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
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.
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 church@fpcbrandon.org.
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.
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.
