Board Candidates | Samaritan Ministries

The Samaritan Ministries Board of Directors—providing crucial oversight and accountability—is essential to the success of the ministry. All serving on the Board are members of Samaritan Ministries. Six out of the nine are nominated and elected by the membership at large.

Before casting your vote, we encourage you to take time to read the biographies of each candidate (below), along with their answers to various questions.*

As you look to the Lord for wisdom in making this important decision, please pray that the elected candidates will serve with understanding, discernment, and strength from God. For more information on the Samaritan Ministries Board election process, watch the informative video below  from Samaritan’s CEO Mark Zander and Chairman of the Board Jim Taggart.

*The candidates' responses are in their own words and have not been edited by Samaritan Ministries.

Select a Candidate above to view their bio.

Michael Eastham

Michael Eastham, 62 and his wife Vickie, will celebrate their 34th anniversary on July 13th. They have four children, ages 30, 29, 24 and 17. While he and Vickie see all four children as blessings in their own ways, Hope, their 17-year-old was adopted at birth and woven into their family by God. Family has always been a strong priority. Michael is a man who loves God deeply and cherishes his wife and family as gifts from God. Michael is a CPA/PFS. After spending his early career in Public Accounting, he was compelled to start his own business. As president of Fellowship Financial Group, in Orlando, FL, he and his firm provide financial planning, investing, estate planning, tax and accounting services. Over the years, he has continued to actively serve the community on various Non-Profit boards, providing leadership in both at-large roles and executive committee roles as Treasurer and Board Chair.

I was raised in a solid Christian home by parents who loved God and sought to raise their children in the fear of the Lord. Like so many, I thought I was smarter than God and chose to walk away from my faith as a teenager. God, in his mercy, protected me in my rebellion. During my first year in college at James Madison University, I rededicated my life to Christ, but it wasn’t until after graduation that I fully began pursuing Him with all my heart. I got plugged in to a local church in my hometown in Montgomery County, MD and attended that church, participating as drummer on the worship team and homegroup leader for the next 17 years until we sensed God calling us to move down to Orlando in 2002, where we plugged into a similar local church. We attended that church until 2022, then began attending our current church where we have been since that time.

Disgusted with traditional health care options, my wife began searching for alternatives. Too much of health insurance options are steeped in addressing symptoms and not root medical issues causing the symptoms (ie preventative care). As a family, we see our bodies as a gift from God and a temple of the Holy Spirit, the care of which reflects how we worship our creator. Nothing in traditional medicine looks at health care from that perspective. Additionally, we did not want to have to pay for services that we do not use or that we believe go against our Biblical values. These values led us to medical cost sharing. After researching, using another service and the prodding of a friend, we came over to Samaritan Ministries and have been very pleased with the organization, their systems, and processes.

I would like to serve on the Board of Samaritan Ministries because I firmly believe in the Biblically based health management alternative that SMI provides to the community. As I stated previously, I believe that healthcare in America is broken and needs help from business and community leaders, not the Federal Government. Currently, there is a very small subset of the US population that even knows alternatives such as Samaritan Ministries exist. I have experienced this first hand as I speak to others in the community, looking for health care options. As the organization continues to grow, it will face challenges and opportunities that it has never faced before, and I believe this organization could have a significant impact on the improvement of healthcare delivery in the US and beyond. I would be honored to be a part of that revolution.

I have been blessed to work in several capacities that may provide some benefit to the future of Samaritan Ministries. My knowledge and background in financial matters, fiscal management and opportunities may be of service. Additionally, I have been successful at strategic planning and problem solving not only in my own businesses, but also in assisting other for-profit and non-profit organizations identify opportunities, develop and implement plans for growth, and steer clear of the “shiny objects” that may sound thrilling on the surface, but could be outside of the primary vision of the organization. Specifically, I have a passion to be a part of an organization that wants to provide a solution to the broken health care systems that exist in America today. This is not easy but requires a long-term perspective and strategy. Having been in the business world all my working career, I believe this would be an area where I may provide the most value to Samaritan Ministries. Having said that, part of my business value includes an understanding and working knowledge of business strategy and marketing as those are elements we focus on regularly in my companies.

