Pastoral Staff
When he’s not at church, Todd enjoys Mexican food, relaxing at the beach, and getting in a workout at his local YMCA.
Fun Fact: Todd’s potluck superpower? Never sitting down to eat—so no one can tell how many times he’s been through the dessert line. 😉
Background:
B.A. in Finance – Texas A&M University
M.B.A. – Northern Kentucky University
M.Div. & D.Min. – Asbury Theological Seminary
Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church
What she loves most about First UMC is the way theology is not only deeply thoughtful but lived out in practical, grace-filled ways throughout the community.
Outside of her pastoral work, Kayla enjoys reading poetry, hiking in beautiful places, and having good conversations—especially if there's a lavender latte involved.
Fun Fact: Kayla’s unofficial title at First UMC is “Donut Fairy.” If you’ve ever enjoyed a donut on Sunday mornings at our High Street Campus, you most likely have Kayla to thank.
Background:
Master of Divinity, Asbury Theological Seminary
Licensed Local Pastor, United Methodist Church
When he’s not at church, Brandon enjoys eating good food, reading, listening to podcasts, cheering on the Cincinnati Reds, and spending time with his wife, Sarah, and their kids, Allie and Elijah.
Fun Fact: Brandon’s potluck superpower? Eating while going through the line—more room on the plate, and (allegedly) calories don’t count if you’re standing.
Background:
Master of Arts in Christian Education, Asbury Theological Seminary
Ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church
What he loves most about First UMC is the authenticity of the people: those who genuinely seek to live out their faith in every part of their lives.
Outside of work, you’ll find Taylor reading, lifting weights, or enjoying a donut (or two).
Fun Fact: At church potlucks, Taylor embraces the role of “Patient Glutton”—waiting until everyone else has gone through the line… then fully committing.
Educational Background:
Master of Arts in Philosophy of Religion, Master of Arts in Social Science, The University of Chicago (2018-2021)
Master of Divinity, Asbury Theological Seminary (2014-2018)
Training:
Cincinnati Psychoanalytic Institute (2023-2025); Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Program
Whole Church Staff
When she’s not at work, you can usually find Jennifer and her family eating Mexican on Friday nights. She loves being outdoors with her boys—whether that’s riding bikes, playing at the park, or cheering from the baseball sidelines. Puzzles and family game nights also rank high on her list of favorite things!
Fun Fact: Jennifer is known around the office as the “Staff Sounding Board.” Her door is always open, and there’s almost always someone stopping by to chat or ask a question!
Educational Background:
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
BSBA Accounting
Masters of Accountancy
In his free time, you’ll find Ryan reading, listening to Taylor Swift, or starting what’s likely his hundredth rewatch of The Office.
Fun Fact: Around here, Ryan is known as the “Keeper of the Stamps.” (Yes, it’s a thing.)
For Marshall and his wife, Ashley, the Offerings Community has long felt like home. He especially appreciates the way Offerings embraces liturgical worship in a contemporary setting and creates space for people to engage deeply with their faith while journeying alongside one another.
Outside of ministry, Marshall enjoys sports, working out, exploring the outdoors, trying new foods while traveling, playing nerdy board games, and finding meaningful ways to connect with people.
Fun Fact: Marshall proudly serves as the church's unofficial Pun Master. At potlucks, his superpower is identifying the dessert you'll want before you even know you want it. As for VeggieTales, he somehow made it all the way to seminary before watching a single episode—and only because his classmates insisted.
From the very first visit, First UMC felt like home to her family. The warmth of the congregation, the sense of fellowship, and the opportunities for spiritual growth have been a lasting blessing.
In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading, gardening, traveling, and cheering on her two grandsons at their various sporting events.
What Heidi loves most about First UMC is the way people genuinely seek to build one another up and serve both within the church and throughout the wider community. She appreciates being part of a congregation that puts its faith into action.
Outside of work, Heidi enjoys visiting the park with her son, Wally, playing video games with her family, knitting, and serving donuts and coffee at North Lime.
Fun Fact: Heidi's unofficial role at church is "Slide Advancer." At potlucks, her superpower is mastering the 3-compartment sink. And if she found herself in a Bible story, she'd probably be right there agreeing with Martha every step of the way.
Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, reading, baking, singing, and being outdoors.
Fun Fact: If Sarah were a VeggieTales character, she’d probably be Larry—because she loves writing songs. But since her songs aren’t exactly silly (and she’s actually a fairly serious person), she might be more of a Bob after all.
Educational Background:
B.A. in Mass Communication, University of Kentucky
M.A. Theological Studies & Spiritual Formation, Asbury Theological Seminary
Outside of work, Kim loves playing golf, traveling, and spending time with his grandkids.
Fun Fact: Kim’s church potluck specialty is a crowd favorite: homemade ice cream.
Andover Community Staff
When he’s not at church, Brandon enjoys eating good food, reading, listening to podcasts, cheering on the Cincinnati Reds, and spending time with his wife, Sarah, and their kids, Allie and Elijah.
Fun Fact: Brandon’s potluck superpower? Eating while going through the line—more room on the plate, and (allegedly) calories don’t count if you’re standing.
Background:
Master of Arts in Christian Education, Asbury Theological Seminary
Ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church
Janell finds great joy in the love and support of this beloved church community. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, cycling, and traveling.
Fun Fact: Janell is known as the unofficial “Doughnut Deliverer” at the Andover Community—and at potlucks, she’s first in line to enjoy Gloria Maddox’s famous Frito Corn Salad.
For Darren, the best part of the Andover Community is the relationships—along with the vibrant music that fills our worship life.
