Leadership
Meet our Pastors, Staff, Elders & Deacons
Pastors & Staff
We believe we have one of the brightest, most experienced, innovative, creative, and faith-filled church staff. But you might also be surprised to find foodies, bookworms, art and music lovers of all kinds, hikers, coffee lovers, tea aficionados, and taco experts, just like you. You will always hear laughter and lively conversation spilling out of the offices at 8001 Mesa Drive.
Stop by on Monday - Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm to say hello to the staff.
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Boone McLean • Pastor, Head of Staff
Explorer. Color Coder. Chef Wannabe. Amateur Art critic.
I am an intellectual at heart who pursues knowledge and ideas that have a practical use in fulfilling our call to bring God honor and glory. In other words, with a heart being constantly filled with God’s love, how do we best share that love with our neighbors? That is the guiding question of my life and ministry.
I love to learn all sorts of things: painting, cooking, traveling, theology, history, creative writing, preaching, spiritual practices, names and stories of every one I meet. I love to connect others, to God and to each other. I love to dream big and brainstorm ideas for ministry and discern which idea God wants us to pursue. I love a good story and a good laugh and learning about each of you.
Rev. Dr. Al Krummenacher • Acting Head of Staff during Pastor Elizabeth’s Sabbatical (Sept. 1 - Nov. 30, 2024)
Rev. Dr. Al Krummenacher will be acting head of staff during Pastor Elizabeth’s sabbatical (September 3 - November 30, 2024). Al has served congregations as both an installed pastor and an interim pastor. He has worked at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in their development department and currently works remotely for Austin College’s development department. To reach him, call the church office or email pastor@fpcaustin.org.
Rev. Sarah Crowther-Dixon • Pastor, Faith Formation
COMMUNITY CREATOR. CONCERTS. TRASH TV. CURIOUS. OSU COWBOYS.
I am an extroverted, empathetic human who has been changed across my life by the love of Christ, and I desire the same for everyone around me! I love laughing and being with people and know that we were created for intentional community. I love making friends wherever I am and making sure that people feel included and feel a part of God’s expansive love. I’m also a fan of living in Austin and eating yummy tacos, watching The Bachelorette with friends, and going on walks with loved ones.
I love working with the families of FPCA as we connect to God’s love for us and our neighbors. I’m grateful to be serving children, youth, and all types of families in our desire to connect with one other and God’s love.
David Allen • Director of Worship & Arts
Musician. Traveler. Reader. Gamecock (The real USC).
Creative, energetic, and a bit zany. I manage to be all of those things and keep my feet on the ground and head out of the clouds (mostly). I'm a conductor, singer, hornist, and jack of all trades master of none! I enjoy the collective aspect of worship and music-making and seeing folks reach their full potential. If I am not making music, I am getting lost in a city that I've never been to and talking to the locals or anything that involves moving. I am enthusiastic about meeting each of you and making beautiful music!
Jane Bassett • Director of Church Operations, CBA
Iced chai. Scented candles. Party planner. Board Games & Puzzles.
Unconditional love. A servant heart. Unselfish support. FPCA embodies everything I love about family. I treasure my time with family and love this giant extended church family as my own. This ever-changing congregation has constantly provided this organizer, planner, policy writing, budget-loving, software geek with challenging projects and volunteer support.
Leigh Ann Ballew • First Presbyterian Day School Director
chronic diet coke drinker. Voracious Reader.
When I was a little girl my career goal was to be a babysitter or have 100 children of my own. I am excited I get to come to work every day to see the children's faces as they walk into the day school and hear their stories throughout the day. It is fun being a part of their journey.
I think the physical grounds of FPCA are so inspiring. I love the trees, the labyrinth, the stained glass, the playground, the wildlife, and the trickling waterfall in the courtyard. I love the people who are part of the staff here and who have the most amazing vision of ways to serve the Austin community.
Cecile Shopen • Engagement Coordinator
STAR GAZER. ART THAT SPEAKS. MUSIC THAT PAINTS A PICTURE. PUNS.
I love new places, people and experiences. I’m outgoing and excited to meet the FPCA community and find ways to further engage current and new members in membership, ministry, and mission. While affiliated with nonprofits for a number of years, the church environment is a new working experience for me. I very much look forward to listening and hearing how those in the congregation see themselves and their talents in light of what their church brings to its members and the world beyond.
Chad Gallion • A/V Coordinator
Making Music. Cars and Motorcycles. Blue cheese.
I believe worship is something special that can elevate our spiritual relationship in unbelievable ways. Helping to bring that experience to congregations, whether through sweet guitar solos, musical sound production, engaging video production or online worship access, is something that I take pride and pleasure in...at least when the technology behaves itself.
At FPCA, I've always seen worship as being about connection, welcoming, and honest experiences. As we move into the future, the A/V Team will continually try to capture that experience and make it accessible to all.
