2023 Officers

Gary was born in Roanoke, VA and was raised in the Presbyterian Church with his parents and grandparents. He graduated from William and Mary, Marshall Wythe School of Law, and is on the Board of Directors for the University Library System. He and his wife Christi, who is trying to retire, are both licensed attorneys. Since 1980, Gary has been the president of his family’s materials wholesale business. Gary has been active in church life by serving two terms as Deacon, two years as the co-chair of the Stewardship Committee, and four years as chairman of Property. He oversaw the redo of the kitchen and the building of the staff kitchen.

Eone comes from a long line of Presbyterians, dating back to at least 1745. She was raised in the Senatobia Presbyterian Church congregation of the Presbytery of St. Andrew in Mississippi, and graduated from public high school, the University of Mississippi and Washington & Lee. She has been an active, dedicated member of FPC since 1995, and has served in many different capacities. Eone's three sons attended FPC Preschool and are now enrolled at the College of William & Mary and the University of Virginia, making their mother an unenthusiastic empty nester. She is a civil defense litigator and enjoys listening to audiobooks and following college sports. Eone agrees with Mark Twain that travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. She is humbled and grateful to be chosen to serve as Elder.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Virginia School of Law, Kathy recently retired after 33+ years of state employment (preceded by a handful of years in private practice in New York and Virginia) in both the legislative and executive branches (education law). Raised in the Baptist church, Kathy came to First Presbyterian Church in the late 1980s, upon returning to her native Richmond. She is grateful for all the FPC communities that have welcomed and blessed her through the years, whether the Chancel Choir and worship band, DISCIPLE and small group studies, confirmands, Belarus missions, or Young Adults ministry. She loves singing, painting, exploring Scripture, traveling, and cheering Tar Heel basketball.

I was born and raised in Richmond. My parents, John and Leila Haw, were long-time members of First Presbyterian Church. Dr. Jim Jones taught my confirmation class at FPC and Dr. Jack Sadler presided at Cynthia’s and my wedding. We have two children - Charles and Claiborne. They were baptized at FPC and have grown up in the church. Cynthia served as moderator of Presbyterian Women a few years ago and I currently serve on the Planned Giving Committee. I work in the commercial real estate industry with Capital Square. Previously, I spent 15 years in health care administration at the VCU Medical Center. Prior to that, I was an account executive at an advertising agency in North Carolina. While living in NC, I earned an MBA at Duke University. I began my career working in administration at my alma mater, Hampden-Sydney College.

I began attending FPC during the pandemic and joined in February 2022. You will often find me at the Welcome Center talking to visitors on Sundays. I grew up in Little Rock, AR where I was a member of Second Presbyterian Church. I studied Accounting at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and later obtained my Master’s Degree in Accounting at William & Mary. I then moved to Richmond and had a 16-year career at KPMG LLP as a Senior Manager in the Audit Practice where I audited large companies across Virginia. I spent four years in Dallas where I led the support efforts for a software deployment to the US firm. I left my career in Accounting to research a collection of 19th century women’s papers held at William & Mary’s Swem Library. I’m often in Loudoun County (where these women were from) working on this research and making presentations to the public. My civic engagement includes serving on the Mason Accounting Programs Board at William & Mary, the William Dillard Accounting Board at the University of Arkansas, mentoring college students in Future Women Business Leaders, speaking on college campuses, and volunteering with the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area. Since joining FPC, my involvement has included the Membership Committee, an usher team, RISC, and I’m a Hospitality Helper. I look forward to meeting more of you and am deeply honored for the opportunity to serve this church.

First Presbyterian Church has been an important place in my life since 1998 when my husband, Jack and I moved back to Richmond. I have been actively involved in the church since then and have served in multiple capacities. All four of our children, Anna, Eliza, John, and Marlo were Baptized and Confirmed at First Presbyterian and attended FPC Preschool. I have served on the Preschool Board (Chairman), the youth council, APNC, Circle 3 and have taught many Sunday school classes. In 2002, I was part of a medical mission to our sister church in Bluefields, Nicaragua. Over the last year, I’ve enjoyed being a part of the centering prayer group. For the past 28 years, I have worked as a family doctor and in my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, reading, walking our two wonderful dogs, and spending time with friends.

