Meet the Pastors
Scott Bowen
Senior Pastor
Scott and his wife Amanda have been married since 2003. They have four children. All six Bowens moved to Signal Mountain from Opelika, Alabama in 2014 when Scott began serving at Signal Pres.
That move was something of a ‘homecoming’ for Scott and Amanda. Scott was on staff at Signal Pres from 2000-2004 as a Youth Director, and he and Amanda first met at the Mountain Opry in 2001. After getting married they moved to Massachusetts, where Scott attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. In 2007, the Bowens moved to Opelika where Scott served as the pastor of First Presbyterian Church for almost eight years.
Scott grew up in Nashville, and attended the University of North Carolina. At the heart of his vision for ministry are Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28: ‘Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
That move was something of a ‘homecoming’ for Scott and Amanda. Scott was on staff at Signal Pres from 2000-2004 as a Youth Director, and he and Amanda first met at the Mountain Opry in 2001. After getting married they moved to Massachusetts, where Scott attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. In 2007, the Bowens moved to Opelika where Scott served as the pastor of First Presbyterian Church for almost eight years.
Scott grew up in Nashville, and attended the University of North Carolina. At the heart of his vision for ministry are Paul’s words to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:28: ‘Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
Andy Cornett
Associate Pastor of Families
Though he can talk your ear off about most things, Andy doesn’t really like to say too much about himself. His aim is to follow Jesus in a life that passionately loves God and loves people.
He and his wife Robin have a wonderful family of three kids and a dog. He loves to cook (and eat), read books, and be outdoors: fortunately his family agrees with those (and their house shows it).
Both Andy and Robin graduated from Wheaton College in 1997, and Andy has been in student ministry ever since. He completed his Master of Divinity degree through Fuller Seminary in the Fall of 2009 and was ordained a year later.
You can most likely find Andy at some local spot (doing study or prep), in the office, at home, or out and about with students and families. He loves face time with people, so his door (or phone or email) will be open if you want to get together.
Andy’s own great passion is to see students and families become life-long disciples of Jesus who shine like stars in this world. The church and the family work are meant to work together for the sake of that mission, growing deeper in knowledge of who we are in Christ and spreading outward in love to those around us. It’s always an adventure – and never a waste. (1 Cor. 15:58)
He and his wife Robin have a wonderful family of three kids and a dog. He loves to cook (and eat), read books, and be outdoors: fortunately his family agrees with those (and their house shows it).
Both Andy and Robin graduated from Wheaton College in 1997, and Andy has been in student ministry ever since. He completed his Master of Divinity degree through Fuller Seminary in the Fall of 2009 and was ordained a year later.
You can most likely find Andy at some local spot (doing study or prep), in the office, at home, or out and about with students and families. He loves face time with people, so his door (or phone or email) will be open if you want to get together.
Andy’s own great passion is to see students and families become life-long disciples of Jesus who shine like stars in this world. The church and the family work are meant to work together for the sake of that mission, growing deeper in knowledge of who we are in Christ and spreading outward in love to those around us. It’s always an adventure – and never a waste. (1 Cor. 15:58)
Joey Sherrard
Associate Pastor of Discipleship
Joey began his ministry with Signal Pres in 2016. As the Associate Pastor of Discipleship, it is Joey’s privilege to help men and women “to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:18-19) so that we can together grow in grace and maturity in the Christian life.
Through corporate worship, Core Classes, discipleship groups, and oversight of men’s and women’s ministries, and various other book groups and studies, Joey works to create an environment where growing disciples can learn the freeing way of the Lord Jesus.
Originally from Starkville, MS, Joey returned there after seminary to serve as associate and then interim senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church before moving to St Andrews, Scotland for graduate school. He attended Rhodes College, the Trinity Fellows Academy, and Duke Divinity School, and received his PhD from the University of St Andrews in systematic theology.
Joey and fellow Mississippi native Kate have been married since 2005. They have two sons and together they enjoy exploring Chattanooga and traveling whenever they have the chance.
Through corporate worship, Core Classes, discipleship groups, and oversight of men’s and women’s ministries, and various other book groups and studies, Joey works to create an environment where growing disciples can learn the freeing way of the Lord Jesus.
Originally from Starkville, MS, Joey returned there after seminary to serve as associate and then interim senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church before moving to St Andrews, Scotland for graduate school. He attended Rhodes College, the Trinity Fellows Academy, and Duke Divinity School, and received his PhD from the University of St Andrews in systematic theology.
Joey and fellow Mississippi native Kate have been married since 2005. They have two sons and together they enjoy exploring Chattanooga and traveling whenever they have the chance.
Meet the Staff
Celestial Allen
Director of NightOWLS Ministry
In her free time, Celestial enjoys interior design and traveling with her family. Isaac, Celestial, Maddie, and Ben are always ready for a road trip! They travel to Texas at least once each year and also love visiting New York City.
Courtney Armstrong
Kids Ministry Specialist 2nd-5th
Courtney and George have been married for 27 years. They have 3 children: Caroline, Brennan, and Foster. Courtney is a former elementary school teacher from Jacksonville, Florida. Courtney and her family have been members of Signal Pres for over 20 years, and she has served in Kids Ministry at Signal Pres for over ten years.
Amanda Bowen
Kids Ministry Specialist 0-3
Amanda and Scott have been married for 20 years and have four children-2 boys in high school and 2 girls in middle school. Amanda enjoys travelling, cooking, reading, hiking and taking walks with or without her two goldendoodles.
Matt Broom
Director of Technical Support Ministries
Matt is also the Director of Percussion at Signal Mountain Middle/High School and enjoys cupcakes, Braves baseball, Southern Star peanut better pie, UTC athletics, Mexican food, playing music, Miss Griffin’s Footlong Hotdogs, and changing his Slack profile picture to unflattering photos of Dr. Bowen.
Jackie Carpenter
Ministry Coordinator -
Men's and Community Life
Men's and Community Life
Jackie was born and raised in California and moved to Signal in 2021 with her husband Justin and their two sons. Jackie and her family frequently enjoy the outdoors, traveling and spending time with friends. Jackie volunteers in several ministries here at Signal Pres. Jackie and her family have been deeply blessed by the community at Signal Pres and she is excited to serve on the Adult Discipleship Team.
Becky Cox
Kids Ministry Specialist 4yrs-1st Grade
Becky Cox is married to Mikeal and have three kids – Tucker, Kyle, and Bella. Mikeal works at Volkswagen and Becky taught kindergarten for 20 years. She’s looking forward to her new position with Signal Pres because she will get to continue working with many of the kids and families she already knew from Nolan and meet new ones as well!
Lorie Dewey
Director of Women's Discipleship
Lorie has served in Women's Ministry for over 16 years. She earned a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Gordon Conwell, and has a particular interest in women's spiritual development. Tom and Lorie have been married for over 30 years and have three sons.
Jason Duroy
Assistant Director of Music Ministry/Organist
Organist extraordinaire! Husband to Beth, father to Kate, Jack, Carter, and Charlie. He has been on staff at Signal Pres since 2010!
Joanna Eshee
Barbara Hailey
Ministry Coordinator -
Kid's Discipleship
Kid's Discipleship
Administrative Assistant
Joanna and her husband moved from Mississippi to Tennessee in 2001. They have been blessed by God with 4 children. Their family is grateful to be a part of the community of Signal Pres.
Celebrating over 25 years on staff, Barbara continues to enjoy greeting each caller and visitor to the church, and thrives on seeing that all is done for the greater good of Signal Pres
Abby Hutto
Director of Community Life
Abby has served most recently as Director of Spiritual Formation at Story Church in Westerville, Ohio, and she is the author of God for Us and has served regularly as a speaker in local churches.
Steven Ingram
Brennon Kok
Director of Music Ministry
Director of Informal Worship
Steven has a deep appreciation for how music, with all its variety of stylistic approaches, can facilitate worship and be used as a tool to minister to God, his people, and the world. He enjoys both directing a choir in traditional worship and playing piano in an informal worship setting.
Brennon moved here from Wisconsin with his wife, Jordyn, and their 5 children. He enjoys woodworking, any type of renovation project, making music, sharing a meal with friends, and going on walks with his family.
Bridget LeJeune
Ministry Coordinator -
Student & Family Ministry
Student & Family Ministry
Bridget was born and raised in Louisiana (GeauxTigers) and has lived in Chattanooga for almost 2 years. Before joining the Signal Pres, she worked as an elementary teacher for 7 years. Bridget is the dog-mom to the cutest mini Australian Shepherd, Luna.
John Livingston
Jack London
Bob Marshall
Director of Middle School Ministry
Chief Accountant
Executive Director
John likes to golf (disc golf and regular golf), play music with his friends, and spend time with his wife Mattie. In the summer of 2022 he lived in the Czech Republic and ran camps for students.
Jack and his wife Edna have been married 54 years.
Jack has been a member of Signal Pres for 20 years. He is a retired partner from HHM where he worked for 30+ years.
Jack has been a member of Signal Pres for 20 years. He is a retired partner from HHM where he worked for 30+ years.
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Sarah Moody
Assistant Director of PDS
Sarah and her husband Zach have lived on Signal Mountain since 2011 with their two kids Zander and Olivia. Sarah began working at PDS in 2022 and felt an immediate connection to the community and the kids of Signal Pres. She is passionate about the social and emotional growth of children. Because of that passion Sarah is currently pursuing a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University focusing on family and youth counseling. In her spare time, she can be seen at a variety of high school and middle school sporting events. Go Eagles!
Krista Olszewski
Catherine Payne
Carol Price
Ministry Coordinator -
Women's & Congregational Care
Women's & Congregational Care
Krista was born and raised on Long Island and moved to Signal in 2019 with her husband Mike and their 5 amazing kids. Krista worked in the financial industry for over 10 years. In her free time, you can find her curled up with a new book, gaming, or trying out one of the many amazing restaurants Chattanooga has to offer.
Director of Kids Discipleship
Hospitality Director
Catherine and her husband, Jay, have five children (all boys!) and are longtime members of Signal Pres. She has a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and was a classroom teacher before staying home with her kids. Now she uses her background in education in a different way as she serves Covenant children and their families.
Carol has been on staff at Signal Pres for seven years. She is wife to Kyle and mother to Hannah-Paige!
Jarrell Reeves
John Ridge
Cara Rock
Jesse Schwindt
Congregational Care Coordinator
Director of Support Services
Director of Embrace Ministry
Church Administrator
A native Chattanoogan and UTK graduate, Jarrell spent his career as an executive traveling extensively nationally and internationally. A longtime resident of Signal Mountain, you may see him running/walking along his 4 mile mountain route. He and his wife Barby are longtime members of SMPC.
John has been keeping us running smoothly since 2011! He dislikes pumpkin spice flavor and yet his coworkers cannot help but gift him all things pumpkin spice!
Cara graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in Psychology and a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education. She was a Special Educator in the public schools before staying home with her children for 18 years. Now Cara is using her training to serve the families of Embrace Ministry.
When Jesse isn’t at church you can find him collecting sports cards, riding around on his vintage motorcycle, or playing pick-up basketball. He also enjoys going to coffee shops where he can relax and read a good book.
Hayley Sesterhenn
Director of PDS
Hayley and her husband Tom have two children, Peter(20) and Sara(18). They moved to Signal in 2017 and have been involved with SMPC in many different ministries. Hayley has worked at PDS as a lead teacher for the last 5 years and excited to have contact with all the families that are part of PDS program and to walk alongside them in the early childhood years. Hayley loves to walk her dogs, travel, enjoy Tom's cooking, and spend time with her family and friends as often as possible.
Hannah Sutton
Communications Coordinator
Longtime resident of Signal Mountain. Hannah is mom of four! Her favorite thing to do is take walks around Old Town with her children and husband, Chris. Often you will see one of their cats walking along with them. Loves coffee, sushi, Pad Thai, and naps.
Camille Ward
Matt Witte
Director of Student Discipleship
Student Discipleship Resident
Camille enjoys face time with people so never hesitate to reach out – she would love to spend time with you! She also invites you to pray for her and the Student Ministry as we seek to be the faithful presence of Jesus’ love to families and students equipping them to live in Christ’s love & serve in his name!
Matt is here through the Chattanooga Fellows program and is excited to be a part of this community. He is grateful for his previous work experiences in camp ministry and would love to tell you about mission work he’s done.
