Meet Chris – He began his involvement in ministry being heavily involved in Christian Camping International, serving at several Christian camps and conference centers across Michigan, and into Indiana. He started primarily as a food service director, overseeing kitchen and dining room operations, but later branched out into programming, as well. His heart for God and love for this environment, and his own personal testimony led him to the vision of Jordan Valley Retreats.

Prior to working in the ministry, Chris earned a culinary degree in the late 80’s and worked in some of the finest restaurants and resorts in Phoenix, Arizona. As an entrepreneur, Chris started his own contracting business in 1997. Over the years he has built it into quite the operation, where he has served higher end homes across the entire state of Michigan and Arizona.

Chris has been married to Kim for 29 years. Together, it is their dream to provide an environment that will allow others to connect with God, and reconnect with their loved ones, on a whole new level.

When Chris is not busy with his professional ventures, you can find him doing any type of outside work. He loves the water and takes any chance he can to be out on his boat. He is also a big fan of winter, because he enjoys exercising his snowmobile.

Meet David Taylor: Who has joined the board of Jordan Valley Retreats and will be heading up our retreat building master plan. David brings a wealth of experience to this role, stemming from a lifelong involvement in the construction industry and a deep commitment to ministry service.

David’s primary role is Senior Project Manager at The Skillman Corporation, a testament to his expertise in the field. His understanding of construction began early, growing up in his father’s business where he learned the nuances of the industry and the fulfillment of completing impactful projects.

Academically, David holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management from Western Michigan University. Following his studies, he returned to the family business and continued there until his father’s retirement. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, David then established his own successful construction company, where for nine years he led a variety of specialized projects and cultivated strong, enduring relationships with clients, vendors, design professionals, and his team.

Seeking a better balance between his professional and personal life to dedicate more time to his wife and two young sons, David transitioned to the healthcare sector. He leveraged his construction skills as Facilities Manager for the largest hospital system in the region and subsequently as Director of Facilities for a private hospital. These positions broadened his experience, particularly in the complexities of construction within operational healthcare settings.

David’s career progressed as he took on the role of Construction Manager for a leading commercial real estate developer in West Michigan, overseeing significant projects as the owner’s representative. He also served as Director of Michigan Operations for a commercial mechanical contractor and provided freelance construction management services before his current position at The Skillman Corporation.

His varied background, encompassing general contracting, subcontracting, facilities management, and owner representation, equips David with a holistic view of every project. He is dedicated to promoting collaboration and fairness among all stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on cost-effectiveness, quality, timely completion, and safety.

At Skillman, David provides strategic leadership for large public projects, consistently achieving successful results and ensuring excellent client satisfaction.

Beyond his professional endeavors, David enjoys quality time with his family and their dog, the rewarding work of restoring vintage trucks and buildings, and actively participating in his church and community.

Please join us in warmly welcoming David Taylor to the Jordan Valley Retreats board. We are confident that his extensive experience and dedication will be invaluable to our master plan.

Meet Kim – She brings added care and compassion to Jordan Valley Retreats. Kim has spent several years in a variety of roles in Christian camping, focusing on enriching the lives of kids, by sharing God’s love. She has also taken a mission trip to poverty-stricken areas of South Africa, bringing food, clothing, and the word of God to those in need. Kim also visited Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, helping prepare a Christian camp for kids, so they can receive their campers for the summer. Jordan Valley Retreats is yet another way Kim feels God can use her. You will find her in a variety of roles on the retreat’s campus.

Aside from her work with Jordan Valley Retreats, Kim is a registered nurse at a local hospital, where she also uses her passion for serving others. She has spent 27 years in healthcare. Her desire to care for others in this setting, has earned her two Daisy Awards for extraordinary nurses.
Kim has been married to Chris Fazio, founder of Jordan Valley Retreats, for 29 years. Her heart for God and to serve, drives her desire to come along side Chris, as they work to help make marriages and families stronger again. Together, it is their dream to provide an environment that will allow others to connect with God, and reconnect with their loved ones, on a whole new level. They desire to see the family unit fully restored.
In Kim’s free time, you can find her spending time with her beloved dogs. You are also likely to find her with a book in her hand, or in the middle of some type of a craft or baking project. She also enjoys being out on the water, and spending time in the sun.