My husband, Michael, and I joined FPC in 2000 with our children Jack and Emily. I have been an active member since joining and have served on many committees such as chairing the Usher Guild (at one time), leading Team 5 as an Usher Captain, serving as a Deacon, an Elder, and now a Deacon again. In the summers I spend time at my other favorite place - The Chesapeake Bay with my family, friends, and dogs.

I was born and raised in Richmond and grew up right around the corner from First Presbyterian Church. I graduated from St. Catherine’s School and later from the University of Alabama with a degree in education. I have been a lifelong member of the church and my parents, Blanche and Peter Toms, and sister, Liz Toms, are also long-standing members. My two children, Sophie and Henry, were baptized at First Presbyterian Church and have loved growing up in our church, with the wonderful sense of family, warm fellowship, and exposure to the rich spiritual development that our church has provided. I enjoyed volunteering at Vacation Bible School in the summers and teaching Sunday school when Sophie and Henry were young. I have participated in adult Sunday school classes in the past and value small group Bible studies as well. I am a teacher at Collegiate School and, during my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, exercising, cooking, and going to the beach.

I’ve been a member of FPC since I was a child, and am so fortunate to have grown up in such a nurturing community. After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2019, I returned to Richmond to work at Allianz Partners in Human Resources. In 2022, I joined the Stewardship and Communication committees at FPC. I’m so excited for the opportunity to continue giving back to the congregation that has already given so much to me.

Thanks be to God! I am so happy to be joining the diaconate in 2023. I pray as I begin this journey for God's blessing as I look forward to sharing my love and service to Our Lord and Savior at FPC. I met my wife, Carol, while attending college. We are gifted with three adult children and four grandchildren. I served previously as a Deacon at Norton Presbyterian Church in Norton and both Deacon and Elder at Salem Presbyterian Church in Salem, Virginia. After retiring from the pharmaceutical industry, and Carol from teaching; we have spent lots of family time reading and staying connected with FPC. Finding FPC and joining in 2014 has been the most definitive event in our lives since retirement. Serving as a deacon will allow me to give back to FPC with my time and devotion.

I grew up in Arkansas and Illinois and both of my parents were actively involved with church committees and choir. I moved to Richmond in 2002 and for several years didn't really have a church home here. That changed when I met Heather who was already active at FPC. We got married in 2008 and I joined FPC later that year. I was "drafted" into the Chancel Choir in 2010 and have been part of the choir family ever since. When Wilson Kennedy was interning at FPC, I served on a small committee to provide support and help nurture his growth in ministry. Outside of church, I'm an avid golfer and movie buff. During COVID, Heather and I welcomed a new family member to our home: Brodie, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who keeps us on our toes.

I was six when my family moved to Richmond from Washington DC. My parents searched for a new church for us. Dad had just retired from the US Marine Band, mom was also a musician, and both knew an active music program was one of their priorities. They decided that First Presbyterian was a perfect fit for our family. It certainly was. Dad eventually became an Elder, and Mom was the alto soloist for years. Growing up, I was involved in Youth Fellowship and Youth Choir. As an adult, I’ve taught Sunday School, was in a wonderful Disciple group for years, became a Stephen Minister, served two terms as Deacon, served on several committees, and I’ve been in Chancel Choir on and off for decades. This church has given a lot back to me. I’ve been the recipient of wonderful support from this church throughout the decades. I grew up, and still live, in beautiful Bon Air. I graduated in 1979 from the University of Richmond (Go Spiders!) with a degree in education. My husband of 36 years, Tom, also a UR grad, is an avid golfer. We have a wonderful daughter, Hayley, who is also very involved at FPC. Our two rescue dogs-an elderly beagle and a lab/greyhound mix found as a puppy in Puerto Rico-complete our family. I taught 3rd and 4th grade in Chesterfield County for 28 years, breaking for a few years in between to stay home after Hayley was born. I retired in 2019, but love working as a substitute teacher several days a week. I enjoy traveling, watching sports, walking, jigsaw puzzles, reading, gardening, and spending time with friends and family.

