WHITE MEMORIAL - Key Persons
Andrew Amodei joined White Memorial Presbyterian Church in October 2018. He is responsible for providing support to White Memorial personnel committee, finance committee, administration committee, the Foundation, and various ad-hoc teams as the church requires.
Andrew has served in churches and nonprofits for over twenty years. He has filled the roles of Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Vice President of Philanthropy while also serving on various nonprofit and university boards.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Communications
Andrew Walker is a graduate of Indiana University where he earned a degree in Media Production and a minor in English Rhetoric. Andrew will be assisting with live streaming capabilities of White Memorial, as well as other marketing and communications related tasks.
Job Titles:
- Associate Pastor for Small Groups & Young Adults
Anne was baptized, raised, and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Statesville. She studied social work at Appalachian State University and attended Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Anne was the Pastoral Resident at White Memorial from July 2020 through June 2023, and is currently the Associate Pastor For Small Groups & Young Adults.
Anne is married to her high school sweetheart Aaron, who works in public accounting. She is happiest being outdoors or when busy in the kitchen, gathering people around a crowded table. Anne is passionate about creating a community of support and belonging for all of God's people, one where folks can learn and grow their faith in new ways.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Youth Ministry
Bailey is a lifelong Presbyterian, born and raised in Greensboro, NC. Bailey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interfaith Studies from Queens University of Charlotte. Prior to joining the WMPC staff, Bailey served as the Director of Christian Education at Rocky River Presbyterian Church. She also served as an intern at First Presbyterian Charlotte, Caldwell Presbyterian, and CROSS Missions. In her free time, Bailey enjoys spending time outside, trying new restaurants, and exploring new ways to sustain sabbath practices.
Job Titles:
- Publications and AV Coordinator
Bec assists with the production of various print materials as well as supporting the AV needs of the church. Additionally she will assist with various other aspects of communications for the church.
Betty works part-time in the finance office maintaining computer records for contributions and other receivables.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of the Weekday School
Blair joined the staff as the Weekday School Assistant Director in August of 2018, but she has been a church member since 2011. Blair works to provide a loving environment for all children where everyone feels safe to grow and learn.
Blair has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from East Carolina University and a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support from UNC - Chapel Hill. Before joining the staff at White Memorial, Blair worked in Wake County Public Schools for fifteen years teaching various ages from preschool through fifth grade.
Blair is married to Wes Miller and they have two boys, Warren and Drew. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading, and hiking. Though she doesn't do it often enough, her favorite past time involves being on the water, either on a paddle board or in a kayak.
Job Titles:
- Weekday School Office Manager
Bridget provides administrative support for the Weekday School.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant for Youth Ministry
Camille supports the Youth Ministry programs at White Memorial, including Middle School, High School and Confirmation.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant for Congregational Care
Caroline serves as Coordinator for Pastoral Care, working with the congregational care pastors as well as the member-to-member, prayer and healthcare initiatives, and Stephen Ministry.
Contact Caroline Parker via email Call Caroline Parker at 919-834-3425, ext. 210
Job Titles:
- Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care
Job Titles:
- Associate Pastor for Family Ministry
Chip began his ministry with White Memorial in April 2014. He has primary responsibility for the middle school and high school youth ministries and their families. Chip is excited about building relationships with these youth and parents, along with all members of the WMPC church family, walking alongside them in their faith journeys, and assisting them in discovering who and what God is calling them to be and do as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Chip earned an Associate Christian Educator Certificate from the PC(USA) and holds a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary. He has two daughters, Celia and Lily. Chip enjoys being outdoors, hanging out at the local coffee shop, and is a big Auburn sports fan.
Job Titles:
- Pastor
- Pastor, Head of Staff
Edmonston began ministry at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in 2011. His primary responsibilities are preaching, teaching, staff development, long term planning and fundraising. Christopher has moderated Presbytery Committees, and has served on the Montreat Retreat Association Board. He is a past President of the Board of the Presbyterian Outlook. He currently serves as the Chair of the Union Presbyterian Seminary Board. He is also a member of the Board of Pensions, PC(USA). He is a contributor to Feasting on the Gospels and is a former member of the national strategy team NEXT Church, a renewal movement within the Presbyterian Church (USA). He was recognized as a William Friday Fellow (2011-13). In 2018 he received an Associated Church Press Award of Excellence for an article entitled, "Pastoring a Purple Church." Christopher is a graduate of Davidson College, Union Presbyterian Seminary (Master of Divinity), and Columbia Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry). A contributor to blogs and publications such as the Presbyterian Outlook, Duke Divinity School's Faith and Leadership Blog, Walter Magazine, and the NEXT Church Blog, he has preached and taught in many parts of the country. He frequently leads church retreats, delivers lectures, and lends his voice to conferences as a preacher, keynoter, or workshop leader.
