Christopher J. Johnson-President/CEO & Board Chairman

Christopher J. Johnson’s life story is one of redemption and transformation. After years of questionable choices and time spent in and out of jails and institutions, Chris found himself in a life-altering situation, ultimately taking a man’s life to protect someone he deeply cared for. Sentenced to 15-20 years, he faced a bleak future—one shared by many who walked a similar path. Determined to change the narrative, he chose to take action.

In 2016, following a traumatic experience that left him broken, Chris gave his life to Christ. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his mission to bring hope and light to those in need. Through his faith in Jesus Christ and his work with the New Hope Initiative, Chris has dedicated his life to helping others overcome darkness and find purpose.

Today, as a devoted fiancé to Jennifer and a proud father to his son Braiden, Chris’s mission has taken on even greater significance. His family has become the source of his drive, determination, and passion to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Baltimore native Kristopher Shipley is a 2004 graduate of Second Genesis, a long-term residential behavior modification and substance abuse program. During his time there, Kris led seminars at local high schools, including Walt Whitman High School in Montgomery County, addressing topics such as peer pressure, drug and alcohol abuse, and the criminal lifestyle. He also provided testimony at a committee meeting on behalf of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), sharing his personal experience and insights.

Professionally, Kris has a background in sales, advertising, business design, development, and project management. These skills position him well to contribute meaningfully to the work of New Hope Initiative.

When asked why he wants to be part of the NHI team, Kris shared, “The criminal justice system has failed me—and so many others like me. It’s broken. I’ve spent years feeling like I was being punished without a path forward. Now, I’m choosing to be part of the solution. I’m honored for this opportunity to help bring healing to broken families and restore our communities through the New Hope Initiative.”

Kris joins the NHI team from within the North Carolina correctional system, where he continues to lead with conviction, compassion, and purpose.

Debbie has been an independent business owner and cosmetologist for over 40 years. As the mother of a son who has struggled with substance abuse and become deeply entangled in the criminal justice system, she has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact these challenges can have on individuals and families. Throughout her life, Debbie has done everything in her power to help her son overcome addiction and break free from a cycle of crime, all while hoping and praying that the system would offer the support he desperately needed.

Debbie believes that the power of opportunity begins with those who are most affected. That’s why she has joined New Hope. She is committed to being part of the helping hand she once prayed for. She is honored and forever grateful to be a part of the New Hope team and is inspired by the promise of prosperity and transformation it will bring to so many.

Rick Jadele, originally from Monmouth County, New Jersey, committed his life to Christ at a young age. Through his church, he served in global missions—building churches, digging wells, and distributing over 100,000 Bibles across Mexico, Haiti, Bonaire, Kosovo, and Russia. He also led outreach efforts in major cities across the U.S. and Canada, focusing on youth and underserved communities.

In 1990, Rick moved to North Carolina, where he served 17 years in law enforcement, including as a Patrol Sergeant. He is also a veteran of the Kosovo conflict and completed three tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom as a team leader in high-risk security operations.

Upon returning home, Rick was involved in a fatal confrontation and was charged with first-degree murder. He is currently serving a life sentence.

Even in prison, Rick remains committed to serving others. As part of the New Hope Initiative, he shares the message of God’s mercy and love with fellow inmates and their families, believing deeply in redemption, purpose, and transformation through faith.