Who We Are
Our Expertise
Guided Impact creates experiences that tell your story in order to drive response from your audience. We focus on both the corporate and nonprofit space, utilizing the same services in various ways specific to the needs of both worlds.
Our Mission
To guide organizations to increased impact.
We are single-minded and whole-hearted with our investment in your story. We consider your mission to be our mission. We exert our creativity and energy toward furthering your organization’s goals.
Our Team
MARK BENTLEY | President & Founder
In 2013, I founded DOXA Planning, a non-profit consulting firm. From the success of this firm, I have gained significant additional expertise in the management of non-profit organizations, including especially the fundraising aspect of their mission. My wife Jamie and my three children (Elliot, Jayden, & Allisson) are the great joy of my life. Palmer and Beau, my two dogs, round out our family quite nicely.
I was born and raised in Raleigh NC, where I learned to love the Tarheels and Hurricanes and where I was introduced to the College at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary through my grandfather who was a professor, from which I graduated. In high school, I founded the Webb Simpson Challenge which gave me my first significant experience in event planning and fundraising.
HEATH PLACEK | Executive Director
For the past the 10+ years I have had the privilege of directing and managing several amazing non-profit organizations that are near and dear to my heart. This experience has given my a strong background in all facets of organizational development, strategic planning, financial management, building successful teams, cultivating community partnerships and delivering quality service. Along the way I discovered a common theme in my experiences; I loved fundraising and special events! Executing events that leave attendees deeply impacted by their experience is one of my greatest motivations and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do that at Guided Impact every day.
I hold an MBA in Nonprofit Management from Corban University and a BA in History Cum Laude from Oregon State University. I am happily married to my wife of twelve years, Kristin, and together we have four young children, Judah (9), twins Sawyer and Chloe (7) and Maverick (5).
CAROLINE FRANKEN | Director of Events
I attended NC State University and have lived in North Carolina for the majority of my life (Go Pack!). I recently got married to my husband Stephen, and we are grateful to call Raleigh our home. During my time at NC State I volunteered and interned with the NCSU Athletic Marketing Department, assisting in major events such as Meet the Pack Day (2019). In October 2020, I began working for Guided Impact, through which I have grown professionally and gained significant expertise in event management and organizational storytelling. I thoroughly enjoy partnering with many local nonprofits to further their mission. Almost all of my work has been guided by my love of sports and competition, and by the desire to use my event planning expertise to honor the Lord and influence communities.
CHRIS HUGO | Videographer
I grew up in Raleigh, NC, and developed a passion for film as a teenager. After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Communication, I made a short film that screened at festivals around the country. Since then, I’ve been honing my video skills, and have enjoyed every opportunity I’ve been given to tell stories through video. As a result, I have been blessed with significant experience making videos for businesses, non-profits, ministries, and family events such as weddings.
CORINNE MCWHERTER | Event Planner
In 2009 I had an internship with a non-profit, women’s leadership organization as their Program and Events Intern. My career goal was to plan events, specifically conference settings. In planning for a non-profit organization I was able to gain a full understanding of events and non-profit management, from budget to implementation. I became their full-time Program and Events Manager upon graduation, which I remained for 10 years. In 2021 I had the privilege of planning a women’s retreat for Called to Peace Ministries, which led me to Guided Impact. I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago Illinois (Go Cubs!), where I graduated from Trinity Christian College with a degree in Business Communications. In 2018 I, with my husband Brett and two daughters Charlotte (6) and Gwen (4), made the move to Charlotte NC to follow family that migrated south. Family is my greatest gift from God!
CHRISTINE MCCARRIN I Event Planner
I have always had a passion for large-scale event planning and coordination. I studied travel & tourism along with catering management and I am a certified wedding planner. I have worked in many event related industries including printing, floral and hotel social event coordinating which gave me the experience needed to go on my own as a wedding coordinator. I married my high school sweetheart, Erik, and together we have five children. As a family we enjoy camping and have a deep love for football, whether playing, coaching, or fantasy drafting! I am blessed to be able to stay home with my kids while also pursuing my passion.
SHELBY PILGER | Executive Assistant
I grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan where I attended Western Michigan University, graduating with my degree in Communications with a focus on Family Life Education. I married my high school sweetheart in 2019 and we moved to sunny Phoenix, Arizona where I spent 2 years in Bible School, graduating with a diploma in Pastoral Leadership. Through many different internships revolving around event planning, marketing, and administrative work, I found great joy in uniquely supporting the different nonprofits in my area. My passion for people, families and nonprofits have led me here, where I couldn't be more grateful to continue in supporting nonprofits all over. In my free time, you can find me curled up with a good book and my two sweet cats, at some sort of sporting event in the city, or simply enjoying all the sunshine & mountains the Valley has to offer!
Home Office: Raleigh, NC
This is where we launch our services for organizations across the United States.