Eric Mullis serves as a regional mission catalyst with the Baptist state convention.

Prior to joining the state convention, Eric served for 15 years with the International Mission Board. Most recently, he lived in Bangkok, Thailand, where he served as a church planter and team leader for the Bangkok city team. Prior to moving to Bangkok, Eric lived in Hat Yai, Thailand, where he worked as the team leader/strategy coordinator for the southern Thailand region.

Eric holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master of divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a master’s degree in intercultural studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in applied theology (missiology) from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Eric grew up in Concord, N.C. Prior to vocational ministry, Eric lived in Charlotte, where he worked in real estate. He and his wife, Tricia, have three children. In his free time, Eric enjoys reading, spending time with family, traveling, watching Carolina Panthers football and hiking in the North Carolina mountains.

Patti Cardwell serves as a ministry assistant for the Mission Catalysts group. She has been on staff at the Baptist state convention since April 2008.

Patti graduated from the University of Louisville with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance.

She and her husband, Kevin, are members of First Baptist Church in Cary, North Carolina, and participate with the Gideons Auxiliary/Gideons International.

Hez Cunningham-Bey serves as the statewide African American catalyst for the Mission Catalysts group.

Hez earned his bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University and is currently finishing up his master’s degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Hez has a passion for serving God and His church. He has been serving as a full time pastor of King’s Cross Church overseeing member care.

Hez is married to his beautiful wife, Tajua. They have four beautiful children, Amyah, Amir, Asa and Adonijah. Hez enjoys cycling and is on a journey to becoming an avid golfer.

Sammy Joo serves as the statewide Asian catalyst for the Mission Catalyst group. He has been on staff at the Baptist state convention since 2007.

Sammy is a graduate of Handong Global University in Pohang, South Korea; Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Previously, Sammy served Korean churches in South Korea and multiethnic churches in the United States as a worship leader, youth pastor and college pastor. He also served in international student ministry in the Triangle area and on the convention’s Collegiate Partnership Team from 2007-2016.

Sammy’s desire is to equip next generation leaders among Asian communities and connect Asian American churches to fulfill the Great Commission.

Sammy and his wife, Debbie, have four children. Sammy loves to play guitar.

Amaury Santos serves as the statewide Hispanic catalyst for the Mission Catalyst group.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Amaury received Jesus as Lord and Savior at the age of 14 through the witness of a Christian friend. He became the first evangelical believer in a mostly Catholic family.

By age 16, Amaury felt the consuming desire to teach God’s Word. Amaury has served in ministry in a variety of capacities, including pastor and church planter in the Dominican Republic and the United States.

Amaury served as a language church planting missionary with the Florida Baptist Convention in partnership with the North American Mission Board.

Amaury has a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from the Dominican Republic, a master’s degree in theological studies from Liberty University, and a doctor of education degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, Virginia, and his three sons.