EXECUTIVE STAFF
Senior Pastor, Ext. 304
Rev. Britt Skarda has served as senior pastor of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church since July 2010. He served as Minister of Outreach at PHUMC from 1989-1992, with responsibilities for worship, missions, and evangelism. Other previous pastoral appointments include: First UMC, Springdale, AR, senior pastor (2000-2010); Henderson UMC, Little Rock, AR, senior pastor (1992-2000); Bearden/Thornton UMC’s, pastors (1987-1989). He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at University of Central Arkansas and Master’s of Divinity degree at Duke University. He is married to Karen (38 years) and has three children (Natalie Staley, Brittany Lord, Peter Skarda) and four grandchildren (Luke, Levi, Jackson, Vivian). Britt enjoys jogging, traveling, reading, and movies.
Britt is responsible for the overall ministries, mission, and vision of the church. He is also the primary preacher for the Sanctuary worship services.
Church Administrator, Ext. 308
Trent Hubbard joined the PHUMC staff as Church Administrator in September 2012. Prior to coming to PHUMC, he was employed with a local United Methodist Church for nearly seven years. Before entering church work, he worked for a local CPA firm. Trent earned a Bachelors of Arts in Business and Economics with an emphasis in Accounting, a Bachelors of Arts in Religion and a Master of Arts in Accounting degree from Hendrix College. Currently, he is completing a project through Emory University which will certify him as a Church Administrator. Trent enjoys spending time with his family, music and traveling.
Trent oversees the general operations of the church and provides leadership and direction to ministry areas in order to carry out the mission and vision of PHUMC. He also supervises certain program and administrative staff members.
Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor & Church Administrator, Ext. 304
Cindy Bowden joined the PHUMC staff February 1, 1995. She is a graduate of Benton High School and attended University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Cindy previously worked as the administrative assistant at First UMC Benton for five years. She is divorced with one son, Josh Bowden, two granddaughters, Bree and Blair, & two shihtzus, Maggie & Gretel. Cindy enjoys gardening, decorating, traveling, and enjoying family and friends.
Cindy is assists the senior pastor and church administrator in the performance of their responsibility and serves as our wedding coordinator.
CLERGY
Pastor with Youth & Their Families, Ext. 244
On staff since 2007, Jay believes in developing disciples through faith formation that allows young people to ask hard questions while caring adults travel with them on the journey. He also believes in leadership development. Jay enjoys spending time with his wife, Karen and son, Quin. He also enjoys travel and live theatre. Jay has served at several United Methodist Churches in Arkansas. He also worked for the New England Conference of the UMC, The Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew UMC in New York City and the Division on Ministries with Young People at the General Board of Discipleship in Nashville. Jay has served on the Arkansas Conference Council on Youth Ministry (1987-1994, 1999-2002, 2007-current). He was also the Director of Youth 2007 at the National United Methodist Youth Event in Greensboro, North Carolina, has taught at Perkins School of Youth Ministry in Dallas, and has served as a delegate to the UM General and Jurisdictional Conferences.
Jay oversees all aspects of phyouth ministries grades 6-12 including our confirmation program for 6th graders.
Pastor of Congregational Care, Ext. 322
Dr. Jeffery B. Hampton joined the PHUMC staff in June 1999 and now serves as the Associate Pastor of Caring Ministries. His previous pastoral career includes appointments to: Greater St. Mark AME, Thorton, AR; St. Paul AME, Newport, AR; Ebenezer UMC, Conway, AR; Mount Zion, Center Ridge, AR; Wesley UMC, Morrilton, AR; and McCabe Chapel UMC, N. Little Rock, AR. Dr. Hampton has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Sociology from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA. He earned a Master’s of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree from Memphis Theological Seminary. Dr. Hampton and his wife, Cynthia have two daughters, Joya and Cheyanne. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and reading.
Dr. Hampton is responsible for the operations of Caring Ministries including support groups and visitation.
Pastor of Welcoming & Spiritual Formation Ext. 313
Rev. Belinda Price joined the PHUMC staff June 30, 2013. She was previously the Director of Children’s Ministry at PHUMC from 1996-2001. Rev. Price served as pastor at Vilonia UMC in Vilonia, AR for seven years. She earned a B.S.E. from Henderson State University, M.A.I.O.C. from University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Christian Education from Perkins School of Theology, and MDiv. from Memphis Theological Seminary. Rev.. Price is married to Phil Price and has two adult children, Elizabeth and Matt and his wife, Kayce. She enjoys reading and movies.