When he’s not at church, you’ll likely find him outdoors—running, hiking, or enjoying nature.
Fun Fact: Darren relates most to Bob the Tomato—because someone has to keep things in line!
Downtown Community Staff
When he’s not at church, Todd enjoys Mexican food, relaxing at the beach, and getting in a workout at his local YMCA.
Fun Fact: Todd’s potluck superpower? Never sitting down to eat—so no one can tell how many times he’s been through the dessert line. 😉
Background:
B.A. in Finance – Texas A&M University
M.B.A. – Northern Kentucky University
M.Div. & D.Min. – Asbury Theological Seminary
Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church
Brock deeply values the spirit of humble, grateful service that shapes First UMC. The relationships forged through shared work with the choir, Glenna, and the rest of the staff have been one of the most meaningful parts of his ministry here.
Outside of church, you can find Brock cheering on Alabama football and Kentucky basketball or enjoying a good musical—on stage or off.
Fun Fact: If Brock were a Bible character, he’d be the baby from 1 Kings 3: not because of innocence, but because of the occasional chaos he leaves in his wake.
Background:
Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Kentucky (2024)
Master of Music, Emory University (2009)
Bachelor of Arts, Georgetown College (2003)
Mallory has always been passionate about working with preschool and elementary-aged children. One of her favorite parts of ministry is witnessing the curiosity, wonder, and thoughtful questions children bring to Sunday School—and seeing those moments when a lesson truly clicks.
What Mallory loves most about First UMC is that it has been woven into the story of her family. She met her husband, Matthew, in the church youth room in 2002, and they were married in the sanctuary in 2012. Their children—Taylor, Melissa, and Lucy—have been baptized here and surrounded by the love and support of the congregation. Through every season of life, this church community and their Sunday School class have been there for them.
Outside of church, Mallory enjoys needlepoint whenever she can find a spare moment. More often, though, you'll find her cheering on Taylor at a golf match or orchestra concert, nervously watching Melissa play goalie on the soccer field, or attending one of Lucy’s dance performances. She and her family are also loyal Kentucky football fans—even during the difficult seasons.
Fun Fact: Mallory's unofficial title is The Mayor. According to her children, she can't leave church on Sunday without stopping to talk to just about everyone.
What Cara appreciates most about First UMC is the close-knit community—where people truly care for one another, look out for each other, and find meaningful ways to offer support.
Outside of work, Cara enjoys spending time with her family. They love riding bikes, gardening, and playing board games together.
Fun Fact: Cara’s unofficial title around here is “Goldfish Cracker Distributor”—a very important ministry!
For Marshall and his wife, Ashley, the Offerings Community has long felt like home. He especially appreciates the way Offerings embraces liturgical worship in a contemporary setting and creates space for people to engage deeply with their faith while journeying alongside one another.
Outside of ministry, Marshall enjoys sports, working out, exploring the outdoors, trying new foods while traveling, playing nerdy board games, and finding meaningful ways to connect with people.
Fun Fact: Marshall proudly serves as the church's unofficial Pun Master. At potlucks, his superpower is identifying the dessert you'll want before you even know you want it. As for VeggieTales, he somehow made it all the way to seminary before watching a single episode—and only because his classmates insisted.
For Glenna, one of the most rewarding parts of her role is accompanying the congregation on hymns. She sees hymn-playing not just as a task, but as a meaningful act of worship—and she strives to make it a deeply spiritual experience for the congregation.
While she finds the worship services meaningful and the music ministry deeply fulfilling, what Glenna loves most about the Downtown community is its warmth—a spirit that infuses every part of church life. She feels truly blessed to be part of it.
Outside of church, Glenna enjoys outdoor walks, dinners with friends, singing with the Lexington Singers, and attending musicals and concerts.
Fun Fact: Glenna sees herself in the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho—especially when she’s at the organ console. Small in stature, perhaps, but she’s mighty when it comes to music. She might not bring the walls down, but she just might make the windows shake.
For Barry, First UMC is truly home. She’s grateful for a church that nurtures disciples of all ages and lives out its commitment to being a community of love.
Outside of church, Barry enjoys spending time with her family—her husband Scott, sons William and Robert, daughter-in-law Courtney—especially walking at the beach, watching sports, and photographing family fishing moments.
Fun Fact: Potluck Superpower? Barry is a proud champion for fellow selective eaters at potlucks—look for her by the fruit bowl or chip bag. But if her oven’s on, it’s probably baking chocolate chip cookies.
Background:
With nearly 30 years of experience alongside kids at Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, Children’s Worship, and more, Barry proudly says she’s been taught by the best—our Downtown kids. From them, she’s learned the beauty of clear expressions of faith and compassion, and she’s guided by two simple rules: Be Kind and Be Safe.
Offerings Community Staff
What she loves most about First UMC is the way theology is not only deeply thoughtful but lived out in practical, grace-filled ways throughout the community.
Outside of her pastoral work, Kayla enjoys reading poetry, hiking in beautiful places, and having good conversations—especially if there's a lavender latte involved.
Fun Fact: Kayla’s unofficial title at First UMC is “Donut Fairy.” If you’ve ever enjoyed a donut on Sunday mornings at our High Street Campus, you most likely have Kayla to thank.
Background:
Master of Divinity, Asbury Theological Seminary
Licensed Local Pastor, United Methodist Church
Lay Leadership
In addition to our pastoral team and staff, First UMC is led by an incredible group of laity that give of their time and talents by serving on various committees.
View Full Lay Leadership List