A Note from Goode
Leadership Transition: The Journey Ahead
After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, I have made the decision to step out of my role as Executive Director of Orchard with my last day being March 30, 2025.
This decision was not made lightly. In fact, my deep love for this ministry and for all of you made it one of my most difficult decisions yet. And even still, my wife Ashley and I sense strongly that this is how God is leading us. He is calling us to new work for His glory and for the good of those around us, and we are excited about this new journey!
Transitions like this offer meaningful opportunities to reflect on how God has moved among us while looking forward to what may be next. It is truly awe-inspiring to consider how many lives we have touched together! You all believed in me when I was a newly married man in my late twenties. A decade later, with three kids of my own, I feel that you have nurtured, encouraged, and cared for me and my family as we have done this work of ministry together. I will never be able to say “thank you,” enough for your partnership in the Gospel.
I remain deeply passionate about the work of Orchard. It is quite remarkable to think about the growth we have experienced together over this last decade. From serving ministries in one city, to now helping leaders all over the world–what God has accomplished is incredible! Ashley and I plan to remain engaged as donors, consultants to our ministry partners, and advisors to the staff. Additionally, I have accepted an invitation from the Board of Directors to join them after my employment ends in March. So, while I am stepping away from the staff, I am not stepping away from the ministry. You cannot get rid of me that easily!
Starting March 31, 2025, my colleague Ryan Treadwell will step into the role of Executive Director to lead us into our next chapter. Ryan joined Orchard as a ministry Partner in 2017 and became part of our staff in 2019, working alongside me ever since. Ryan brings a unique set of dynamic gifts, talents, and abilities. He brings fresh perspective, diverse ministry leadership experiences, and a genuine passion for our mission – all with the organizational history that will ensure a smooth transition and continuity for Orchard. I have full confidence that Ryan will lead Orchard to new heights as we continue to work toward seeing a world where Christ is known by the actions of His followers.
The mission of Orchard remains as critical as ever. As I look back at my season as Executive Director, I am filled with gratitude and awe. But it is the future I am the most excited about! Ryan and his team are the right people at the right time to lead us into the future. I cannot wait to cheer them on, pray for them, and give generously to the work ahead for Orchard. We need all hands on deck!
As I prepare to step away, I do so filled with gratitude. Life is filled with seasons that come and go until we reach our heavenly home. What an incredible season this last decade has been. Thank you all for your partnership! The best days for Orchard are still ahead of us!
– Jonathan Goode
FAQ
March 30, 2025
After much prayer and thoughtful consideration, Jonathan and his wife Ashley decided together that it was time for him to transition out of his role at Orchard. God is leading them to a new work, and they felt convicted that Jonathan had already accomplished what He was to do as Executive Director of Orchard. Jonathan notified the Board of Directors of this decision at the May 2024 meeting.
After years of helping others launch and lead creative initiatives that serve those in need, Jonathan and his wife Ashley are going to be doing the same! Jonathan and Ashley are living out the mission of Orchard by starting a new, statewide discipleship ministry for adults called Fall & Be Free.
Absolutely! Jonathan has agreed to join the Board of Directors and he will continue leading our Friday morning men’s Bible study. He and Ashley plan to stay engaged as donors, consultants to our ministry partners, and advisors to the staff. While he will no longer be on our staff, Jonathan remains deeply committed to Orchard’s mission and will do all that he can as a volunteer to move it forward. Jonathan and Ashley will still be an important and active part of the Orchard community.
Ryan grew up in Gwinnett County and graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in marketing. During his time at Georgia, Ryan joined two other friends to the launch The Real Movement – a campus ministry for college students. Under Ryan’s leadership this ministry grew to seven campuses across the southeast and over 150 active weekly volunteers. Ryan joined Orchard’s staff in 2019 overseeing our ministry programs. Most recently, Ryan served as Director of Operations before stepping into the Executive Director role. Ryan is married to his high school sweetheart, Kaylyn, and they have one daughter – Lennon. They live in Roswell and are actively engaged at Home Church.
Jonathan notified the Board of Directors of his decision to transition out of his role in May 2024. At the time, Ryan was serving as our Director of Operations. Because of his skills, proven track record, and extensive history with the ministry, Ryan was an immediate candidate to succeed Jonathan as Executive Director. Even so, the Board felt it was their duty and responsibility to search high and low for the best possible candidate. This led to an open and wide-reaching search to fill the position, receiving 51 applications for the job. Of the 51 applicants, many were quite impressive, qualified, and inspiring in their own rights! But after months of extensive interviews and deliberations, the Board of Directors offered the role to Ryan Treadwell in December.
In anticipation of this transition, our Board of Directors worked closely with our staff to restructure our staff team to ensure this transition went as smoothly as possible. In addition to talented part-time and contract team members, Orchard’s staff leadership post-transition will look as follows:
- Ryan Treadwell, Executive Director
- Bradley Tomlinson, Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships
- Cindy LeBlanc, Development Director
- Emily Buchanan, Program Director
There is clear excitement among our staff team about Ryan stepping into this role! Our staff team enjoys great working relationships, and they trust Ryan immensely. They are also extremely excited for Jonathan and Ashley’s new ministry work. It just seems like God’s timing and orchestrating for those in the day-to-day of the ministry.
Absolutely not!
Orchard exists to see a world where Christ is known by the actions of His followers. We accomplish this by inspiring people to launch and lead creative initiatives that serve those in need. Our vision and mission are protected by our Board of Directors. The Executive Director works under the authority of the Board to advance the vision and mission of the larger organization. Ryan will continue leading Orchard with the same heart our incredible community of stakeholders have upheld for decades. As he leads in this way, we are also prayerful and hopeful for the ways in which God will expand our ministry in the years to come!