VP Leadership
Linda Ranz: Vice President, Development
Linda has several years of for-profit experience primarily in the web marketing and product management industries. In late 2007, Linda decided to direct her energies into work that would make a positive difference in the lives of others. She joined Medical Teams International in 2008 as the Puget Sound capital campaign manager. In 2009, she joined the managment team as the vice president of development. She has a passion for creativity, innovation and building relationships. She is a board member for the Union Gospel Mission in Seattle and for Portland-based Prolifiq Software.
Professional Experience
- Senior Executive of Web Marketing for Getty Images
Education
- Seattle Pacific University, M.A.
- Western Washington University, B.A.
Pamela Blikstad: Vice President, Finance
Pamela Blikstad ensures all resources provided to Medical Teams International are used to advance the mission of the organization. She oversees all expenses and makes sure they meet the highest standards of financial management and accountability and that audits of financial activities meet or exceed AICPA requirements. In 1999, Medical Teams International hired Pamela, a CPA, as the staff accountant. Within a year she accepted the role of vice president of finance.
Under Blikstad's leadership, Medical Teams International has continually received the highest charity ratings from indepedent evaluators. Read more about our financial accountability here.
Professional Experience
- Accountant and auditor for Moss Adams, LLP
Education
- Portland State University, post-graduate Certificate in Accounting
- George Fox University, B.A. in Psychology
Bill Essig: Vice President, International Programs
Bill Essig has worked in international relief and development for nearly 30 years. His time was spent with seven years in Thailand and Africa and 13 year in executive leadership roles initiating programs in more than 40 countries. In May 2000, Bill became the vice president of international programs at Medical Teams International, supervising and managing all aspects of international development and disaster programs, activities, strategic partnerships and field offices. He provides leadership to the organization’s disaster responses and oversees the planning and implementation of quality development programs.
Professional Experience
- Vice President of Mercy Corps International
- Thailand Country Director and West Africa Director for World Concern
- MBA Assistant Professor, International Business and Leadership for George Fox University
Education
- John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, M.P.A.
- Regent College, Vancouver, Canada, Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies
- Miami University, Ohio, B.A. in English
Steve Vickers: Vice President, Administration
Steve spent 25 years in the high-tech industry as an engineer, marketing analyst, operations lead, and general manager. His professional experience includes strategic planning, operations management, and customer support. Steve’s focus is on providing Human Resources, Information Technology and Distribution Center services to the organization and optimizing the Mobile Dental program while seeking effective ways to expand its reach.
Professional Experience
- Vice President of Electronic Interconnect Group for Electro Scientific Industries
- President of European Operations for Juki Automation Systems
- Business Development Manager for Universal Instruments
Education
- George Fox Evangelical Seminary, coursework toward M.A. in Ministry Leadership
- Northeastern University, M.S. in Engineering Management
- Clarkson University, B.S. in Electrical Engineering