Board Members | Seeing and Believing

Andrew Gann, President

Andrew was born and raised in Reidsville, NC and earned his Bachelor of Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation, he started his career in Atlantic Beach, NC. In 2007, Andrew met his beautiful wife, Whitney, and moved to Charlotte to be with her. Andrew now works as the Craft Beer Specialist at Carolina Premium Beverage in Charlotte and likes to consider himself a bit of a beer geek. He loves to backpack, play disc golf, fish, ski and attend concerts.

Andrew has been a part of Forest Hill Church since 2008 and can often be found serving at their information booth. He was fortunate enough to be a founding member of Seeing and Believing and is excited to help as many people as possible.

“And do not neglect doing good and sharing; for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

Mark Gifford, Vice President

Mark grew up in Rogers, AR. After his undergraduate schooling at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, he obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Following two years in practice in Missouri, Dr. Gifford moved to Charlotte in 2008 where he started Vision Care Associates in South Charlotte. He enjoys being active and spending time with his wife Corrie and his daughter Addison. All three can often be found working out with their friends at Fort Mill CrossFit.

Mark and his family began attending Forest Hill Church in 2009. He has been an active member of the church community through his participation in the small group environment which Forest Hill Church calls a life group. It was through this group while serving at Hoskins Park Ministries in the fall of 2012 that he had the idea of a free mobile eye care clinic utilizing portable equipment through which he could take his services directly to those in need. A year later through the diligence, prayer, and hard work of all of his fellow life group members, Seeing and Believing was formed.

“Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.”
Mark 8:25

Jeff Harrell, Treasurer

Jeff is originally from Sacramento, CA where he lived until he graduated from California State University at Sacramento with a degree in finance. He moved to Charlotte in 2000 to pursue a career as a financial advisor with McGill Advisors, a division of Brightworth (formerly Select Consulting, Inc.), a registered investment advisor focusing on the dental profession. He has been married to his wife, Mauree, since 2008. They are avid travelers and baseball fans having visited more than half of the stadiums throughout the country.

Attending Forest Hill Church since 2003, Jeff developed a passion to serve after joining a life group. You’ll find him almost every Saturday morning at Hoskins Park Ministries hanging out with the homeless residents and staff. He also is involved with supporting Mission Inter Senegal, which he first became affiliated with in 2008 after taking a mission trip to Senegal.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22

Jason Strong, Secretary

Jason grew up on the coast of South Carolina and has lived in Charlotte since 2007. His career in real estate has led him to live in several different cities since graduating college from Clemson and Texas A&M University. Jason is an avid golfer and huge college football fan. On Saturdays in the fall, you’ll often find him traveling to his Clemson alma mater to cheer on his Tigers.

Jason has attended Forest Hill Church since 2012 and started developing a passion to serve after his life group began spending time and volunteering at Hoskins Park Ministries. Since then, he has felt God’s call to continue serving for many other Forest Hill Church supported charities. He is also a member of the church’s hospitality team where you’ll find him on many Sunday mornings greeting newcomers and other guests.

“The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”
Psalm 19:8

Jay Canty, Director

Jay is originally from a town a few miles west of Long Beach, CA, raised in a military family, and has lived and traveled all over the world. After settling in North Carolina, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems from Western Carolina University and has been working in the IT field for the past 20 years. His career has allowed him to continue to travel the globe and has instilled a love for travel and a great appreciation for different cultures and experiences.

Jay grew up in a Christian home and was taught many good Christian values by his parents. He has been a member of Forest Hill Church since 2004, but after going through a bad divorce, separation from his son, and financial difficulties in 2009, the Lord opened up his eyes to the difference between religion and relationship and he began seeking a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. This journey has lead him to a life of restoration, generosity, ministry, and service; which is now enjoyed with his beautiful wife Stephani and 10-year old son Jamison.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing!” John 15:5