Jeff has over 25 years of experience with national and international organizations, leading humanitarian, relief and development teams around the world. During that time, he has served on a wide range of collaborative teams, assisting with both natural disasters and complex humanitarian efforts.

Jeff’s experiences around the world as well as his knowledge and education have forged in him a fierce resolve to address the constantly evolving challenges facing this issue of human trafficking. 

Jeff founded the Guardian Group, and currently serves as its CEO. He earned his Master’s degree in leadership from Fuller Seminary, where he focused on topics such as leadership development, learning and organizational dynamics.

Shannon is a passionate entrepreneur, advocate, and visionary whose work is grounded in the belief that business can be a powerful force for social good. As Chief Storytelling Officer at Guardian Group, Shannon leverages her three decades of experience in corporate sales, marketing, and brand-building to raise awareness and drive change in the fight against sex trafficking. She is the founder of Sudara, one of the first Certified B-Corps in the U.S., and the Sudara Freedom Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and children escaping sex slavery. Her career reflects an unwavering commitment to creating pathways for freedom and dignity, using business innovation to disrupt the systems that perpetuate trafficking.

Shannon’s entrepreneurial journey has earned her numerous accolades, including the Bend Venture Conference Social Impact Award, recognition as a Top 25 SheEO World Venture Finalist, and a TedX speaking platform. She’s been featured in major outlets like Forbes, Real Simple, and Conscious Magazine, and has received awards such as the Bend Chamber of Commerce Female Entrepreneur of the Year. With her experience in social impact leadership and a proven track record of driving meaningful change, Shannon’s work at Guardian Group reflects her dedication to empowering survivors and shifting societal narratives around trafficking. She is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of those who need to be heard and leveraging the power of storytelling to create lasting impact.

Nikki Bale is an expert organizational development consultant and coach who has worked with individuals, teams, and organizations of all sizes; public and private, for and non-profit. Her superpower lies in her combined use of proven methods and tools with her expert skills as a facilitator. She specializes in drawing out even the most reluctant or cynical member of the team with her warm and disarming approach to the necessary conversations. She is energized by the opportunity to help organizations engage their employees in more productive work relationships and outcomes.

Nikki is a proud Oregonian, with a home base in beautiful Bend. She has been married to her college sweetheart, for 24 years and they have 3 active kids. When she isn’t working, she is probably shuttling them to work, basketball, or guitar practice, or reheating her coffee for the 5th time. She also owns a boutique hotel, with her husband in Jacksonville, Oregon.

Nikki holds both a Master of Education in Human Resources from Colorado State University and a Bachelors in Counseling & Human Resources from Moody Bible Institute.

Scott grew up in Central Oregon but for 13 years, corporate America called and he made his home in places like Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Wanting a different pace of life, Scott came back to Central Oregon around 2010 and brought his career in the accounting field with him. Scott’s firm focuses on providing fractional CFO Services, Business Valuations, and Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory to small–midsize, privately held companies. Among many of the non-profits with whom he’s been privileged to work, anti-sex trafficking organizations have had a special place in his heart. Wanting to help the most vulnerable in our population, Scott has had the privilege of being involved in Guardian Group since 2015. Scott’s pride and joy is his son, and he is dedicated to making our communities better and safer for everyone.

When not working or volunteering, you can find Scott surfing, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, or enjoying the great outdoors in one way or another.

Joe Sunwoo is a Vice President and Regional Manager with AllianceBernstein [AB] based out of Tustin, California. He assists financial advisors and their teams to protect and enhance their clients’ wealth, while supporting them with AB’s capital market views, wealth management solutions, and practice management ideas. Joe has 18 years of experience in the investment industry. Before joining AllianceBernstein, he spent 9 years with Franklin Templeton as a Market Leader, and 8 years with Capital Group; most recently as a Wealth Management Consultant.

He is a graduate of the University of California San Diego and is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Management Analyst.

Joe and his wife, Jennifer, have been together for over 21 years and have four children.

When Joe is not engaging our clients, he is cheering on his children at their soccer matches or expanding on his health and fitness journey, occasionally moonlighting as a Certified Personal Trainer.