Meet The Team
Nathaniel Blackburn
Founder & Executive Director
Nathaniel was born in Virginia and attended Virginia Military Institute. His senior year he was cast on MTV’s The Real World which led him to Hollywood where he worked as an actor in film and television. In Hollywood he chased fame and notoriety only to find himself in the grip of his mental illness. He moved to Colorado hoping a change of scenery would help and for the next ten years he suffered in his addiction. After losing everything and everyone he surrendered and asked God into his life. Nathaniel is now in long term recovery from alcoholism and addiction and has worked professionally in mental health since 2015. During that time he went back to school and devoted his life to helping men of faith deepen their relationship with God. He now lives in Dallas with his wife and they recently welcomed twins in their family.
The Board
Chairman of the Board
Andy Nace
Secretary Melissa McKinnon
Melissa is a native Dallas, Texan and attended SMU where she received a degree in Corporate Communications. She is excited to serve on the True North board because she believes strongly in the call to build into men’s lives dedicated and devoted time with God and other men who are seeking to answer the big questions of life. Melissa is married to Kirk McKinnon and has 3 kids whom she loves, and keep her busy! She enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, exercise, and walking her dog, Birdie.
Advisory Board Members
Philip Davis
Mary Pyzik
Gil Sheehan
After being born and raised in Kentucky, Gil graduated with a BA from the University of Kentucky in 1980. He then moved to Dallas, TX where he worked for the Dallas Mavericks as their Director of Advertising and Promotion for 5 years. From there, he became a Senior Account Executive for Case Dunlap Enterprises and excelled at this role until 1991. Based on his experience to that point, he then co-founded Barrington Gifts where he has been President since 1992. Gil is also actively involved at Park Cities Presbyterian Church where he has served as an Elder since 2014 and is happily married to Lynn Sheehan.
