Our Team

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.”

 

Earl Smith for WordPress

Rev. Dr. Earl Smith, Pastor Emeritus

 

 

 

 

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.

Alana Faulkner First Presbyterian Church of Brandon StaffAlana Faulkner, Administrative Coordinator

Alana Faulkner serves as the Administrative Coordinator at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon, where she supports the daily administrative and financial operations of the church. In her role, she assists staff and congregation members while helping keep the many behind-the-scenes details of church life organized and running smoothly.

Born and raised in the Brandon area, Alana has deep roots in the local community. After spending several years living in Orlando and St. Petersburg, she returned home last summer and now lives in Lithia with her 11-year-old son, Jacob.

Alana brings strong organizational and administrative skills to her position, along with a professional, dependable approach and a deep appreciation for detail and confidentiality. Her lifelong connection to FPCB also gives her a unique understanding of the church’s heart, values, and community.

FPCB has been an important part of Alana’s life since childhood. She was actively involved in the church from age four through high school graduation, and although life later took her in different directions, the church remained a meaningful part of her foundation and memories. Returning to FPCB after 30 years feels, in many ways, like coming home.

What brings Alana the most joy in her role is the opportunity to give back to a church that played such a significant role in her early life. She is grateful for the chance to support the staff and congregation while contributing to the ongoing ministry and mission of the church.

Outside of work, Alana enjoys life with her son Jacob, whose love of travel, baseball, triathlons, and music keeps their household active, fun, and full of energy.

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.

Dr. Keenan Boswell, Praise Ensemble Director + Organist

As the Praise Ensemble Director and Organist Dr. Keenan Boswell loves bringing all different types of people together to sing and play songs of gratitude to God. He wants to give everyone an opportunity to be part of the greater music ministry at First Presbyterian Brandon. He likes being able to lift his hands in worship while conducting the praise team and witnessing everyone lift their own song to God together. Serving in music ministry since he was 10 years old in different denominations and backgrounds has given him the opportunity to gain many different perspectives and time to gain wisdom as to what the core values of music ministry are. Other passions include learning about different cultures, from learning to say some words in their languages and learning to cook their food! Cooking meals for people and enjoying meals together is another thing he enjoys.

Kathryn Webb Thorson, Choir Director

Kathryn Webb Thorson received her Bachelor of Arts degree, Summa cum Laude, from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater, with a degree in vocal and instrumental music education.  She was awarded her Masters of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, Illinois, in vocal music education.  She has also studied flute and voice at the National Music Camp, Interlochen, Michigan, and the Tanglewood Institute in Lenox Massachusetts.  She has served on committees and performed for the National Flute Association’s conventions.  She has also served on the national committee of Federated Music Clubs.  Ms. Thorson retired from the Kenosha (Wisconsin) Unified School District where she taught vocal and instrumental education.  She was a founding member of Trio Capriole, Carthage College (Wisconsin) and performed recitals in several states and at the Southern California Chamber Music Institute.  In addition, Ms. Thorson directed various children’s and adult church choirs.  Ms. Thorson also had a private flute studio for over 40 years.  She has been a clinician, teacher and performer at various camps in Wisconsin.  Currently she performs with the Fanfare Winds, Tampa Bay Symphonic Winds and the Gulf Coast Flute Choir in Florida, and is the Chancel Choir Director at First Presbyterian Church, Brandon.

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