Tom Beck

My wife Harriet and I live in Oregon City. Last year, we celebrated our 50th anniversary. We have two children and four grandchildren. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, salmon fishing, and spending time with family and friends. I’m also a Blazer fan.

Harriet and I became involved in GSM in 2002 when our church helped host the GSM International Conference. We were asked to provide housing for three of the African country directors. Soon after, we joined the GSM Senegal satellite and served as satellite leaders for several years. We continue to participate in the satellite and to support Senegal and GSM. I have had the opportunity to visit Africa on two occasions; those trips opened my eyes and have had a major impact on my life.

I grew up in Mapleton, Oregon on the Siuslaw River where my father was a logger. During my high school and college years, I worked at a local sawmill and in various forestry-related jobs. I attended Oregon State where I received a degree in Forestry, and later – after spending 3 years as an officer in the US Navy – returned to get an MBA from the University of Oregon. Relatively early in my career, I founded The Beck Group, a company that provides planning and consulting services specializing in the Forest Industry. My son Bryan is currently President; I continue to work at The Beck Group part time. Next year, our company will celebrate its 40th anniversary. The Beck Group’s offices are in a commercial building in Tigard that we have owned and that I have managed since the late 1980s.

Over the years I’ve served on a few boards, both in business and in ministry, including serving on the elder board of my church for many years. As part of my responsibilities, I helped oversee church finances and managed several building projects. Harriet and I have led and/or hosted several small groups in our church, as well.

I have been a long-time friend and supporter of Bettie Mitchell and the GSM ministry, and more recently of Teresa Stroup, Executive Director. I’ve had discussions with Teresa about GSM – the opportunities and needs of the ministry, the important decisions that need to be made – and the role the Board of Directors needs to play in planning for the future. I believe the Lord has prepared and equipped me to team with others in helping GSM become an even greater ministry than it is today.