has also served as CFO for a 2-billion, NYSE diversified U.S. public company and previously led customer operations and strategic planning for this same Fortune 600 corporation. He operated and turned around two healthcare businesses and installed an ESOP for a professional corporation.

Rick has served on numerous boards (public and private), including nine years for two different Christian schools. He is a two-time graduate and trained coach of The Master’s Program. He has taught Investment and Strategic Planning as adjunct faculty for undergraduates and MBA students. Rick has served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for his Church.

Rick holds a MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, is a Financial Management Program graduate of Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and holds a BA in Economics from the University of Denver. He and his wife Denice have three adult children and six grandchildren.

Chris Start, CPA
WaterStone CFO

As WaterStone’s Chief Financial Officer, Chris’ mission is to oversee the broad scope of WaterStone’s financial reporting and investments. Equally as important, Chris regularly serves our advisors and clients by analyzing, designing and recommending tax strategies and innovative giving solutions. 

Prior to joining WaterStone, Chris spent six years as Finance Manager at Procter & Gamble. In addition, he served 10 years in a variety of management roles at Moody Bible Institute and Northern Trust Bank in Chicago, Illinois.

Chris earned his B.A. in Bible and Theology from Moody Bible Institute, his M.B.A. and Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois as well as his licensure as a CPA in the state of Colorado.

Chris currently resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife, Jennifer and their two sons. Most of his free time is spent volunteering with his boys and their many activities, along with coaching their various sports teams.

Gaston Mooney
Chief Operating Officer

Gaston Mooney is the Chief Operating Officer of WaterStone, where he serves on the leadership team and focuses on cultivating key relationships and advancing the organization’s strategic growth.

Prior to joining WaterStone, Gaston served as President of Blaze Media, where he oversaw talent relationships, new talent development, sales revenue, and business operations. Before the merger of TheBlaze and CRTV, he co-founded CRTV and served as its president, building a roster of nationally recognized voices alongside emerging talent. He also served as Executive Editor of Conservative Review.

Earlier in his career, Gaston served as a policy advisor in the U.S. Senate for the Senate Steering Committee and held roles in both the George W. Bush Administration and the U.S. House of Representatives. He was also a fellow at The Falls Church, where he studied the intersection of faith and the marketplace.

Gaston holds a B.A. in Political Science from Furman University. He lives in Dallas with his wife of 18 years and their five children. He enjoys technology, hunting, and time at his children’s sporting events. He brings an extensive background in leadership, policy, and media to WaterStone, helping advance its mission of empowering generosity for Kingdom impact. 

Doug Kiesewetter
Chairman of the Board

Doug Kiesewetter, Chairman of the Board, is CEO of Cogency Power, Inc. in Colorado. Throughout his career he has excelled in entrepreneurial and business leadership guiding projects from inception to sale. Mr. Kiesewetter co-founded WaterStone in 1980. He has faithfully served as Chairman and Board Member.  He holds an MBA, is a CPA, is a Certified Financial Planner and is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Doug and his wife, Deborah, reside in Colorado, have two grown children, and are active in a broad variety of charitable interests.
Alan Brown, J.D.

Alan Brown, J.D. has been a licensed attorney in Texas for over 25 years with a focus on estate planning and corporate transactions.  He serves as President and General Counsel for Petroleum Strategies, a qualified intermediary that has facilitated over $47 billion of like kind exchange transactions. He previously served as CEO of Carbon Creek Energy. Mr. Brown holds an accounting degree from Abilene Christian University and a Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University School of Law. Alan and his wife, Holly, have five children and one grandchild and live in Texas.
Thomas (Tim) Lyles, J.D.

Thomas (Tim) Lyles, J.D. is President of MedCare Holdings. He served previously as President of Mission City Management, Inc. and MedCare Investment Funds. He is a graduate of Texas A & M University and received his J.D., from SMU School of Law. In addition, Mr. Lyles is a Certified Public Accountant and has written material for the Texas State Bar and has been a speaker for the State Bar of Texas and the Dallas Bar. Tim is a father to nine children and he and his wife, Laura, live in Texas.

Joel Sanders

Joel Sanders works in Asset Management for Hamann Property Management. He previously served as a College and Youth Pastor for All Peoples Church in Southern California. Mr. Sanders received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Baylor University.  Raised in Texas, Joel and his wife, Dana, have four children and reside in California.

David Dunn

Bio coming soon.

Ricky Caplin

Richard “Ricky” Caplin is a leading entrepreneur who has launched and led multiple organizations. Currently, he serves as the Founder and Chairman of Caplin Family Offices, based in Jacksonville, Florida. His venture capital company provides funding and shared services for startups and early-stage businesses.

One of his early successes was The HCI Group─one of the largest global healthcare IT consulting firms. As CEO, he led the March 2017 merger between The HCI Group and Tech Mahindra. He became one of the top global executives at Tech Mahindra, a global technology company with 117,000-plus employees. Under his leadership, the combined companies are thriving through their continued support of adopting digital technologies in healthcare.

Mr. Caplin received the 2015 Ernst and Young Florida Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Jacksonville Business Journal’s Ultimate CEO Award. He has received recognition throughout the nation for his civic service. He was named a 2016 “Rising Stars of the Profession─Excellence in Healthcare” winner by Consulting Magazine, a Top 75 Leader in Healthcare by Advantage Magazine, a three-time University of Florida Gator100 award-winner and was selected to participate in the KPMG Quantum Shift program, an elite group of America’s most promising entrepreneurs. In 2019, Caplin was recognized on the University of Florida 40 Under 40 list honoring Gators who are successful in their communities and professions. Caplin, a former Certified Public Accountant, graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Accounting from the University of Florida.

