Rev. Dr. Mike McCormack, Pastor, Head of Staff 
Michael McCormack joined the FPCB staff in the fall of 2015. Growing up near Dayton, Ohio, Michael attended Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN.. He is a graduate of Louisville Seminary where he met his wife Elizabeth. Michael and Elizabeth have two boys, Noah and Liam. The McCormacks also have one Wheaten Terrier named Brigitta. One is enough.
When not working, Michael enjoys watching soccer, riding his bike, and eating sandwiches. He fervently prays for the musical act Phish to return to Florida–anywhere within the state would be fine. Pastor Mike rejoices to be able to serve FPCB “for such a time as this.”
Rev. Dr. Earl Smith, Pastor Emeritus
Ken Watts, Praise Director
Ken has a varied background with degrees in Sociology, Counseling Psychology and Music. It seems that music forms the bookends of his educational career having begun an undergraduate degree in music and completing a graduate degree in conducting and trumpet performance in 2012. Ken likes to refer to himself as a great ecumenist having served as musician in a variety of Christian traditions. This experience brings a wealth of repertoire, which Ken is eager to share with the Praise Band and the church.
Ken and Janet have lived in Brandon since October 1989. Both are avid ham radio operators (WA4NSV and KB4PUM, respectively) and they have renewed their interest in bicycle riding over the last year.
Barbara Kemp, Communication Coordinator
She and her husband Kevin own and operate Kemp Design Services of Lithia where she uses her talent as a Computer Graphic Design artist. Barb has a degree from Purdue University and has lived in Florida for 20 years. She and her husband Kevin have two sons. She has experience working with non-profit organizations and other local churches. She is excited about helping to improve the website, facebook, and email communication tools to keep everyone at the church informed.
Stephen Lindow, Audio/Visual Coordinator
He will manage all requirements for worship services and special events. Stephen has been a member of the church since 1978.
With a Master’s degree in English he taught for twelve years at the undergraduate and the middle school level. It is a blessing to have his experience and participation in our worship services.
Sylvia Marcinko, Director of Choirs / Organist
Sylvia Marcinko Chai received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of Redlands in Redlands, California. In addition, she studied privately with concert organists Claire Coci, Alan Morrison, and Walter Hilse.
She is a Colleague of the American Guild of Organists and is Exam Coordinator for the State of Florida.
Sylvia has appeared in recitals throughout the United States and in Beijing, China, in addition to church positions. She is currently Director of Music for Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church and Director of Hispanic Ministries at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the historic Ybor City section of Tampa.
With her husband, Dr. W. Alvin Chai, Sylvia co-founded SST, which at one point was the largest OEM for Hewlett Packard in the Greater NY area, 10th largest in the nation, with four international offices. In addition, she edited the book Standard Programming in Cobol, written by her husband and brother-in-law, which became a best seller in the field.
A native of Minnesota, Sylvia enjoys freelance writing as well as music. She and her husband have five children and seven grandchildren.
Judith Thompson, Administrative Coordinator
Judith (Judy) Thompson will assume the new role of Administrative Coordinator, handling our church office, receptionist, finance and bookkeeping responsibilities. Judy has previous experience handling all aspects of church office management and is highly qualified and excited about the opportunity to play a larger role in our office operations here at First Presbyterian. Judy’s regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon and she can be reached by email at the email address [email protected].
Judith Thompson who joined the staff in November, 2023 accepting the position of Bookkeeper. Judith holds Bachelor and Masters Degrees from the University of South Florida in the fields of Elementary Education and Reading Education. She has previous experience in all areas of Bookkeeping in a variety of various employment settings. She is a member of First Presbyterian Brandon and well known to our congregation, a regular member of the Tuesday morning Sunrisers group, mother of Laura King and proud grandmother of Emma King.
Kaysie Kropic, Nursery Attendant
Kaysie describes herself as a dedicated teacher that brings high energy, early intervention knowledge and dedication to her classrooms. She holds the CDA (Child Development Associate) credential, which is the most widely known and valued credential in early childhood education. While not working at the Nursery or Children’s Sunday School classes at First Presbyterian, Kaysie is the Lead VPK teacher at Primrose Daycare and Preschool in Riverview. What best describes Kaysie is her outpouring love to care and develop our cherished little ones. If you have not met Kaysie, please feel free to stop by our Nursery on Sunday mornings and meet her
Daniel Holmes, Praise Ensemble Accompanist
Daniel describes himself as Musician, Song Writer, Freelance Keyboard Player, and Music Teacher. He has been playing keyboard for 12 years and has an Associate of Arts in Music degree from Florida Southwestern State College in Ft. Myers. Daniel recently relocated to the Tampa area to pursue more advanced musical studies at USF. Prior to joining the staff at First Presbyterian, Daniel was the piano accompanist at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church in Ft. Myers. He has extensive experience playing in a variety of settings as an independent musician as well as part of a band performing original songs and music. He has also taught keyboard to children ages 10-12 at Cafe of Life, a volunteer organization based in Bonita Springs. With his engaging personality and extraordinary keyboard skills, he is a welcome addition to the music staff here at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon.