Michael + Caroline Tomlin, Waves Founders
Caroline Tomlin founded Waves Girls Conference in 2013, and is excited that Waves Ministry, INC. has been able to minister to girls + women in youth ministry locally + globally. She is a Nashville, TN native, and has a degree in Youth and Family Ministry from Abilene Christian University. For 16 years Caroline served in the local church as a Youth Pastor, Next Gen Pastor, + Executive Pastor. She also is a published author, has written small group curriculums, hosted podcasts, + travels all over to preach. In 2022, Caroline felt called to step out in faith + begin to start making Waves her focused ministry + expand it. As of 2024, Caroline is working full times for Waves Ministry.
Michael Tomlin grew up in Florence, AL, + has had a passion for the Lord + worship since a young age. In high school he could be found holding prayer meetings across the street from his school, rebuking storms the fields with his charismatic friends, or leading worship at homeless shelters. Through worship ministry he connected with The Call + traveled to the Capital + a few other places to go pray with the team. He got his start professionally in ministry by interning with the Ark Ministries. Over the years, he has served on the worship team at every church he has been a part of, as well as, been a youth pastor in Destin, FL. Always thinking he would become a youth pastor from an early age, he has a heart for the next generation, seeing families + marriages grow in the Lord, + people encountering Jesus through worship.
Together, the Tomlin's are excited to expand Waves like never before, all while raising a blended family. They have 4 children: Charlee (10), Beckham (6), Bravery (4), + Blakely (5 months).
Caroline Tomlin founded Waves Girls Conference in 2013, and is excited that Waves Ministry, INC. has been able to minister to girls + women in youth ministry locally + globally. She is a Nashville, TN native, and has a degree in Youth and Family Ministry from Abilene Christian University. For 16 years Caroline served in the local church as a Youth Pastor, Next Gen Pastor, + Executive Pastor. She also is a published author, has written small group curriculums, hosted podcasts, + travels all over to preach. In 2022, Caroline felt called to step out in faith + begin to start making Waves her focused ministry + expand it. As of 2024, Caroline is working full times for Waves Ministry.
Michael Tomlin grew up in Florence, AL, + has had a passion for the Lord + worship since a young age. In high school he could be found holding prayer meetings across the street from his school, rebuking storms the fields with his charismatic friends, or leading worship at homeless shelters. Through worship ministry he connected with The Call + traveled to the Capital + a few other places to go pray with the team. He got his start professionally in ministry by interning with the Ark Ministries. Over the years, he has served on the worship team at every church he has been a part of, as well as, been a youth pastor in Destin, FL. Always thinking he would become a youth pastor from an early age, he has a heart for the next generation, seeing families + marriages grow in the Lord, + people encountering Jesus through worship.
Together, the Tomlin's are excited to expand Waves like never before, all while raising a blended family. They have 4 children: Charlee (10), Beckham (6), Bravery (4), + Blakely (5 months).
Mona Ponder, Waves Board
Mona and Mel Ponder began Business Empowered with a vision for impacting business leaders and individuals to exemplify and advance the Kingdom of God in their workplace and community through Godly principles. They each have over 20 years experience in owning, managing and operating businesses, and have a keen understanding of the unique challenges and lifestyle demands business people face. They have worked with Fortune 500 companies, achieving national recognition for results. Most importantly, Mel and Mona each possess over 12 years of ministry leadership. This combination of experience in both ministry and the marketplace makes the Ponder's uniquely qualified to provide vision and leadership. They are actively involved in church and community, and have served on the Board of Directors for multiple Ministries.
Mona and Mel Ponder began Business Empowered with a vision for impacting business leaders and individuals to exemplify and advance the Kingdom of God in their workplace and community through Godly principles. They each have over 20 years experience in owning, managing and operating businesses, and have a keen understanding of the unique challenges and lifestyle demands business people face. They have worked with Fortune 500 companies, achieving national recognition for results. Most importantly, Mel and Mona each possess over 12 years of ministry leadership. This combination of experience in both ministry and the marketplace makes the Ponder's uniquely qualified to provide vision and leadership. They are actively involved in church and community, and have served on the Board of Directors for multiple Ministries.
Keith Pace, Waves Board
Born and raised in central Georgia, Keith landed in Northwest Florida in 1999 and has called this region home ever since. Keith has been married to his amazing wife Jennifer for 23 years, and he has two beautiful daughters, Laura Kate (21) and Julianna (19). Keith’s favorite role is being a husband and father to his amazing family. He has spent 25 years in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry serving patients in various roles, from the corporate office, to training, and to sales and management. He currently serves cancer patients in the role of Executive Oncology Specialist and travels to Cancer centers throughout Florida and Alabama. Keith’s passion is to grow in his identity as a son of God, and help others do the same. As a result of this passion, Keith serves on the board of several non-profits, Lionstrong (Men’s ministry), Waves Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Pier 49 (church plant serving the poor in Rio, Brazil) and Business Empowered (Marketplace ministry). Keith was involved in the early stages of a youth worship movement called House Church. He and his wife have served as spiritual parents to many youth and young adults. His passion for discipleship led him to start a Saturday morning Bible study for youth in his neighborhood called Firestarters. He has helped young believers discover their true identity as sons and daughters of God, and is equipping and training them in their God-given calling. In his free time Keith enjoys exercise, reading, and just spending time with his family.
Born and raised in central Georgia, Keith landed in Northwest Florida in 1999 and has called this region home ever since. Keith has been married to his amazing wife Jennifer for 23 years, and he has two beautiful daughters, Laura Kate (21) and Julianna (19). Keith’s favorite role is being a husband and father to his amazing family. He has spent 25 years in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry serving patients in various roles, from the corporate office, to training, and to sales and management. He currently serves cancer patients in the role of Executive Oncology Specialist and travels to Cancer centers throughout Florida and Alabama. Keith’s passion is to grow in his identity as a son of God, and help others do the same. As a result of this passion, Keith serves on the board of several non-profits, Lionstrong (Men’s ministry), Waves Ministry, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Pier 49 (church plant serving the poor in Rio, Brazil) and Business Empowered (Marketplace ministry). Keith was involved in the early stages of a youth worship movement called House Church. He and his wife have served as spiritual parents to many youth and young adults. His passion for discipleship led him to start a Saturday morning Bible study for youth in his neighborhood called Firestarters. He has helped young believers discover their true identity as sons and daughters of God, and is equipping and training them in their God-given calling. In his free time Keith enjoys exercise, reading, and just spending time with his family.
Christy Maraman has resided on the beautiful emerald coast since 2006. She has been involved in ministry in a leadership capacity since 2011. She is an ordained minister through Christian International. Christy is a pastor a Vision Church Fort Walton Beach and sits on the board for this ministry as well as One Fire Ministry. She has been a friend of Waves for 9 years and served as the Vice President of Waves Ministry for 6 years. She has many years of experience working in children, youth and young adult ministry. Christy has traveled the world preaching the gospel and has a passion to see the next generation live a life laid down for Christ. In the fall of 2023, Christy moved to Parys, South Africa to preach, do mission work, + be a Waves Ambassador putting on youth camps + girls conferences.