I am a lifelong Presbyterian. I grew up in First Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC where you could find me in the third pew pulpit side almost every Sunday (hence my being a balcony person as an adult)! I attended William and Mary and met my husband, Steve, at Williamsburg Presbyterian. We joined FPC Richmond almost 30 years ago and have been blessed by the many wonderful people we have worshiped and served with as we have raised our three children, Cecelia, John Philip, and Zoë, in the church. I have been an usher, a Sunday school teacher, a deacon, and a choir mom. I have served on the nominating, service, and worship committees. I was chair of the youth council. I have been active in Presbyterian Women as a member of circles and on the coordinating council. I have grown my faith and learned from participation in Disciple, Alpha, and numerous small group studies. One of my joys has been to travel to Montreat as a chaperone for the youth and cook for them each summer. I enjoy cycling, reading, and walking our golden retriever, Allie.

My husband Rich and I joined FPC after we moved to Richmond in 1988. I have been involved with Presbyterian Women, Circle 8, Covenant Class, Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School tutoring, as well as the clean water program in Haiti. I have also served on the stewardship and adult education committees. Centering prayer has been an important part of my spiritual life. Our two grown daughters live in D.C. and near Boston. We have five grandchildren, two of whom are students at the University of Richmond. I love listening to sacred and classical music in church or on YouTube. I’m a retired French teacher and I enjoy watching French movies with my husband, reading and discussing French novels with Francophile and francophone friends, cooking French food, and traveling to Paris and the south of France. In the summer I enjoy growing zinnias.

I moved to the Richmond area over 45 years ago. We settled in Brandermill and I was a founding member of the Brandermill Church supported by the Presbyterian and Methodist churches. I also served as a deacon during my tenure there. We eventually moved to the West End of Richmond where I joined FPC. I became a member in no small part due to my dear friend and co-grandparent Phyllis Galanti. I have 2 daughters (Amanda and her family are members of FPC) who reside in RVA. Between my 2 daughters and sons-in-law, I have 5 much-loved grandchildren. Over the course of my time in Richmond, I have taught History in Middle School for 5 years, was a legislative assistant for a delegate in the Virginia General Assembly for over 10 years, and dabbled in real estate for a time. I enjoy travel and am working on going everywhere at least once. I like to play golf, bike, and hike in the mountains, and am trying to become a passable bridge player. I look forward to serving my second term as a deacon at FPC!

I grew up in Anniston, Alabama. I attended First Presbyterian Church, and the youth group was a huge part of my middle and high school years. I attended Presbyterian College in South Carolina where I got my BA in Elementary Education. My husband, Mark, and I got married after living in Colorado for a few years and moved to Richmond, VA. We have lived here for the past 23 years. I worked at River Road Baptist Preschool for 13 years. A few years ago I started my own interior design company. Mark and I have three children, Connor (19), Elise (17), and George (17). We joined First Presbyterian in 2015. I enjoy tennis and working in my yard.

I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and studied music at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). I received my Bachelor of Music degree from the University of West Georgia and held Director of Music positions at several Presbyterian churches in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1985, we moved to Richmond for my late husband to be Vice-Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. I have two amazing children; Heather Smith Cooper who is an Elder at FPC, and Matthew Smith who lives in Atlanta. I also have the best son-in-law, Matt Cooper. The music program is what drew me to FPC! Heather had been in the Chancel Choir for several years before I joined, so I knew the quality and felt a strong match with the repertoire. After retiring from my empty nest career in college textbook publishing, I became involved with Presbyterian Women. I have served as Program chair for two years and also as Co-chair of Circle 4. I treasure both my Choir family and my Circle 4 family at FPC. Both have provided so much joy, support, and growth for my Christian journey. In my spare time, I enjoy my Book Club, activities with neighbors, sewing, and playing with my Westie, Paisley.