Consistency in the application of programs and fees

SMI has the opportunity to transform the way that Christians all around the country experience and control their healthcare and that of their families. Many others are attempting this, but none have the foundation and capabilities to actually deliver on that commitment like SMI. SMI is uniquely positioned to be THE leader in a Christian based health sharing organization as it so carefully remains outside of the structure, guidelines and bureaucracy of traditional health insurance.

James “Jim” Taggart

Jim Taggart, 60, has been married to Kelli for 31 years! He is currently the COO of Board Developer, owns a consulting business, and started Gaderian Coffee to support missions/missionaries. Jim is completing his second SMI board term, has served as Chairman for the past 2.5 years, and would appreciate the opportunity to serve again if the Lord (and Samaritan members) desire. Jim has multiple engineering degrees but spent most of his career on the “business” side of organizations (fifteen years with Honeywell, then a start-up company and several small business). He accepted Christ as Savior at age seven and developed a daily relationship with Jesus in ninth grade. Jim’s other board experiences include his church (Treasurer), Living Hope Women’s Centers (Pres.), and Engadi Ministries (Advisor). Jim appreciates the opportunity to use his business skills (creating, developing, sustaining, and growing advisory/fiduciary boards for nonprofit and forprofit companies) for ministry purposes.

I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of seven. However, it was really not until ninth grade that I began to have a “faith of my own.” My youth pastor took me and three friends under his wing to disciple us and show us what it meant to have a true relationship with Jesus. That's when I began living out my faith and developing a true relationship – reading the Bible regularly, having personal devotion time, praying, and scripture memorization (all still part of my walk with Him today). Christ-like growth through service really didn’t become part of my walk with Jesus until I was in my early 30s. I’m not sure I really understood it completely before then. Since that time however, service has been a very regular part of my relationship with Jesus. (more details below in my responses to other questions).

We first heard about Samaritan Ministries from some friends at church in late 2015. We were looking for a cost savings compared to what we were paying with traditional insurance along with an upcoming rate increase, crazy high deductibles, and out of pocket expenses. We were not familiar with needs sharing ministries. We researched several organizations and decided to join Samaritan Ministries because of their beliefs, the needs/sharing concept, membership process, solid reference from our friends, and cost savings.

I have thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to serve two terms on the SMI Board of Directors. I have definitely gained an increased level of appreciation for the ministry itself, how it serves members, cares for the staff, and is led by the Ministry Cabinet. I love seeing the collective “heart of God” throughout the ministry! From the feedback I have received over the last five and a half years, I know I have contributed favorably to the board, to the ministry as a whole, and to individuals. I believe I still have more to contribute and would like to continue to do so if the Lord and the Samaritan members provide me that opportunity.

My main area of subject matter expertise is definitely business. I have been blessed in my near 40-year career to have the opportunity to work in start up companies and mega corporations; in individual contributor and executive leadership roles; and, across all facets of an organization (e.g. engineering, marketing, service, sales, manufacturing, development, finance, operations, etc.). This wide range of experience allows me, as a board member, to actively and intelligently engage in discussions with board members and staff in just about any arena at Samaritan Ministries. I am often able to provide experiential input or personal/professional connections for what’s needed in many situations. Being on the Samaritan board the last 5.5 years and Chairman the last 2.5 years has given me an additional insider’s view to what is needed from me to help the ministry move forward in serving God and His ministry.

About four years ago, under the leadership of our CEO Mark Zander, Samaritan Ministries created our first ever multi-year Strategic Plan! Since then, we have be executing that plan as well as modifying and adapting it as needed and as the Lord led us. Where we are now is an “only God” type of place that we would have never accomplished ourselves…that’s what trusting in God’s sovereignty looks like in practice and we are grateful for His tremendous blessing! The things I would like to see changed and/or improved in the ministry, I believe we are doing consistently now, month-to-month and year-to-year. My prayer is that we continue to walk in stride with where the Lord would have us go in order to serve more and more of His families.

Great and timely question! As I said in a previous response, we have been executing on our strategic plan for several years now and adjusting it as the Lord leads us. The major “Only God” story on this journey is the advent of Redeem Healthshare! From God’s inspiration to the Samaritan executive leadership team, their follow-through and use of their God-given capabilities and talents, and the board’s support, Redeem Healthshare was birthed as an addition to the Samaritan Ministries International offerings to carry the ministry’s 30-year legacy another 5-10-30 years into the future! You can read more about it at RedeemHealthshare.org.

