Get to know your nominees. Below are the individuals submitted by TRC’s Nominating Committee for our open committee positions for the 2026-2027 Conference Year. All terms are for three years, unless stated differently.
Board of Directors
Paul Bull (Lay Leader)
Paul Bull and his wife Diane have been married for 40 years. They have four adult children along with their spouses, and three beautiful grandchildren ages 8 months to 4 years old. they feel blessed in that they get to spend a lot of time with all of them as they live close by. Paul is a realtor in Idaho and also a Track & Field Official, which he enjoys immensely. Track affords him a lot of time to spend with kids from middle school through the collegiate ranks. He love sports (especially track and field), exploring Idaho’s mountains, fishing and camping and traveling with his family. At Deer Flat Church, he is on the Board of Directors, the Finance Committee, and the Missions Committee. He is also a youth leader and has done that since his children were very young. Their youngest son is the youth pastor at Deer Flat Church where he started as a newborn 25 years ago. God is good!
Tim Greenawalt (Elder)
Timothy Greenawalt, has been in ministry for 43 years. He served as pastor in San Antonio, Texas for 15 years before moving to Rockwall in 1996. He is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and enjoys coaching soccer and playing his guitar. Pastor Tim has been married to his ministry partner and wife, Talena, for 46 years. They have three adult children and eight grandchildren.
Ali Mitachi (Elder)
Ali is the lead pastor of Victory FMC, formerly Portland Avenue FMC. He served as the North Texas District Leader from 2019-2023 and continues to serve the Conference as the Central African Leader. Ali and his family make their home in Abilene, Texas.
Gary Weaver (Lay Leader)
For Gary, life is built on the foundation of faith and family. He and his wife, Kendra, have been together for nearly 21 years and are the proud parents of five children. His journey with God began as a young boy and has remained his steady anchor through every season of life, from the challenges of his youth to the responsibilities of his family and his career.
Gary is currently a real estate professional and owns a construction company. Before entering real estate, Gary served ten years in the United States Navy. During his service, he specialized in computer programming for complex weapon and electronic systems—technical skills he later applied as a subsea engineer in the oil and gas industry after leaving the military.
Seeking a better balance to be present for his family, Gary transitioned into real estate. Over the last several years, he has successfully managed numerous residential development projects, ranging from home flips to large-scale community developments. He attributes his success not to himself, but to a strong work ethic and the favor God has shown him and his family over the years.
Ministerial Appointments Committee (MAC)
Dale Kaufman (Elder)
Dale Kaufman is an ordained elder and is currently serving as the pastor of the Colville FM Church in Colville, Washington. He and his wife Pam have been married for 33 years and have two sons, both of whom are serving the Lord in ministry. Dale has pastored in several FM Conferences in his career, including in Colorado, Oregon, Michigan, and Wisconsin. He has a passion and zeal for preaching the Gospel, and especially for reaching the next generations through discipling and setting them free to do ministry. His three great loves are Jesus, his wife and kids (and now grandson), and Dr. Pepper!
Ministerial Education & Guidance Board (MEG)
Ebenezer Appiagyei (Elder)
Ebenezer Appiagyei is a dynamic leader who is dedicated to serving others. As an ordained Elder in the Free Methodist Church USA and a Trial Lawyer, he has combined his skills to make a difference. His previous leadership roles in the Ohio Conference and current position as Lead Pastor of Living Tower Free Methodist Church in Aurora, Colorado, and District Leader of the Colorado Region of The River Conference, highlight his ability to inspire and empower others. He is married to Angelina and they have three children. He enjoys reading, and quality family. He is a beacon of hope, a testament, and a strong advocate of “ The Beloved Community.”
Julie Gray (Elder)
Julie Gray has a life-long love for the Church, and a passion for the Bride of Christ to be a healthy instrument of transformation in the world. Her 30+ years of ministry in diverse and multi-cultural churches have expanded that passion to include people of every language, nation, tribe and race that will be gathered around the throne of God. Her education includes time at Central Christian College of Kansas, Seattle Pacific University, Fuller Theological Seminary, Free Methodist Ordination coursework, and a Certificate in Spiritual Transformation from the Transforming Center, in Wheaton, IL. Julie is currently Sr. Pastor at Phoenix Life Church, married to Marvin for 32 years, and loves to spend time visiting her kids and grandkids scattered across the country.
Tim Greenawalt (Elder)
Timothy Greenawalt, has been in ministry for 44 years. He served as pastor in San Antonio, Texas for 15 years before moving to Rockwall in 1996. He is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and enjoys coaching soccer and playing his guitar. Pastor Tim has been married to his ministry partner and wife, Talena, for 47 years. They have three adult children and eight grandchildren.
