Unity of the White Mountains
Board of Trustees
2026-2027

Mark Sturdevant, President

Mark was born and raised in Southern California. After graduating high school, he served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard, conducting search and rescue operations, and received an honorable discharge in 1973. He founded several small businesses, held executive positions in aerospace subcontracting companies and served on several nonprofit boards in California.
His career path then shifted to public service, first as a special assistant to a member of Congress and ultimately as the President/CEO of the La Habra Area Chamber of Commerce for 15 years until his retirement in 2018.
Currently serving in a leadership position at Unity of the White Mountains: making our beautiful, welcoming spiritual home discoverable and accessible so seekers and members alike can fully experience our sacred space.” Mark

Senior Minister, Rev. Sheryl Padgett, D.Div

I am deeply grateful for our loving Unity spiritual family. Ordained in 1997, I served Unity churches in Wisconsin (5 years) and Georgia (13 years)** before becoming minister of Unity of the White Mountains in 2015. Before ministry, I was an engineer on Atlas rockets at Vandenberg AFB.

I blend science and spirituality, inspired by Charles Fillmore’s teaching that true religion welcomes scientific discovery as proof of the kingdom of heaven here and now, created by thought.

Joy Biever, Vice President

I am part of Unity of the White Mountains, where I’m embracing my spiritual journey and connecting with others on similar paths. Serving on the board allows me to actively support Unity’s vision and mission. My professional background is in medical radiology. I’ve also been involved in various social activities, from motorcycle groups to competitive dancing.

Michelle Martin, Treasurer

Michelle Martin has been a member of Unity of the White Mountains since 2016 and affiliated with the Unity movement for 10 years. Inspired by the spiritual growth she experienced through the church, she began volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic and now seeks to give back while continuing her personal and spiritual development.

A retired 30-year law enforcement officer with management experience, Michelle brings strong skills in communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and problem-solving. She holds an accounting degree and is passionate about living Unity’s values of empathy, integrity, and shared belonging.

Paul Diaz, Secretary

 I grew up in Tombstone, AZ and graduated from Tombstone High School in 1977. After graduation, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After my first 4 years, I got out and worked as a police officer in Abilene and Sweetwater, TX. I later reenlisted in the Marines for another 20 years. After I retired from the Marine Corps, I worked in support of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command and then later as Dept of Defense contractor to help provide the best chemical and biological defense equipment to the Services. Before I finally retired for good, I worked for a couple of years in the Arizona Dept of Veterans Services, helping Arizona veterans get the all the benefits they are entitled to.

How I ended up here! I learned early on in my life that organized religion and I just did not see eye to eye on a great many things. I knew I was a spiritual being and investigated many different spiritual paths. Along the way, I sort of took the things I liked from each one and fused them together into a path that I felt fit my needs and that would lead me to the “truth”. I did not think that I would find anything up here on the mountain that was even close to where I was at or that would help me to continue on my path. However, I noticed this little building on the side of the road one day on my way to the collection center and thought, “I had never heard of Unity before”, so, looked it up. After a quick read of the web site, I knew I had been found. The rest, as they say is history. Finally, a spiritual home complete with people who are truly like minded as myself. It was a long journey, but as always, the universe put me exactly where I needed to be when I needed to be there. 

Barbara Courtright, Trustee

My name is Barbara Courtright, and I am a former Early Childhood Educator and Administrator.  I worked in corporate childcare and Head Start programs for 35 years.  I also served on the Board of the local chapter of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  I have been a member of Unity of the White Mountains for nearly fourteen years.  I have been the Music Director for seven of those years, and served six years on the Board previously.  I am excited to have the opportunity to serve again and assist in planning for our church's future.  It is an honor to be part of this community

Michael Campbell, Trustee

Michael (“Mike”) Robert Campbell brings a strong Unity legacy to Unity of the White Mountains. His aunts Bernice Biggers and Eleanor Campbell were Unity ministers.  
Mike and his wife Jill have taken Unity classes together since 2006. He is one class from becoming a Licensed Unity Teacher and is a licensed Prayer Chaplain Trainer.  
A member since 2015, Mike served 6 years on the Unity of the White Mountains Board** (with a one-year break). With nearly ten years at Lowe’s, he would be honored to serve on the Board of Trustees.