He is married to Colleen Camaione-Edmonston, a graduate of Davidson College and the University of Virginia, who is an accomplished 7th grade grammar, literature, and writing teacher at St. Timothy's School in Raleigh. They have three children, Patrick, Gabriel, and Amelia, who attend Appalachian State University, Davidson College, and St. Mary's School.
Claire joined the staff in August of 2023 and provides leadership within the context of the community of faith to encourage responsible stewardship of church resources. She provides administrative leadership, structure and support for staff, committees and members, and manages church processes to most effectively advance the work of the church.
Claire and her spouse David have three young adult children and she enjoys cooking, boating, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Director of Weekday School
Cynthia joined the staff as Weekday School Director in 2014. She is a former Weekday School student, teacher, and parent and longtime church member. Cynthia loves having the opportunity to provide a safe, nurturing environment for all the children as they learn about themselves and God's love.
Cynthia has Masters of Education degrees in Literacy Studies and Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support from UNC - Chapel Hill. She was a teacher for many years before becoming the Director at the Weekday School.
Cynthia is married to Ward Baggett and has four children - Carlee, Wyatt, Laura Lilly, and Bo - and two grandchildren, Winnie and Lilly Rose. In her free time, she enjoys reading, craft projects, playing with her children and grandchildren, and taking care of her many animals. Her dream day would include the beach, a book, and a forbidden Coke!
David is responsible for a wide variety of custodial and maintenance duties.
Job Titles:
- Director of Food Services
Debra meets with staff and church members to plan meal events, plans menus, procures food and supplies, develops new recipes, manages kitchen finances and supervises all food production.
Contact Elizabeth Viohl via email Call Elizabeth Viohl at 919-834-3425, ext. 206
Elizabeth handles new member inquiries and facilitates the new member class called Believing & Belonging @WMPC. Elizabeth also maintains the church membership records, prepares a monthly statistical report for the Session, and serves as a resource for linking members with ministry needs and volunteer opportunities. Additionally, Elizabeth supports all stewardship initiatives and the WMPC Foundation.
Elizabeth joined White Memorial in 1992 and has been a staff member since October 2006.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Music and Worship Arts
Eric Nanz joined the WMPC staff as Associate Director of Music and Worship Arts in September of 2020.
Eric is an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, worship leader and songwriter. He holds a degree in music from James Madison University and has been playing music for over 20 years. He enjoys leading music for worship, conferences, camps, youth rallies and retreats. Eric's hobbies include spending time with family, cross training and driving around in his 1967 Camaro. Eric relocated to Raleigh with his wife Alana, daughter Amelia, and Bernedoodle Zoe from Fort Myers, Florida, where Eric served as Director of Youth Ministry at Covenant Presbyterian Church for 7 years. Eric currently directs the OnPoint Worship Band, Youth Worship Band, and serves as the staff liaison to the Liturgical Arts Guild. He also interfaces with the broader music ministry of the church by collaborating with other ensembles and age groups, assisting in midweek services, and other programs at WMPC.
Job Titles:
- Director of Youth Ministry
Contact Genevieve Brooks via email Call Genevieve Brooks at 919-834-3425, ext. 237
Genevieve Brooks is the Director of Youth Ministry who's on a mission to make every Sunday a fun-day and infuse youth programs with joy! With extensive experience coordinating summer camps and launching a Young Life program in Craven County, Genevieve brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. She started at White Memorial as the Director of Middle School Ministry and after three years she accepted the call to be Youth Director. She's the ringleader behind all of our youth programs, from retreats to mission trips, and everything in between. When she's not busy leading the charge, Genevieve loves to sip on coffee, sail the open seas with her husband, Alex, and dance to the Bluey theme song with her toddlers.
Job Titles:
- Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Adult Faith Formation
In her role as Associate Pastor for Discipleship and Adult Faith Formation, Grier is primarily responsible for nurturing, guiding and resourcing the various fellowship and prayer groups of the church, for offering worship leadership at the 10:45 a.m. OnPoint@1704 service, and for helping interested visitors and new members to connect with this community and find their home at White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Grier is excited about leading and sharing in ministry which is both relational and transformational.