John McGee (Lay Leader)
John is a marketing and public relations professional He serves as a Board Member of Deer Flat Church, Love Caldwell and served as the Chairman of the Downtown Caldwell Organization. He served as the Chairman of the Canyon County Republican Party Central Committee and on the Board of Directors of the 2009 International Special Olympics. John served his alma mater, the College of Idaho, as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. McGee was elected to the Idaho State Legis-lature from 2005 to 2011. As the youngest member of the Senate, McGee was consid-ered a strong advocate for improving Idaho’s infra-structure and growing a strong economy. John was the Majority Caucus Chair-man, the 4th-ranked leadership position in the Idaho Senate, and spent two terms as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Com-mittee. A life-long resident of Caldwell, he and his wife, Hanna, have a daughter, Madalyn and son, Maxwell.
Brenda Nagunst (Elder)
Brenda Nagunst grew up in the Yakima, WA Free Methodist church. Her deep love of Scripture started when she was a child. She was called into ministry at the age of 12. She joined the US Air Force and retired after 20 years as an aircraft mechanic. After she retired, Brenda became the pastor of discipleship in the Eagle River, AK Free Methodist church. Then the Lord called her to full-time prison ministry in Alaska. She started an 18-month discipleship program for women, known as the TLC (Transformational Living Community). She had been married to her husband, Craig, for 32 years when she was widowed in May 2020. She’s currently the pastor at Abundant Life Fellowship in Chewelah, WA, and is a spiritual director.
Marianne Pena (Elder)
Marianne grew up in Miami in a pastoral home, where her discipleship began. Throughout her younger years she served her home church in many capacities including youth pastor and worship leader. In 2014, she and her husband, William, became lead pastors of New Vision Church in Hialeah, FL. Over their eight years as lead pastors, they helped develop leaders and a thriving bilingual ministry. In 2022, she moved to Spring, Texas with Will and their three boys to plant Essential Life Church. Marianne’s heart is to encourage others to grow in discipleship and reach their God potential. Marianne holds an MA in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University and a Graduate Certificate in Discipleship & Spiritual Formation from Wesley Biblical Seminary. She also serves as the Co-Director of the Conexion Latina.
William Pena (Elder)
William Peña, originally from Santiago, Dominican Republic, holds a BA in Physical Therapy from PUCMM. After relocating to Miami, Florida in 2006, he immersed himself in various roles within the church, serving as a worship leader, youth pastor, and eventually becoming a senior pastor. In 2022 he ventured to Houston, TX to plant Essential Life Church alongside his wife Marianne and their three boys. Today, William dedicates his time to coaching younger pastors and church planters while also contributing to Conexión Latina of the FMC.
Finance Team
Brice Arnot (Elder)
Brice Arnot and his wife, Julie, have been married for 25 years. They have a 13 year old daughter named Genesis. He owns hid own remodeling business 1999. in 2023, Brice became the treasurer for Meadowood Church. In that time he’s streamlined the budget and eliminated unnecessary expenses for our church. I look forward to using my experience and gifts to advance God’s kingdom in our neighborhoods and into the corners of the world.
Bobby Cullen (Lay Leader)
Bobby Cullen has served as the Executive Pastor of Administration at Lighthouse Fellowship in Fort Worth since 2008. With a ministry career spanning over 36 years, Bobby offers extensive experience in financial oversight and pastoral leadership.
Prior to joining Lighthouse, he spent eight years on the conference staff for the Central Texas Conference of the UMC, serving as Director of Youth in Missions and Information Technology Director. His foundational years in ministry included roles as a financial secretary and associate pastor across Texas.
A dedicated community leader, Bobby also utilizes his administrative expertise as Treasurer for two non-profits; Friends of Mission Health and Veterans Freedom Retreat.
Bobby lives in Fort Worth with his wife, Kellie, a Speech-Language Pathologist for the Fort Worth ISD. Outside of their professional commitments, they are devoted to their family and enjoy spending as much time together as possible.
Karina Viera (Lay Leader)
Karina attends Phoenix Life Church and serves as their Treasurere.
Nominating Committee (1-Year Term)
Ebenezer Appiagyei (Elder)
Ebenezer Appiagyei is a dynamic leader who is dedicated to serving others. As an ordained Elder in the Free Methodist Church USA and a Trial Lawyer, he has combined his skills to make a difference. His previous leadership roles in the Ohio Conference and current position as Lead Pastor of Living Tower Free Methodist Church in Aurora, Colorado, and District Leader of the Colorado Region of The River Conference, highlight his ability to inspire and empower others. He is married to Angelina and they have three children. He enjoys reading, and quality family. He is a beacon of hope, a testament, and a strong advocate of “ The Beloved Community.”
Julie Gray (Elder)
Julie Gray has a life-long love for the Church, and a passion for the Bride of Christ to be a healthy instrument of transformation in the world. Her 30+ years of ministry in diverse and multi-cultural churches have expanded that passion to include people of every language, nation, tribe and race that will be gathered around the throne of God. Her education includes time at Central Christian College of Kansas, Seattle Pacific University, Fuller Theological Seminary, Free Methodist Ordination coursework, and a Certificate in Spiritual Transformation from the Transforming Center, in Wheaton, IL. Julie is currently Sr. Pastor at Phoenix Life Church, married to Marvin for 32 years, and loves to spend time visiting her kids and grandkids scattered across the country.
Tim Greenawalt (Elder)
Timothy Greenawalt, has been in ministry for 44 years. He served as pastor in San Antonio, Texas for 15 years before moving to Rockwall in 1996. He is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and enjoys coaching soccer and playing his guitar. Pastor Tim has been married to his ministry partner and wife, Talena, for 47 years. They have three adult children and eight grandchildren.
Mike Kreuch (Lay Leader)
Mike Kreuch is a retired school teacher born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He has attended First Free Methodist Church for 50 years, holding numerous leadership positions within the church. He has also been active in Columbia River Conference programs. He has served as lay delegate in both the CRC and River Conference. His history with the northern churches and knowledge of its members will be useful in finding qualified persons to fill upcoming conference leadership positions. Mike has been married to his wife, Debbie, for 48 years. He has two children and four grandchildren.
Brenda Nagunst (Elder)
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John McGee (Lay Leader)
John is a marketing and public relations professional He serves as a Board Member of Deer Flat Church, Love Caldwell and served as the Chairman of the Downtown Caldwell Organization. He served as the Chairman of the Canyon County Republican Party Central Committee and on the Board of Directors of the 2009 International Special Olympics. John served his alma mater, the College of Idaho, as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. McGee was elected to the Idaho State Legis-lature from 2005 to 2011. As the youngest member of the Senate, McGee was consid-ered a strong advocate for improving Idaho’s infra-structure and growing a strong economy. John was the Majority Caucus Chair-man, the 4th-ranked leadership position in the Idaho Senate, and spent two terms as Chairman of the Senate Transportation Com-mittee. A life-long resident of Caldwell, he and his wife, Hanna, have a daughter, Madalyn and son, Maxwell.
Marianne Pena (Elder)
Marianne grew up in Miami in a pastoral home, where her discipleship began. Throughout her younger years she served her home church in many capacities including youth pastor and worship leader. In 2014, she and her husband, William, became lead pastors of New Vision Church in Hialeah, FL. Over their eight years as lead pastors, they helped develop leaders and a thriving bilingual ministry. In 2022, she moved to Spring, Texas with Will and their three boys to plant Essential Life Church. Marianne’s heart is to encourage others to grow in discipleship and reach their God potential. Marianne holds an MA in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University and a Graduate Certificate in Discipleship & Spiritual Formation from Wesley Biblical Seminary. She also serves as the Co-Director of the Conexion Latina.
William Pena (Elder)
William Peña, originally from Santiago, Dominican Republic, holds a BA in Physical Therapy from PUCMM. After relocating to Miami, Florida in 2006, he immersed himself in various roles within the church, serving as a worship leader, youth pastor, and eventually becoming a senior pastor. In 2022 he ventured to Houston, TX to plant Essential Life Church alongside his wife Marianne and their three boys. Today, William dedicates his time to coaching younger pastors and church planters while also contributing to Conexión Latina of the FMC.
Heather Utley (Elder)
Rev. Heather Baker Utley has served in church and non-profit ministry for over 20 years. Born in the Buckeye state (O-H), she’s a graduate of Taylor University and Seattle Pacific Seminary (MDiv), which included a semester at Daystar University (Kenya). Previous ministry positions include Communications Director at Youth Dynamics, Family Ministries Pastor at Arlington Free Methodist Church and Seattle’s First Free Methodist Church in Washington, and Church Planter/Pastor at Tapestry Church in San Antonio. She’s also worked in communications at the Free Methodist Church USA and Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy. In addition to serving as Assistant Superintendent, she also serves on the Teaching and Communications Team at The Park Community Church in San Antonio. Heather is married to Clay, our conference youth ministry network coordinator, and they have two middle school boys.
Secretary/Treasurer (1-Year Term)
Deb Baggett (Lay Leader)
Deb graduated from the University of Wyoming with a B.S. degree in Management Information Systems in 1986. Immediately after college she began working in the financial industry. She held several security licenses and eventually became the Director of Marketing of a Denver-based financial advisory firm. After over a decade in that industry, Deb resigned to be with her two boys to help them navigate their way through middle and high school. She grew up in the church and gave her life to Jesus as a young person. Deb loves to serve the Lord and now has the privilege of working as The River Conference’s Administrator. Deb and her husband John have been married for 36 years and enjoy living in Wyoming with all that it has to offer. They love to hike the mountains with their dog and are avid travelers. Their oldest son, Joseph, is an Airborne Ranger and Captain in the Army and their youngest son, Alex, is an actor and lives in The Hague, Holland with his beautiful wife Sophie and our new granddaughter, Bella Rose.