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. Tina Broadway • Parish Associate
Traveler. hot tea drinker. lover of nature, books, and Scotland.
Mike, my husband, and I came over from the U.K. to Austin in 1990 for a six-month assignment. We’re still here. Our family joined First Presbyterian Church of Austin in 1998. Both our kids were part of the Sunday School and youth group here. When I began contemplating seminary and, later, ordination, I was especially grateful for the church community’s support throughout the entire process. That included the 11 years I spent serving as a chaplain in a psychiatric hospital and a mental health unit for children and adolescents—a calling in which I learned so much and remain deeply passionate about.
I love being a listening presence for folks—hearing their stories and how they see God. I definitely have a thing for liturgy and theology, as well as the many ways our spirituality can be expressed. I’m excited to be serving as one of your Parish Associates.
Rev. Sarah de la Fuente • Parish Associate
Gen X. Spin bikes. Hot Tea/Iced Coffee. Ravenclaw.
FPCA has been our church home since the mid 1990s, so what a gift it is to find myself back “home” as your Parish Associate. I love deeply theological conversations, and I have built my pastoral career around rituals taking place outside the church. I have ministered through my business, Central Ceremonies for over 25 years - mostly for the “spiritual, not religious” types, who walk their faith journey outside of traditional church walls. I am intrigued and energized by people’s stories and the tales of their relationships. I look forward to hearing yours.
When not geeking out over biblical Greek, pop music, or Harry Potter, you can find me on a spin bike or at Austin FC games. I have been married to my best friend, Joe, for over thirty years. Together, our greatest treasures are our children, our tight-knit family, and community of friends we’ve created and nurtured.
Rev. Mike Murray • Parish Associate
Traveler. Retirement Failure. Large BOOK Library (Some I’ve READ).
I grew up in Texas, where my father served as a Presbyterian pastor in several congregations. After graduating from Austin College and Austin Seminary, I served congregations in Mercedes and Kingsville and then moved to the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, PA. After four and a half years there, we moved to Arlington, TX, so that I could spend what I thought would be 3-4 years in the “business world” and then go back into the pastorate. That was in 1973. For the past 52 years, I have worked as a trainer in secular settings—including business, government, and non-profits—specializing in team building, productive meetings, conflict resolution, leadership, and more. This work has taken me to all 50 states and 15 countries, accumulating over five million miles on American Airlines alone. Since 1993, I have also served as a Parish Associate at FPCA.
Dianna Jarvis • Director of Worship & Arts and Handbell Director
Encourager. Humorist. Queen of Useless Trivia.
I’m a San Antonio transplant who moved North for an adventure. As a public-school choir director, I should write a book entitled “Odd Observations of Free-Range Adolescents." Accepting the role of worship & arts director and handbell director at FPCA allows me to combine my love of music with my lifelong involvement in church. When not studying music, I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my two spoiled pups.
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.
Angela Hull • Children’s Choir Director
Book Worm. Cat Mom. Outdoors Lover. Black Coffee Drinker.
I'm originally from Chicago, IL and moved to Austin with my husband in December of 2023. I received my Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Butler University in 2018 and joined the Presbyterian Church in 2022. Music is such a wonderful part of worship and a great way to get children involved in service. I have sung in a church choir for the better part of 20 years, and I love helping a new generation of kids enjoy music ministry. I am so excited to be a part of the music team at FPCA!
I'm an early childhood educator (I have a wonderful class of 1.5-year-olds) and love working with children of all ages. When I'm not at school, I enjoy reading (especially sci-fi and thrillers), listening to music, exploring the outdoors, cooking, and crafting.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Michelle Elley • Finance Assistant
Longhorn. Mom of teens. Excel list maker. Fiction reader.
I love using my organizational skills and accounting background to help churches achieve their mission. I also serve as the church accountant for Westminster Presbyterian Church. In my spare time, I love to be in nature, read, drive teenagers around, and help with our family-run residential homebuilding business.
Lauren Mills-Hargis • Administrative Assistant
Cozy Sweaters. Buttered Popcorn. Musical Theater Fanatic.
I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA and have lived in Austin since 2008. I have two young children that keep me busy. I like to run 5Ks, drink lots of coffee, listen to audiobooks and spend time with my family. I have a long history with FPCA, attending services, sending our kids to the Day School and previously working as an administrative assistant before becoming a full-time mom. Now that both of my children are in school, I am happy to come back and share my talents with FPCA.
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 • 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.
CLASS OF 2026
Sandy Curran
Jana Harrison
Marci Shrull
Kristin McLean
CLASS OF 2027
Karen Kelly
Sarah Newton
Greg Wysocki
Mark Reddert
Scott Bennett
CLASS OF 2028
Matthew Buckalew-Leary
Christina Cortez
Joe de la Fuente
Ronnie Lane
John Yearwood
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!
MEMBER CONNECTION & 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
Rebecca Buckalew-Leary
Deacon Moderator
Jake Farrar
Gini Maddox
Debbie Schulz
Steven Schulz
Molly Swinney
Member Milestones
Our Member Milestones Team celebrates and supports members during life milestones such as birth, baptism, confirmation, graduation, weddings, and memorial services.
Allison Dubin
Faith Edson
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.
Zach Files
Karen Golden
Kurt Hauth
John Olsson