Ben Carson, Jr.

Mr. Carson is Co-Founder and Partner at FVLCRUM Funds, a Washington, D.C.–based lower-middle market equity firm focused on creating generational wealth by investing exclusively in minority-owned businesses. He oversees the firm’s overall strategy and portfolio, targeting $10–40 million transactions with proven executive teams leading scalable companies.

Previously, he served as an executive at The Warner Companies, advising on mergers and acquisitions, capital strategy, and risk management. He has also been active in political initiatives, including serving on the board of Carson America during Benjamin Carson’s 2016–17 presidential campaign, and continues to advocate for entrepreneurship and minority- and women-owned businesses in D.C.

Mr. Carson also leads the investment committee for the Carson family’s single-family office, Floreat Park. A graduate of Tufts University with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Entrepreneurial Leadership, he has received numerous honors, including American Enterprise Institute Scholar, Baltimore’s 35 Under 35, and Washington Life’s 40 Under 40. He serves on several boards, including the Tufts Entrepreneurship Center, Young Presidents’ Organization, and the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital Foundation Board.

Demi-Leigh Tebow

Demi-Leigh Tebow is a South African-born model, entrepreneur, author, and advocate. She rose to international fame after winning Miss South Africa in 2017 and later being crowned Miss Universe the same year, becoming only the second woman from South Africa to hold the title. A graduate of North-West University with a degree in business and entrepreneurial studies, Demi-Leigh is passionate about empowering others and launched the Unbreakable Campaign to promote self-defense education and combat gender-based violence. In 2020, she married former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, and together they co-founded The Tebow Group, an initiative focused on talent management and purpose-driven investing to support vulnerable communities. In addition to her philanthropic and business endeavors, she is a best-selling author of several books that inspire young women to embrace their identity and faith. Demi-Leigh and Tim welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2025.

Os Guinness, D. Phil.

Os Guinness, D. Phil., is an author and social critic. Great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer, he was born in China in World War II where his parents were medical missionaries. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of London and his D.Phil in the social sciences from Oriel College, Oxford.   Dr. Guinness has written or edited more than thirty books, including The Call, Time for Truth, Unspeakable, A Free People’s Suicide, and The Global Public Square. His latest book, Last Call for Liberty: How America’s Genius for Freedom Has Become Its Greatest Threat, was published in 2018. He has spoken at many of the world’s major universities, and spoken widely to political and business conferences across the world. He lives with his wife Jenny in the Washington DC area.

Bob G. Brown, MBA

Bob G. Brown, MBA, is a long time Board Member of Word of Life Fellowship (WOL), after serving for many years as an Executive Vice President.  Mr. Brown joined WOL in 1995 following nearly 30 years in various finance and adminis­trative positions with Marathon Oil Company. He has an MBA from Bowling Green State University.  He and his wife, Sue, share their time between New York and Florida. Bob and Sue are very active in the teen youth program at their church, where he is a deacon and teaches Sunday School.

Rich Lavinski

Richard A. Lavinski is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of East 57th Street Partners. Throughout his career in consulting and professional staffing, he has founded and led several highly regarded firms in the DFW marketplace and is recognized as a pioneer in the professional project staffing industry. A retired CPA, he spent many years in public accounting.

Rich previously built and led Lavinski Allan & Associates (sold to Accretive, now part of Resource Global Partners) and Propensity (sold to Hudson Highland Group, a $1.2 billion global publicly traded consulting and staffing firm). He understands firsthand the emotional roller coaster of starting, building, and selling a beloved business.

With over 30 years of experience, Rich uses his management, operations, and financial expertise to help organizations meet their goals through consulting, project management, talent acquisition, and professional staffing services. He has served private equity, telecom, banking, real estate, retail, manufacturing, oil and gas, Fortune 500 companies, family offices, and charitable nonprofits. He began his career as a tax professional with a Big 5 consulting firm serving publicly traded, nonprofit, and large privately owned organizations.

A graduate of the University of Chicago (AB in Economics), he also earned an MBA in Accounting and Taxation from the University of North Texas. Rich has served on the Board of Directors of WaterStone and the Business School Advisory Board of the University of North Texas. He co-authored 100,000 Successful Hires: The Art, Science and Luck of Effective Hiring. Rich and his wife of more than 30 years live in East Texas.

Kittie Watson

A keynote speaker and expert in communication, executive education, team development and listening. As a culture curator, Kittie designs customized excursion learning events, global team off-sites, executive development programs and cultural renovation initiatives.

Author of 15 books, Kittie is listed as one of the top twenty-five most prolific women writers in communication. As a specialist in strategic issues management, cultural transformation, and change implementation, she is highly skilled at designing and cascading innovative global change initiatives. She helps onboard, develop and retain key talent with specialized strategies.

As an executive coach, she works with leaders and their teams to onboard, transform and accelerate business results. Using an adult development approach, she works with CEOs as well as chief financial, information, human resource, and learning officers. She has a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by executives in high-stakes settings and works exceptionally well with mission-critical communications needs.

An advocate for social justice, she has a passion for corporate social responsibility and building positive, sustainable legacies through her board and nonprofit service.

Stephanie Hoff, CPA
Director of Client & Business Solutions

As WaterStone’s Director of Client & Business Solutions, Stephanie’s mission is to generate customized charitable plans that unlock the giving potential of non-cash assets. She is a licensed CPA in the state of Colorado and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Stephanie grew up in Bloomington, Illinois, but now enjoys living in beautiful Colorado Springs with her storm-chasing husband, Robert, and their daughter, Juniper.