Grier is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and of Princeton Theological Seminary. She has been published in PAUSE, a collection of 52 weeks of devotions from the popular devotional site d365.org, and has written curriculum and has served in various leadership positions for the Montreat Youth Conferences and the Presbyterian Youth Triennium.
Grier has a son, Olsen and in her free time, you will find her running trails, practicing yoga or keeping up on Tar Heel athletics.
Job Titles:
- Health Ministry Coordinator
Heather began her role as Health Ministry Coordinator in June 2023. She says this "dream job" combines all of her professional and personal experiences, skills, and interests, while supporting the priorities of White Memorial Presbyterian Church. Between her work experience and volunteer roles at church and in the community, Heather has developed valuable connections for resources, referrals, and program speakers, which she looks forward to sharing with the WMPC community. Heather appreciates the opportunity to make an impact to better connect the spiritual, mental and physical wellness of the church members and the community in this role.
Heather has a Masters Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from UNC-Chapel Hill. She has worked as a rehab speech-language pathologist in many settings, served as a Rehab Services Director of a sub-acute rehab and long term care facility, member of development committees for non-profits, and as a non-profit group leader. As a member of the WMPC congregation for 24 years, Heather has served in leadership roles in Presbyterian Women, Stephen Ministry, as Church School teacher, Church School Superintendent, and as a Deacon.
In her spare time Heather enjoys running and fitness activities, hiking, skiing, and going to the beach. She loves traveling with her husband Ed, and spending time with their two grown children and their spouses, and with extended family.
Job Titles:
- Director of Young Children 's Ministry
Contact Jennifer Eastman via email Call Jennifer Eastman at 919-834-3425, ext. 212
Jennifer Eastman joined the staff as the Director of Young Children's Ministry in May 2021. Jennifer has been on staff at White Memorial since August 2018, where she previously served as the Administrative Assistant for Faith Formation. Since joining the church in 2005, she has volunteered in the children's ministry as a Vacation Bible School Director, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Sunday School Coordinator, and Sunday School Teacher.
Jennifer holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For many years, Jennifer worked in the financial industry in the Learning and Development area as both a facilitator and instructional designer. Her love for children, combined with previous work experience in curriculum design, and knowledge of the life and ministry of WMPC led to her calling in children's ministry. Jennifer supports ministry for young children ages kindergarten and below.
Jennifer lives in Raleigh with her husband, Stephen and their two children, Stephen III and Lindsay. She enjoys reading, spending time with her friends and family and watching her children participate in their extracurricular activities.
Jim has had the joy of providing pastoral care at White Memorial as a Parish Associate for the past 5 years. A graduate of the College of William and Mary, the Presbyterian School of Christian Education and Union Theological Seminary in Richmond (D. Min.), Jim has served pastorates in Japan, Virginia, and Wake County where he retired from a local church in 2015.
Jim loves to listen and to care for others. His is a ministry of presence. Primary responsibilities at White Memorial include resourcing the Keenagers seniors group, helping lead our Cancer Companions Support Group and numerous other workshops and pastoral support opportunities. During this Covid time Jim has spent much time and energy reaching out to those at home letting them know that they are not forgotten and that their church is still very much here for them.
Jody has been at White Memorial since 1995. She has primary responsibility for maintaining and tracking the church finances, including member pledges and donations, as well as church expenditures and investments.
Jody is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a major in Business Management. She is married to Rick and has two adult children: David and Christie. In her free time, Jody enjoys reading, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Facilities Maintenance Manager
Jon is responsible for the management and maintenance of all church facilities, coordinating grounds upkeep and supervising the custodial staff.
Judy Yates Siker is an ordained PCUSA minister and recently retired professor of New Testament. As a part-time Parish Associate her primary responsibilities are in the area of pastoral care (visiting members, sharing in hospital and crisis care visitation, serving home communion, etc) and leadership in planning, organizing and directing spiritual programs at WMPC. Along with the other pastors, Judy will share responsibilities for leading worship, teaching, conducting weddings, funerals and special services as requested.