Alice Bassett • Communications Coordinator
Everything outdoors. mom of Boys. Family is at my Core.
Creative, conversational, organized. I find my happy place supporting churches and finding better ways to open the conversation about who we are, what’s happening, and where you fit in this loving church family. I’m a Lutheran pastor’s daughter and married the love of my life that I met at Lutheran camp one summer, but I love Presbyterians too!
Becca Thompson • Finance Administrator
READER OF FANTASY AND MYSTERY. TRIATHLETE. HIKER.
I am an accountant. I am Presbyterian. These combined traits and talents bring me to FPCA. I also serve as Treasurer for Shepherd of the Hills and Westminster Presbyterian as well as consult as a CPA with other churches. I recently served in accounting roles for PCHAS (until my husband became President). I am the mom of twins who taught me how to multitask which is a great skill for this Presbyterian accountant!
Bill Collentine • Custodian
Cheesehead. Papa to Many. Pepsi in a styrofoam cup please.
With a servant’s heart, I have served churches in Austin for many decades as the custodial and maintenance expert. I have served Bethany United Methodist, St. David’s Episcopal, St. Matthew’s Episcopal, the Emmaus Catholic Church, and have been working for First Presbyterian Church since 2010. I love church work and especially the people and kids that call this place home.
My wife and I are Papa and Nana to many youth and young adults who have needed parents due to broken homes, juvenile records, and homelessness. One never knows how many will show up to share grace and family time at a Collentine Thanksgiving table and to watch the Packer’s game with this Wisconsin Cheesehead.
Maimy Fong • Pianist
David Stith • Interim Organist
Elders
The board of elected elders serve a 3-year term as an FPCA leader to provide strategic management, fiduciary and policy oversight, and program leadership of the church.
Mark Barnett
Sabbatical Planning
Elder Class of 2025
Riley Bowling
Worship, Music & Arts
Elder Class of 2025
Sandra Curran
Worship, Music & Arts
Elder Class of 2026
Stan Farnsworth
Treasurer
Communications
Elder Class of 2025
Julia Graves
Faith Formation Children/Youth
Elder Class of 2026
Jana Harrison
Cong. Nominating Comm.
175th Planning
Elder Class of 2026
Karen Kelly
Clerk
Human Resources
Elder Class of 2027
Howard Lindemann
Faith Formation Adults
Elder Class of 2026
Sarah Newton
Engagement
Day School Board
Elder Class of 2027
Mark Reddert
Facilities
Adult Education
Elder Class of 2025
Jamie Shepard
Engagement
175th Planning
Elder Class of 2025
Gregory Wysocki
Finance
Elder Class of 2027
Scott Yarborough
Human Resources
Elder Class of 2026
Deacons
Deacons are elected for a 3-year term to serve the congregation and community with compassion and care.
One of the benefits of being a part of a church community is having support and encouragement through life's ups and downs. Deacon Ministers are organized both by parish and by team to ensure our community is cared for effectively. Below is a list of the Deacons organized by team, including support and pastoral care, life milestones, and caring for our greater community.
Your church is here for you—to pray for you, care for you, and walk alongside you during times of sickness, sadness, and loss. We're also here to celebrate with you during times of triumph, wondrous milestones, joyous life events, and more. We don't always know when you need support, so please never be shy about letting us know when you do!
Support & Pastoral Care
Our Pastoral Care Team checks in weekly to reach out to members based on the Prayers of the People, new members and worship attendance lists. They create meal trains for those who need them, write cards, and provide visitation to the sick, hospitalized, homebound, or anyone who needs a caring touch.
Pastor Elizabeth Boone McLean
Prayer List & Pastoral Care
Jake Farrar
Meal Train
Gini Maddox
Pastor Sarah Crowther-Dixon
Deacons & Pastoral Care
Nadine Raley
Homebound Communion
Debbie Schulz
Colleen Gallion
Deacon Moderator
Laurel Lacy
Steven Schulz
Member Milestones
Our Member Milestones Team celebrates and supports members during life milestones such as birth, baptism, confirmation, graduation, weddings, and memorial services.
Rebecca Buckalew-Leary
Anne Sterrett
Hands-On Service & Community Support
Our Hands-on Service & Community Support Team seeks to address the needs of the greater community through the hands and feet of our church community. They oversee three hands-on service opportunities for the congregation each year. They coordinate Food on the First, Christmas PCHAS Giving Tree, Good Samaritan Fund, and PCUSA special offerings. This team works to match the gifts of our church with the needs of the greater community, including providing building space for community groups. They are also prepared to implement an extreme weather emergency response to care for members and the greater community if needed.
Jake Crowther-Dixon
Zach Files
Karen Golden
Eric Graves