Founder

Chris Scaffidi brings over 35 years of experience in ministry, education, applied cognitive psychology, and organizational development.

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA and a Master of Arts in Historical Theology and Adolescent Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary—along with graduate studies at Boston College and St. John’s Catholic Seminary—Chris began his career as a Religious Studies Teacher and Campus Minister at St. John’s Preparatory School.

Building on this foundation, Chris broadened his focus to leadership and professional development. His consulting work spans sectors such as the U.S. Navy SEALs, human service agencies, and Catholic organizations like Catholic Education and Catholic Relief Services.

Throughout his career, Chris has dedicated himself to helping individuals and organizations shift thought processes that drive personal growth, professional success, and organizational performance.

Chris now lives in Cedar Rapids, IA, and is an active member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. His greatest joy is spending time with his wife, Dee Dee, his six kids, and 8 grandchildren. When he has a chance to catch his breath, he enjoys playing guitar, hiking, biking, and swimming. 

Director of Consulting and Organizational Transformation

Dr. Jake Finifrock is a global leadership coach, gifted public speaker, and skilled facilitator with a diverse background spanning education, adventure travel, and corporate development. He holds a Ph.D. in education from Bangor University in Wales, UK. His career began with SIL, a faith-based educational development institution, where he served as a lay missionary working in education across Africa and Asia. This experience deepened his expertise in leadership and communication within diverse cultural contexts. After a period of entrepreneurial business ownership in the travel space, he transitioned into executive coaching, guiding entrepreneurs and corporate leaders in achieving personal and professional growth. In his role as an executive leadership coach, Jake continues to empower leaders and organizations to navigate change, foster innovation, and drive success. Based in Tucson, Arizona, he loves to exercise outdoors, including cycling, hiking, and golf and enjoys spending time with his wife of 28 years and 3 teenaged children. 

Director of Client Outreach and Development

Currently, Beth serves as the Director of Client Outreach and Development, where she applies her Lead With Impact training to understand individual and organizational goals, build strong relationships, and achieve success. Her core desire is to help others discover their unique strengths and purpose, fostering deeper connections with God and each other.

Her academic foundation includes a BA in Biblical Studies from Emmaus Bible College and an MA from Columbia International University, equipping her with a unique blend of interpersonal understanding and educational expertise. Furthering her dedication to healthy relationships, she is also a Sexual Risk Avoidance Specialist (Ascend), Real Essentials Facilitator (The Center for Relationship Education), a Creation Code Coach (Lighthouse Foundation for Humanity), and a Certified Renew Mentor (Cornerstone Church, Marion, IA).

Beth comes to Sagebrush and Vine with a life deeply rooted in family and faith. Having been married to her husband, Aaron, since 1993, she spent 25 of those years as a pastor’s wife while they raised six children. She now immensely enjoys the role of “Nana” to their five grandchildren and continues to express her passion for loving God and people through ministry in her home and community.

Director of Marketing

Murray is a marketing and growth leader with more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations turn ambitious ideas into meaningful action. Working across global tourism, nonprofit, education, and B2B membership organizations, he has built brands, launched new initiatives and connected thousands of business leaders with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Murray brings an organizational leadership perspective to marketing with storytelling and growth. He is energized by organizations whose work is rooted in faith, purpose, and positive change. At Sagebrush & Vine, he helps communicate the company’s distinctive approach to leadership formation that begins with a faith-aligned mindset and allowing transformation to extend outward into leadership, culture, and mission.

Based in Washington’s North Cascades, Murray also serves as chair of his church’s board of trustees. His greatest joy is life with his family, Michelle, an entrepreneur, author, educator, and accomplished quilter, and their two daughters. Together, they enjoy exploring the outdoors, traveling, and embracing the adventures of family life.

Director of Communications

Alexander has over twenty years experience concepting and creating digital content in nearly all capacities. With a Bachelor's degree in English/Creative Writing from SFSU and a Master's of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Alexander has worked in advertising, corporate, entertainment, music, Broadway and non-profits (Inner-Varsity, Boston Rescue Mission, Saatchi & Saatchi, SiriusXM, Nickelodeon, Paramount, American Express, Rockefeller Center and the United Nations New York Headquarters, to name a few). Over time, Alexander's focus has expanded beyond just disseminating meaningful information. Rather, he’s pursuant in how to best disseminate inspiration - for it's that which inspires intrinsic life change. Alexander and his family currently reside in Seal Beach, California.