In addition to teaching New Testament and Christian Origins for many years at both the university and seminary levels, most recently at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles, California and San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS) in northern California (where she served as Vice President), she has spent much time teaching, preaching and leading spiritual retreats throughout California and across the United States. Dr. Siker has publications geared both to the academy and the church. Her most recent publication, Who Is Jesus? What a Difference a Lens Makes, was the 2016-2017 Bible Study for Presbyterian Women across the US.
Judy is married to Jeffrey Siker who is also recently retired from LMU and they have five children and three grandchildren. The Sikers have recently moved to Raleigh, NC where, in addition to enjoying the delights of retirement, Judy currently serves as a National Consultant for the Theological Education Fund for PCUSA.
Job Titles:
- Production Specialist
- Videographer / Production Specialist
Karen is responsible for videography, photography and assisting with various aspects of communications for the church.
Karen has been a member of White Memorial since 1986. She is married to Steve. In her free time, Karen enjoys reading, photography, weaving and spending time with her family.
Contact Karl Zinsmeister via email Call Karl Zinsmeister at 919-834-3425, ext. 211
Karl was appointed Director of Music for White Memorial in 2007. In his role, Karl coordinates a talented team of full and part-time music ministry colleagues. Together they provide worship music leadership for the church's four weekly services, seasonal worship, weddings and WTRs. Karl participates in worship planning, choral and instrumental ensemble rehearsals, and service playing. He is a staff representative to the Worship Committee and initiated a 75th Anniversary Anthem Commissioning committee for the 2021-22 celebration of WMPC.
Previously, Karl held similar posts for churches in Cincinnati, Ohio; Greenwood, Mississippi; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky. He has also served as an Instructor and a Conductor of Handbell Choirs for the faculties of Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey; St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN; and Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN. In addition to serving churches at the local level, Karl has participated in worship and theology committees at the Presbytery level and as a national board member for Presbyterian Association of Musicians. Karl loves the opportunity to combine interests in music, teaching, creative arts, nurture, and worship which results in ministry through music. He holds B.M. and M.M. degrees in church music from St. Olaf College and Westminster Choir College, respectively; and a D.A. in music education, choral emphasis from the University of Mississippi at Oxford.
Kathy has worked in the communications world for 20+ years, spending time as Creative Director for a global advertising agency and managing her own graphic design firm.
Job Titles:
- Director of Children 's and Youth Music
Kelly Gold joined the staff as the Director of Children's and Youth Music in June of 2019. Kelly has been a member of White Memorial since 2010 and has been actively involved as a choir member, Sunday School and VBS music leader and accompanist, and a former member of the Diaconate. She began directing what began as the WMPC Middle School Choir in 2012 as a volunteer. This group expanded to include high school students in 2014 and became the WMPC Youth Choir. This group has continued to grow under her leadership, with youth regularly offering anthems for Sunday morning worship and most recently offering a concert for the church and greater community.
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from East Carolina University. She completed her Music K-12 Teaching Licensure at Campbell University and worked in North Carolina Public Schools as a General Music, Chorus, Theater Arts, and Musical Theater teacher for seven years. She has also worked as a private vocal coach, providing instruction for students preparing for collegiate and theatrical auditions. She is a member of the American Choral Directors' Association, the North Carolina Music Educators' Association, and the Presbyterian Association of Musicians.
Kelly lives in Raleigh with her husband, Jason and their two children, Wyatt and Eva. She enjoys sunshine, walking the family dogs, listening to an array of musical styles, and cheering on her children in their extracurricular activities.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Music
Contact Kirsten Homdrom via email Call Kirsten Homdrom at 919-834-3425, ext. 223
Kirsten joined the White Memorial staff in May 2015. As Associate Director of Music, Kirsten shares responsibility for the music ministry along with the Director of Music. In addition to playing both the piano and organ during worship, Kirsten directs choral and instrumental ensembles, and accompanies a variety of soloists and groups.
Previously, Kirsten served churches in Indiana and Ohio in both organist and director of music roles. Kirsten has also taught piano and organ to students of all ages, and has performed both in the United States and abroad. She has a passion for ministering to people by sharing God's gift of music in fellowship and faith. Kirsten holds a B.M. in piano performance from Baldwin-Wallace University Conservatory of Music, and a M.M. and D.M.A. in piano performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
Lee Hunter was born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina. Lee attended Davidson College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2018 with a B.A. in History and a minor in French and Francophone Studies. After college, she took a position with the Davidson College Advising Corps as a college advisor in a high school just north of Statesville, NC. During that time, Lee married her wonderful college sweetheart, Joshua, who hails from Ghana.
