Who We Are
Missionwell was formed out of the belief that nonprofit organizations should benefit from the same efficiency and expertise as the for-profit sector, despite the significant resource differences between the two sectors. We bring expertise and innovation, make information transparent, provide practical solutions and support strong decision making.
Missionwell specializes in Finance and Accounting Services, Human Resources and Corporate and Board Services.
Leadership Team
Caryn Ryan
Managing Member
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Caryn Ryan is the Founder and Managing Member of Missionwell LLC. Caryn’s focus is on building and managing Missionwell’s world class team, setting the company’s vision, and leading corporate growth. She also serves as a financial advisor and senior strategist to select business partners. Caryn founded Missionwell out of the conviction that nonprofits and religious organizations should benefit from the same high quality financial and HR advice and services available to the for-profit sector.
Caryn has held financial leadership roles in some of the largest institutions in the world. As Chief Financial Officer for World Vision International, a $2.5 billion global relief and development organization operating in 80 countries, she led global financial operations and spearheaded corporate governance and shared service development projects. She established the organization’s global Treasury Center and led microfinance activities. Prior to World Vision, Caryn spent two decades with Amoco Corporation (merged with BP plc) in multiple financial roles, including CFO of Amoco’s downstream marketing and retail operations and CFO of BP’s International Oil Trading business.
Caryn is a sought-after keynote speaker and trainer, a visionary and early champion for virtual and shared service models for the nonprofit sector. She teaches at the Center for Non-Profit Management and the Christian Leadership Alliance on financial sustainability and board governance.
Caryn has an MBA from Northwestern University and received the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award from her alma mater Albion College. Caryn shares her expertise through leadership roles on numerous nonprofit boards. Presently, she serves as a director and officer of a Southern California credit union. She is a director at Union Rescue Mission, where she has chaired a variety of committees over the years. Caryn lives in Pasadena, CA, with her rescue dog, Russell, and enjoys travelling, particularly to visit her adult children in Seattle and dear friends in the USA and abroad.
Kathy Swain
Managing Member
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Kathleen Swain is a Managing Member of Missionwell LLC and currently serves as the organization’s CFO.
Most recently, Kathy served as the Vice President of Internal Audit at Horizon BCBS of New Jersey. From 2007-2015, She worked for Allstate Insurance Company as the SVP of Internal Audit. She joined Allstate in 2002 with responsibility for leading the Enterprise Applications group within Enterprise Technology. Prior to Allstate, she was downstream deputy director of assurance and head of internal audit for BP Amoco in London. Her career at BP and Amoco spanned 20 years and a variety of financial assignments.
Ms. Swain received her bachelor's degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee WI and her master's degree from Loyola University of Chicago. Kathy is a Certified Public Accountant.
Kathy previously served on the Board of Directors of Newark Boys Chorus School and HFS Chicago Scholars. She lives in Wheaton Il , with her husband Douglas, and as time and COVID permits, enjoys her family (particularly her young grandchildren), friends, traveling and quilting.
Nicole Kirkorian Elmes
President
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Nicole has over 15 years of leadership experience spanning Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations. She is known for her ability to scale organizations, improve operations, and build high-performing, inclusive teams.
Nicole's professional experience includes roles such as Senior Director of Strategy & Operations at DoorDash, where she led a 20+ person organization supporting over 2 million delivery drivers with strategic partnerships, sentiment and retention programs, and financial services. Nicole was recognized with the prestigious DoorDash Compass Award for her outstanding contributions to improving the lives of DoorDash delivery drivers through initiatives like the Dasher Relief Fund and financial support programs. She also served as Vice President of Publishing Sales at Disney Parks, Experiences & Products, and Director of Product Strategy & Distribution at Disney Media Entertainment Distribution.
In the nonprofit sector, Nicole has held leadership positions such as Board Chair at the Center for Children and Board Member at Strides in Recovery. She has been instrumental in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and community engagement at various nonprofits and faith-based organizations.
In addition to her MBA from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business, Nicole holds a BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Nicole, her husband, Chris, and their three children Leland (16), Blythe (12) and Brynn (8) live in Southern California and attend La Crescenta Presbyterian Church.
Tara Maucher
Chief Operating Officer
Tim Unger
Chief Business Operations Officer
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Tim Unger is the Chief Administrative Officer at Missionwell LLC. Tim oversees the accounting and financial operations for multiple faith-based organizations and leads the Human Resources function for Missionwell and its business partners. In his operational role, Tim’s focus is on systems and process improvement, data analysis, and the utilization of state-of-the-art tools to ensure that Missionwell’s business partners benefit from the industry’s most up to date technologies and best practices. As part of Missionwell’s leadership team, Tim combines his operational expertise and business acumen to provide strategic guidance in support of the company’s corporate growth and impact goals.
Tim brings to Missionwell extensive HR, operations, and management experience in the nonprofit sector. Previous to Missionwell, Tim served as Interim President and Executive Director and Director of Operations and Human Resources at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. During his tenure, Tim streamlined processes and led the organization through a shifting legislative and compliance landscape, managing Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation, and changes related to updates in city and state minimum wage laws.
Tim received his bachelor’s degree from UCLA and his Master of Business Administration from California State University, Northridge. Tim is passionate about financial literacy and serves as a Ramsey Solutions Master Financial Coach where through training and mentorship, he helps families become better stewards of their money. Tim lives in Pasadena where he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, gardening, cooking, and woodworking.
Mychal Druba
Senior Human Resources Director
Our Staff
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Chelsea
Senior Accountant
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Ilea
Associate Accountant
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Jana
Payroll Specialist
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Jeff
Professional Accountant
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Jennifer
Professional Accountant
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Jesa
Associate Accountant
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Kelly
HR & Payroll Supervisor
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Kristy
HR Generalist
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Li
Professional Accountant
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Linda
Team Lead
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Martha
Associate Accountant
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Marty
Administrative Specialist in Accounting & Finance
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Meg
Human Resources Assistant
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Michelle
Professional Accountant
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Priscilla
Associate Accountant
Our Business Partners
Nonprofits
Churches
Our core values
Purpose
We and our business partners actively strive to make the world a better place. We do this by translating our financial and human resources knowledge into solutions for non-profits and religious organizations.
People
We value our employees as complete people and are committed to teamwork and growth.
Partnerships
We build relationships with our business partners and help them fulfill their mission.
Principles
Our relationships are founded on trust, integrity, transparency, and responsiveness.
Process
We are resourceful, and leverage technology for efficiency.