Explore Conference Speakers
Main Speaker: David Hutsko
Pastor David Hutsko originally hails from the great state of Ohio (Go Buckeyes!) and has spent most of his professional ministry just outside Detroit, Michigan. He made the trek out to Pismo Beach, CA in July of 2017 and has since embraced all things “California”…like taking up surfing, fostering a deep love of tacos, and saying, “It’s cold!” when the weather dips below 70 degrees.
David and his beautiful, hilarious, talented wife Dana have been married since 2002 and they have 4 super cool kids: Lexy, Drew, Xavier, and Allison. He enjoys being active outside by mountain biking, hiking, playing beach volleyball, etc. He also loves reading nerdy books and watching every Ohio State football game while yelling loudly at the television.
Breakout Speakers
Rev. Dave Mills
Rev. Dave Mills serves as the Vice President for Spiritual Life and Church Relations at MVNU. With nearly three decades of pastoral ministry experience, Dave has a passion for helping people discover their God-given purpose, grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, and develop as Christ-centered leaders.
Austin & Carolyn Swallow
Austin and Carolyn Swallow bring a diverse set of experiences to Explore Conference. Carolyn served for 25 years as a Licensed Professional Counselor at MVNU, working with teenagers and young adults navigate their transitions into adulthood. She offered professional, thorough, and compassionate care while allowing her faith to be reflected in her relationships.
Austin provided similar wisdom but, in another way. He directed and/or supervised several different Pioneer College Caterers locations across his career. Working with both student workers and college administrators, he took seriously the admonition to listen intently to a person’s thoughts and words as he was asked for advice.
Dr. Jenn Ballenger
Dr. Jenn Ballenger is the Assistant Professor for Youth and Family Ministries at MVNU. She is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, and she serves as the Children’s Pastor at Newark Church of the Nazarene (OH). Dr. Jenn also serves as the Vice Chair of Call for the East Central Field NYI.
Andy Monnin
Andy was elected District Superintendent in June 2023, bringing a passion for equipping leaders to plant, revitalize, and grow diverse churches that reach their communities. He earned a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from Nazarene Bible College in 2003 and was ordained in 2004. Andy helped launch The Valley Church, which grew to three campuses and more than 1,200 members, and served as Lead Pastor from 2012 to 2023. He is certified in church planting assessment and leadership training and is passionate about developing fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Andy and his wife, Paula, have three children and five grandchildren.
MVNU Faculty Panel
Bringing together experience in business, healthcare, and education, this panel features three MVNU faculty members who are passionate about preparing students for lives of purpose and impact.
Dr. Kelly Rush is Professor of Finance, Chair of the Division of Business and Technology, and a Certified Financial Planner. Dr. Debra Garee is Associate Professor of Nursing, Division Chair, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Director, bringing more than 30 years of nursing experience. Dr. Amy Dubusky is Assistant Professor of Education, with experience in classroom teaching, early childhood education, and teacher preparation.
Together, they bring valuable perspectives on integrating Christian faith with professional life and helping the next generation discover how God can use their careers to make a difference.
Dana Hutsko
Dana is the Early Childhood Pastor and the Staff Care and Culture Pastor at New Life Church in Pismo Beach, California. She has served in Children's Ministry for almost 30 years. Dana attended MVNU, where she focused on her call to ministry and found her closest friends, as well as finding her husband, David. The two have been married for 26 years and have served in ministry together their entire marriage. They have four wonderful children. Passionate about people, Dana loves helping others feel loved and seen. She is equally dedicated to connecting them into community and ministry.
Joe Proudfoot
Joe Proudfoot has 25 years of ministry experience, serving in youth ministry, church planting, and lead pastor roles in California and Ohio. He currently serves as Lead Pastor of Mount Vernon First Church of the Nazarene, where he is passionate about helping people encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and discover their God-given purpose. Known for his engaging, practical preaching, Joe connects biblical truth with everyday life. He enjoys fly fishing, running, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Sarah, and their two children.
NayNay Parker
His energy NEVER runs out. NayNay is a growing radio host in Columbus, Ohio for RadioU and a proud MVNU alum. He rarely shies away from a side quest which has found him skydiving, interviewing GRAMMY-award winning artists and rappelling down skyscrapers.Throughout all of his adventures, he continually makes an effort to put JESUS first in HIS life! You can hear him on “Weekdays with NayNay” every Monday-Friday from 4-8 p.m. EST in Mount Vernon on 102.1FM.
Dr. Eddie Estep
Dr. Eddie Estep has served as a pastor for twenty years and as a district superintendent for 20 years — in South Carolina, Kansas City, and South Central Ohio. He holds degrees from MVNU, NTS, and Asbury Theological Seminary. The author of a series of books on biblical leadership, Eddie enjoys investing in future and present leaders in South Central Ohio, across the USA, and around the world.