After her position as a college advisor ended, Lee decided to pursue an M.Div at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond. Lee graduated from Union in May 2023 and moved to Raleigh to begin her residency at White Memorial.
In her free time, Lee likes to spend time with Joshua, watching movies, and exploring new places in the city. She also likes to craft, do puzzles, and watch PBS.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant for Faith Formation & Small Group Ministry
Leigh Ann provides administrative support Faith Formation, and Small Group Ministry.
Leigh Ann is originally from Savannah, GA. She loves anything that is crafty or artistic, and she loves to spend time with her husband, son, and two dogs.
Job Titles:
- Director of Community Engagement
Contact Linda Nunnallee via email Call Linda Nunnallee at 919-834-3425, ext. 203
Linda began her role as Director of Community Engagement in July 2023. This position allows her to merge more than 20 years of experience in Wake County's nonprofit sector and her love of White Memorial Presbyterian Church where she has been a member for more than 40 years.
Linda has made numerous contributions to Wake County's nonprofit landscape in volunteer and professional roles. As a member of the Junior League of Raleigh, she served as the group's president and participated in the leadership team that founded SAFEchild, the county's only child abuse prevention agency providing direct services to families. She went on to serve as the SAFEchild Development Director. Before joining the staff at White Memorial, Linda served as Executive Director at StepUp Ministry, which provides opportunities for employment and life skills development to adults and children. StepUp was founded in 1988 by members of White Memorial and has since grown to include offices in Durham, Wilmington and Greensboro. Additionally, Linda has served on many Wake County and Statewide Boards of Directors in leadership positions including NC Symphony; Triangle Ad Federation; Ravenscroft School Board of Trustees; NC Governor appointment to the State Reentry Council; Campbell Law School Community Clinic Advisory Board and as a Deacon and Elder at White Memorial. She was humbled to be named the NC Governor's Volunteer of the Year and Woman of the Year by the Triangle Community Foundation.
Linda received her Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Florida State University and her Certificate in Performance Measurement for Nonprofit Organizations from Harvard Kennedy School.
A native of Mount Dora, Florida, Linda is a proud mom of a grown son and daughter. In her spare time, Linda enjoys golf, long walks, time with friends, and any sporting event where Florida State is a participant!
Job Titles:
- Pastoral Executive Assistant
Lisa is the pastoral executive assistant to Christopher Edmonston. She schedules all baptisms, weddings, and coordinates the details of Witness to the Resurrection. Additionally, she compiles information for meetings of Session, Diaconate, Officer Training and the church-wide Nominating Committee.
Liz McKee joined the White Memorial staff, as Director of Development and Stewardship, in April of 2021. In conjunction with the Generosity Committee, Liz will lead our congregational culture of faithful generosity.
Liz brings an extensive background in strategic stewardship planning and implementation to this role. Liz holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and a graduate degree from Birmingham Southern College. She is married to Barry McKee and has two college-age children, Margaret, and Ben. Liz loves spending time with her family, friends and her rescue pup, Millie.
Job Titles:
- Director of Elementary Ministry
Contact Lynn Springfield via email Call Lynn Springfield at 919-834-3425, ext. 232
Lynn was called to the part-time position of Director of Elementary Ministry in September 1995. She holds a B.A. from Wake Forest University and a M.Ed. from the University of Georgia, both in Education. She also holds certification in teaching learning disabled children and academically gifted children. Before joining the staff, she volunteered at WMPC as a Sunday School Teacher, Nursery Coordinator, Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Circle Leader.
The major way that Lynn encourages the faith development of children is by planning and resourcing Rotation Stations Sunday School for grades 1 - 5. She also serves as the staff support for Vacation Bible School and events sponsored by the Families with Young Children Committee. Her favorite way of interacting with our church's children is at Movie Nights and skating with them (57 skating parties and counting).
Lynn and Mark enjoy spending time with their three adult children - Jonathan, Anna, and Matthew - and their spouses/significant others - AND their granddaughter, Romy. Lynn has fun dancing regularly in a senior women's dance troupe, as well as weekly walks with her friends. Her favorite get-away is snow-skiing with her family.
Job Titles:
- Receptionist
- Receptionist / Administrative Assistant for Outreach and Music
Mariel serves as receptionist for part of the week and provides administrative support for Outreach and Music Ministry.