Who We Are

James L. Marcum is speaker/director of Heartwise Ministries. He is a Cardiologist practicing with the Chattanooga Heart Institute. He is very active in the television, radio, and print arm of Heartwise Ministries. He is married to Sonya and has two children, Kelli and Jake, he enjoys music and outdoor activities.

Michael Bell is Director of Television And Radio for Heartwise Ministries. He is director of “Bible RX”, and the new health program, “At the Heart of Health”. He works at LifeTalk and is the director of “Steve Gallimore Live”, a daily Christian news journal. These programs are viewed worldwide proclaiming truth. He is married to Heidi. He does not mind cold weather having grown up in Michigan. Michael enjoys home improvement projects, family, outdoor activities, and fine dining.

Timothy R. Jennings, M.D. is a Christian psychiatrist, master psychopharmacologist, author, international speaker, radio personality, Secretary of the Tennessee Psychiatric Association, Adjunct Faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and has a private practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Jennings obtained his M.D. degree in 1990 from the University Of Tennessee College Of Medicine in Memphis, Tennessee and completed psychiatric residency at D.D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. He is board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and is licensed to practice medicine in Tennessee, Georgia and Washington. Dr. Jennings was named one of America’s Top Psychiatrists by the Consumer Research Institute of America in 2008, 2010 & 2011. Many of Dr. Jennings lectures and written material can be found at his website www.comeandreason.com.

Doris Burns serves in the capacity as Special Projects Director. She recently helped coordinate the much acclaimed  “Weight Management by the Book”. Doris is an author, teacher, playwright, just to name a few of the roles she has served in the past. She is married to Jim Burns and is the proud mother of three talented sons and five grandchildren.

Dr. Jim Burns is Director of Music Ministries for HeartWise Ministries. Music is such a vital element in healing. Jim serves as  Senior Professor of Music in the much acclaimed Lee University School of Music. He is also an accomplished lyricist, composer, as well as vocalist. He has performed worldwide in various venues. He has written, composed, and produced the original  “HeartWise”  which is available through HeartWise Ministries. His love of music and serving The Master makes Jim an invaluable part of the team.

Tim Kochis is radio consultant and technical advisor for HeartWise Ministries. Tim owns and operates an independent radio station and consults nationwide. His expertise is invaluable. Tim previously served as radio director for HeartWise and continues to support HWM with his vast knowledge base.

Craig Ammerall a Critical Care Respiratory Therapist knows the importance of optimal pulmonary health, and through his articles will help everyone “breathe better”. He is married to Melissa and has two children, Ian and Kayden. He enjoys exercising, reading, and spending time with God and family.

Joe Kochis is a successful businessman and successfully served a two year term as CEO. Under his leadership HWM continued growth and development. Joe is serving HeartWise as a business consultant. His sage advice and leadership is much appreciated as we navigate the business world relating to ministry.

Charles Mills is the host and creative energy behind the acclaimed radio program Heartwise: mind, body, and spirit. Charles owns and operates Christian communications based in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. This popular and well known host has authored more than forty books, written extensively, and is the former editor of Vibrant Life. Charles has traveled the world and has interviewed leading health experts. His approach to a healing ministry is based on vibrant portraits of Jesus, revealing the Savior’s love through fresh relevant words, images, and sounds. Charles enjoys photography, music, bird watching and spending time with his wife, Dorinda.

Dr. Lisa Umphrey is a talented cardiologist who will be the Women’s Health editor at HeartWise Ministries. Dr. Umphrey will begin work at the Chattanooga Heart Institute in September 2010. She is a graduate of Loma Linda University and received her Internal Medicine training at the Mayo Clinic Arizona. She is finishing her cardiology training at The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Lisa is married to Keith and have a son living in Virginia. She enjoys outdoor activities and running. She is a dedicated Christian and will bring this perspective to women’s health.

Dr. Charlene McCullough has joined HeartWise Ministries as director of nutritional education. She has spent many years helping people from different walks of life gain insight into nutrition. She tries to meet each individual where they are  and wraps nutritional advice in love. Her enthusiasm and love for others was recently demonstrated as she led in the nutritional section of the  much acclaimed program “Weight Management by the Book”, She has lectured and written about nutrition throughout the world. Her informational nuggets can be found in the nutrition section. This talented and diverse woman is a welcome addition to the HeartWise team. Charlene loves the Lord and wants to serve.

Jeannie Hart serves as a marketing consultant to HeartWise Ministries. She has helped the ministry move forward in the television and radio arena adding networks and developing relationships for the ministry.

The Heartwise Ministries Advisory Board

• Brent Barrow MD Radiology
• Nathan Chamberlain MD Nephrology
• Tim Jennings MD Psychiatry
• Eston Wenger MD Surgery
• Dennis  Thompson DO Mens Health
• Scott Grievus MD Natural Remedies
• Anuj Chandra MD Sleep Medicine
• David Wendt MD Electrophysiology
• Jim Zellner MD Cardiothoracic surgery
• Lisa Umphrey MD Women’s Health
• Dr. Charlene McCullough Nutrition
• Heidi Bell Nurse practitioner
• Dr. Phillip Swords DDS Dentistry
• Ron Mahlo CNP Oncology
• Drs. John and Lisa Morris Chiropractic care
• Dr. Carlton Vollberg Internal Medicine
• Burney Tompkins RN Back to Nature
• Dr. Cheryl Haag Podiatry
• Wayne Kelly MD Pediatrics