Samaritan’s Board provides essential ministry leadership. The Board is accountable to God and Samaritan members for ministry oversight, performance, strategy, and sustainability. As Scripture places emphasis upon the necessity of mature, godly leadership that is above reproach, Samaritan seeks Board members that have the spiritual maturity and business acumen to faithfully oversee $420 million in yearly sharing between members while maintaining fidelity to our unwavering Christian mission.

There are nine seats on the Board. Six seats are filled by elected members. The remaining seats are filled by the International President and two people appointed by the Board. This arrangement allows a balance of input between Samaritan leadership and the membership at large. The six elected members serve staggered three-year terms; two are elected annually. No Board member receives compensation for their service to the Board as a Director.

To fill each year’s two contested seats, members are invited to nominate individuals who meet specific qualifications. Each nominated candidate must agree with the Board of Director’s Statement of Faith and Doctrinal Positions; be a member in good standing for at least two years; and provide written verification from local church leaders that he meets the qualifications for elder found in 1 Timothy 3. From the nominations received, the Board selects up to six candidates to participate in the election.

First, we begin with gratitude! We are thankful God has always provided steadfast servants to faithfully direct the ministry. We praise Him for equipping this year’s candidates with unique gifts, abilities, and experiences that could be valuable to Samaritan.

As we pray, we look to our heavenly Father with confidence and trust (Hebrews 4:16), seeking him to lead Samaritan Ministries. Only God knows the challenges this ministry will face in the coming years, so only God truly knows which candidates will best serve and guide the ministry.
  
How can we specifically pray?

Pray that God would give the membership, candidates, and Board of Directors “wisdom from above” (James 1:5-8 and 3:13-18).
Pray that God would use the members’ voting to elect the candidates that will serve “the purpose of God” for this season of ministry (Acts 13:36).
Pray that the candidates who are elected will serve with understanding, discernment, and strength from God (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Pray that the entire Board would give the best of their gifts and expertise in service for the Lord and Samaritan members, while the Lord directs this ministry (Colossians 3:23; Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 16:9; 1 Corinthians 3:6).
Pray that every decision is for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

May God use this Board member election to accomplish His will and establish His work through Samaritan Ministries!

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” (Psalm 90:17)

The number of candidates on the ballot varies each year based on the number of qualified nominations we receive. (You can read board member qualifications on the member Dashboard.)

For context, in the last twenty years we’ve had five years with only one candidate on the ballot; ten years with either two, three, or four candidates; and, an outlier year with 18 candidates! We heard extensive feedback that year from members on how overwhelming it was to review the information for all 18 candidates. Based on that feedback, we now list a maximum of six candidates on the ballot—with an average of five candidates on the ballot the previous five years. 

This year, we received four nominees, two of whom were incumbents. Both non-incumbent nominees voluntarily withdrew due to other commitments.   Therefore, the 2025 Board vote ballot contains only two candidates who qualified for the ballot, both of whom are incumbents. 

Members may vote Yes or No for each candidate. Although there are only two candidates for two open seats, each candidate must win a simple majority of the votes cast in order to be elected by the membership. If one or both candidates do not win a simple majority of the votes cast, then the open seats will be filled at the discretion of the Board.

It is so important to us that you vote. We encourage you to exercise this muscle of “engagement”—speaking your voice both in prayer and at the ballot box. The Board consistently receives, discusses, and debates your feedback. By God’s grace, we give our very best to make decisions that will glorify God and best care for the nearly 80,000 families.

SMI Board of Directors

Candidates

Michael Eastham

Please give a brief history of your personal faith journey.

How did you hear about Samaritan Ministries and why did you decide to become a member?

Please detail why you want to serve on Samaritan Ministries' Board of Directors.

Please describe your main area of subject-matter expertise in which you would contribute to the Board, along with any additional skills, strengths, or community resources.

What would you like to see changed or improved at Samaritan Ministries?

Please describe your vision for the future of Samaritan Ministries. How do you envision this ministry glorifying God and serving members 5 to 10 years from now?