LEADERSHIP
At Signal Pres, we have two types of church officers. Elders and Deacons.
Elders are charged with the work of shepherding the congregation by way
of knowing, teaching and leading the church.
Deacons are charged with a ministry of sympathy and service
both inside and outside the church walls.
The congregation nominates elders and deacons during the first
three months of every year. Those nominations are then considered
by the Leadership Development Committee, which invites a group
of candidates into a 6 month discernment and training process
led by the pastors. At the of that process, nominees
for elder and deacon are put forward for election by the congregation.
Elders and deacons serve 3 year terms, and can serve two consecutive terms before a required sabbatical.
Elders are charged with the work of shepherding the congregation by way
of knowing, teaching and leading the church.
Deacons are charged with a ministry of sympathy and service
both inside and outside the church walls.
The congregation nominates elders and deacons during the first
three months of every year. Those nominations are then considered
by the Leadership Development Committee, which invites a group
of candidates into a 6 month discernment and training process
led by the pastors. At the of that process, nominees
for elder and deacon are put forward for election by the congregation.
Elders and deacons serve 3 year terms, and can serve two consecutive terms before a required sabbatical.
ELDERS
GLENN BAIRD
CAROL COLLIER
ANDRE DANTZLER
MICHELLE FORD
JULIE FOREMAN
T. W. FRANCESCON
MARC FUNK
DOUG GREGORY
MARY HOLLINGSWORTH
BRANT HOLT
JIM HYNDS
JOHN KINARD
MATT KREIS
CAROL COLLIER
ANDRE DANTZLER
MICHELLE FORD
JULIE FOREMAN
T. W. FRANCESCON
MARC FUNK
DOUG GREGORY
MARY HOLLINGSWORTH
BRANT HOLT
JIM HYNDS
JOHN KINARD
MATT KREIS
ROBERT KULISEK
BOB MARSHALL
TAL MINCEY
CARTER NEWBOLD
DONNA PETERSON
JARRELL REEVES
TYLER ROGERS
NATHAN ROSS
STOKES SMITH
STEVE TIPPS
ANDY TUCKER
JOHN WILSON
BRUCE ZEISER
BOB MARSHALL
TAL MINCEY
CARTER NEWBOLD
DONNA PETERSON
JARRELL REEVES
TYLER ROGERS
NATHAN ROSS
STOKES SMITH
STEVE TIPPS
ANDY TUCKER
JOHN WILSON
BRUCE ZEISER
DEACONS
JENNIFER AGAN
GEORGE ARMSTRONG
JOHN BARKER
CLINT CAVETT
JEFF CLAXTON
GARRISON CONNER
BILL CRABBE
FRANCES DICKERSON
KRIS EDMONDSON
DOUGLAS FORD
ANNA GRAUNKE
CHAD HARRIS
GARY HELRIGEL
GEORGE ARMSTRONG
JOHN BARKER
CLINT CAVETT
JEFF CLAXTON
GARRISON CONNER
BILL CRABBE
FRANCES DICKERSON
KRIS EDMONDSON
DOUGLAS FORD
ANNA GRAUNKE
CHAD HARRIS
GARY HELRIGEL
DAVID HIGGINS
SUSIE HIGGINS
KATHERINE HURST
KIM HUSTON
ALLYSON KINARD
JOHN LARAMORE
ERIC MERKLE
MARC MILLER
JOHN RENNICH
DAVID SIMPSON
WARREN SINOR
GERRY STAFFORD
ANDY WILLIAMS
SUSIE HIGGINS
KATHERINE HURST
KIM HUSTON
ALLYSON KINARD
JOHN LARAMORE
ERIC MERKLE
MARC MILLER
JOHN RENNICH
DAVID SIMPSON
WARREN SINOR
GERRY STAFFORD
ANDY WILLIAMS
WORK AT SIGNAL PRES
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Come work for Signal Pres! We are looking for a few applicants to join what we believe is the best staff anywhere! We are a church family that is trying to equip all people to live ordinary life as the faithful presence of Jesus' love.
If you have more questions about any of these positions, please email info@signalpres.org or read the descriptions below!
If you have more questions about any of these positions, please email info@signalpres.org or read the descriptions below!