My parents and I moved to Richmond from Jacksonville, FL when I was 5. I joined FPC when I was in college. My husband, Pete, and I were married at FPC in 1979. My studies at JMU lead me to a job as a speech pathologist in the public school system. After many years, I switched gears and moved into the non-profit sector. I retired from the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in 2011, where I was the manager of the membership office. Over the years, I have been active in several of Presbyterian Women’s circles at FPC. I currently participate in Amy’s Bible Study and Women on Zoom. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with Pete, gardening, reading, doing needlepoint, and cooking.

My wife, Jenny, our son Winston and I have been members of First Presbyterian Church for more than fifteen years. Over these years our son has stood out as an entertaining participant in many plays and musical performances while I stood out as one of the younger members of the always engaging Covenant Class. Growing up in a Christian family showed me early on the importance of the church family. Helping as an usher, assisting as a bus ambassador, and serving as a Deacon at FPC have introduced me to so many wonderful people that make our church such a special place. While always engaged in many activities and services, I try to keep golf on Saturdays or Sunday afternoons as I value the time with my FPC family.

I have been a member of First Presbyterian for 50 years, and raised my two girls in the church. Over the years I have served on many committees and have been a deacon and elder. One of my favorite tasks at FPC was to help organize and staff the 5:30pm Sunday vesper service that used to take place in the chapel. It was a quiet and meaningful short service every week. Other tasks over the years have included building Habitat houses, mentoring at Henry Marsh Elementary School, and serving lunches at Second Presbyterian Church. First Presbyterian is truly my church family, and I am grateful every week when I see and hear what our amazing staff does for us to help our faith grow! I am the mother of two wonderful young women and grandmother to five girls! I play tennis and bridge and play AT golf, and I love to travel.

I have been a member of FPC for the last 52 years, I have served on countless committees and served two terms as a Deacon followed by one term as an Elder. For the last 16 or so years (I have lost count), I have been and continue to lead PW’s Circle 8. In addition, I sing in the Chancel Choir and am always grateful to stand next to a strong soprano. After losing my husband of 55 years in Jan 2020, a non-FPC volunteer activity turned into a part-time job - Coming to the Table-RVA (now Coming Together Virginia) - which is challenging and rewarding at the same time. I have met so many wonderful people from all over town that I would not met had I not had this opportunity. Thank you Martha Rollins for asking me to come to work. I have two children - Kim (Richmond) and Bryan (Chicago) - and 3 granddoodles - Clarke, Callie & Chappy - who make their presence known in the Fan. They love to stretch their vocal cords too. My house is easy to spot since it is painted with LOVE thanks to Sunny Goode and her amazing mural. Stop by for a selfie.

I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in business administration. I served four years in U.S. Army Intelligence as a Korean Linguist/Cryptanalyst, having been stationed in Korea and Japan. After obtaining my CPA, I worked a number of years as an accountant, starting at the Cooper’s and Lybrand CPA firm and then spent almost twenty years at the James River Corporation in various controllership positions. I also served as controller of the Defense Enterprise Fund, participating in the formation of joint ventures between the U.S. and the former USSR. My last position until retirement was as VP-CFO at KSB Inc. In my almost ten years at FPC, I have had the privilege of serving on the Diaconate and the Session. I have also served in the usher’s guild, the finance committee (as FPC Treasurer), and as an Endowment Fund board member. My wife Suzanne and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary on March 4th of this year. We have a son Matthew (daughter-in-law Tonia), a daughter Megan (son-in-law Justin), and three wonderful grandchildren.

I grew up in Richmond and at First Presbyterian Church. My mom’s family joined this church in 1963 and my parents were married here. One of my earliest memories is from the Christmas Pageant, as a shepherd sitting miserably-itchy, sniffling, and red-eyed on a hay bale. (I found out that night that I was allergic to hay)! I was an active member of the Youth Group and Youth Choir during my teenage years. I graduated from George Mason University in 2011 with a degree in Communications and moved back to Richmond afterward. As an adult, I continue to stay involved at church as a member of our wonderful Chancel Choir, and incredible Young Adult Group. I currently work as a Medical Education Coordinator at VCU’s School of Medicine and am currently working on my Master’s degree in Adult Education. When not at work, I enjoy going to the movies, hanging out with my rescue dog, and knitting!