About us
Want to know what makes City Vision's work possible? It's the people. Every member of our dedicated team brings a powerful combination of a committed faith and high-level commercial know-how. These are the passionate experts who turn our vision into reality every single day. We're proud to introduce you to the heart and soul of City Vision!
Tony Hodges
Founder & CEO
From Boardroom to Blessing: The Question That Started City Vision
In 2014, I made a significant shift, moving from CEO to Chairman of the company I’d spent eighteen years building. By then, that company had grown to a team of 100 spanning three continents, serving blue-chip clients, and touching the lives of some 20 million people annually.
Yet, despite this success, my inner focus was shifting. After spending time memorising and meditating on the Sermon on the Mount, I was haunted by a single question: What would a city truly look like if the Kingdom of God came fully?
The answers I found felt incomplete, sparking a season of deeper prayer and research. I soon added two more questions to the mix, questions that pointed to a deeper fracture in the Christian community:
Why was the Christian business community in every city I saw so fragmented?
Why did Christian church leaders in a city seem to have only superficial relationships with one another, despite Christ’s primary command being to display love?
The disconnect was clear: not only were the leaders separated from each other, but they often lacked meaningful connections with the city’s Christian business community.
This led to the foundational question: What might happen if these two vital groups—the Christian business community and the church leader community—actually came together?
Over an intensive 18-month period, I dove into research and discussion, meeting with around 300 Christian business people and church leaders across the UK. The journey from running a large-scale commercial enterprise to grappling with city-sized spiritual challenges felt like a seamless fit—the lessons on engaging huge, complex organizations now applied to city transformation.
This process birthed City Vision. We are an enabling agency, built to help the 'business people of peace' and the 'church leaders of peace' in a city find practical, new ways to work together and truly bless their city. The encouragement we’ve received has been overwhelming, confirming my deep conviction: God is with us in this endeavor to bring His people together for the sake of the city.
Rev. Dennis Pethers
Chair of the Governance Team
"I am the Founder of The Rooftop, a global disciple-making movement, and I have the privilege of serving as Chair of the Governance Team for City Vision. After a life-changing encounter with the Gospel through Mere Christianity, I dedicated my life to ministry. My goal is to inspire and equip the church to join Jesus in His mission beyond the church walls, ensuring City Vision remains anchored in its spiritual calling."
Jamie Adam
Mission Delivery Lead
"I bridge the gap between strategy and execution to transform vision into urban impact. With a background in theology and local government, I help leaders navigate complex city systems and culture to foster a shared purpose. My approach integrates compassion and honesty, rooted in my relationship with Jesus. When I’m not working on strategic ministry, you’ll likely find me on a coastal walk with a good cup of coffee."
Ieva Gerdena
Executive Assistant
"I am a bridge builder at heart, passionate about unity and worship. As Executive Assistant, I help connect leaders and communities so that together we can reveal God’s love in our cities. I’ve been walking with Jesus for 33 years, including a decade of mission work in Pakistan. Though originally from Latvia, I’ve made the UK my home and love supporting the relational heart of this organisation."
Charis Dirdova
Media Lead
"I lead the media efforts for City Vision, fueled by a lifelong love for all things creative. With a degree in Film and Media Production, I believe that sharing stories from different backgrounds can inspire us all to think differently. I’ve been with this close-knit team for seven years and they have become like family. After welcoming my son, Romeo, in 2025, I returned to work part-time, and I’m so grateful to continue telling the stories of impact happening through our work."
Wynelle Cowdery
Lead, Commissioned & City Vision Africa
"I lead Commissioned, partnering with City Vision in Africa to create a culture of discipleship through Bible schools and conferences. Growing up as a missionary’s child in Latin America, I’ve been preaching since I was twelve! My greatest joy is seeing people discover their God-given purpose. I am currently developing new strategies for City Vision Africa to ensure our impact continues to grow across the continent."
Stephen Banner
Storytelling & Mobilisation
"I joined the team in 2026 to help local churches share Christ-centered stories through our new digital platform and outreach booklets. My heart is to see the Gospel reach every home, a passion shaped by 40 years of local church leadership and six years of mission work in Spain with WEC International. Having previously led WEC’s Mobilisation department, I love combining strategic oversight with the simple, powerful act of sharing what God is doing in our communities."
Oyinlola Bukky Akande (OBA)
Prayer Lead
"Most people call me OBA, and I serve as the Prayer Lead, bringing our community together to lift our cities in prayer. I host our monthly online prayer breakfasts and love creating spaces where people feel encouraged and strengthened. Beyond prayer, I am a life coach, author, and bridge builder. I thrive as a master of ceremonies and genuinely love making people feel welcome wherever I go."
Naz Masih
“I’ve been passionate about the Gospel from a young age, and my ten years with City Vision have deepened my understanding of how faith shapes our cities. I love being part of this vibrant spiritual team, where I’m constantly challenged to live out the teachings of Jesus in practical and meaningful ways."