Belinda is responsible for welcoming, new members, evangelism, and spiritual formation which includes adult Sunday school, small groups, and Bible study.
Director of PHUMC Foundation/Columbarium, Pastor of Visitation & Older Adults, Ext. 312
Rev. Lindsey directs the operations of PHUMC Foundation, Columbarium, and Older Adult Ministries at PHUMC.
Pastor of Preaching & Missions, Ext. 226
Rev. Jacob Lynn joined PHUMC staff in June 2013. He has Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech Communication from Arkansas State University and Master’s of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology (August 2013). Rev. Lynn’s previous pastoral career was a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America. He has been married to Mindy for eight wonderful years with a 5-year-old son, Jackson and a daughter due in October. Rev. Lynn enjoys beach bumming, camping and backpacking, going to concerts, movie watching, and spending time with his family.
Jacob serves as the primary preacher for the New Heights worship services. In addition, he also oversees PHUMC Missions.
Kenneth Hicks
Bishop in Residence, Ext. 257
Bishop Kenneth Hicks is the spiritual mentor to the PHUMC staff and congregation as a retired bishop of the UMC. He served 16 years as a United Methodist bishop in Arkansas and Kansas. Bishop Hicks joined the Methodist Church in 1946 after which he entered and completed studies at Iliff School of Theology in Denver. Prior to being chosen as a United Methodist bishop in 1976, he served pulpits in Colorado and Nebraska. He is married to Elaine Hicks and has two daughters.
Bishop Hicks is the spiritual mentor to our staff and congregation as a retired bishop of the UMC.
Rev. Vic Nixon, Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Nixon is a retired senior pastor of PHUMC and is currently active in the life of the church, supporting the clergy staff and leading Bible studies.
MUSIC, WORSHIP & ARTS
Minister of Music, Arts, & Worship, Organist, Ext. 314
James Maase has served PHUMC since the fall of 1993, first as Associate Minister of Music, Arts, & Worship and organist. He then became the Director of Music Ministries in 1998. Previous appointments have included: University Christian Church, Fort Worth, Texas; Highland Park UMC, Dallas, Texas; and Centenary UMC, Lexington, Kentucky. He obtained education degrees from Texas Christian University and further studies from Southern Methodist University. James enjoys traveling, cooking, and has a great love for animals.
Jim is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating the Music, Arts, and Worship Ministries at PHUMC. He is also the director of Adventures in the Arts.
Minister of Music & Arts to Children & Youth, Ext. 319
Kim is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating the music, arts, and worship for children & youth.
Associate Organist, Ext. 254
Don joined the PHUMC staff in March 2014. He is a native of Appleton, Wisconsin, starting his music career at a very early age of three at the piano. Don started his organ studies with Frank Rippl in Appleton and has studied with Marie-Louise Langlais (organist and widow of the famous composer, Jean Langlais), and Jonathan Moyer. In 2014, Don returned from a tour of France where he played some of the finest organs in the country. Don is an organ performance major at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Studies with James David Christie.
Don is an associate organist for our Friday and Sunday Sanctuary services.
Minister of Worship Arts, Ext. 254
Ken Weatherford joined PHUMC staff in June 2013, bringing his passion for authentic, transformational worship to New Heights. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, he is a graduate of Lambuth University with a Bachelor’s of Music degree in vocal performance and has served as a worship artist and touring musician for over ten years. Ken and his wife Casey spent two adventurous years working with the Methodist Church in Edinburgh, Scotland, returning home in May 2013 with the ultimate souvenir — their son Aidan. Ken and Casey are also a music duo called The Weatherfolk (weatherfolk.com), writing and recording original music together since 2010.
Ken is the worship leader and oversees all music, arts, and worship for New Heights at PHUMC.
Administrative Assistant for Music, Arts & Worship Ext. 316
Mary joined the PHUMC staff in October 2007. She loves all types of music, going to the movies with her friends, loves traveling and says, “When I need an “opera” fix, I’ll go to the Met in New York.” Mary has a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance, Henderson State University and a Master’s of Music in Vocal Performance, Indiana University. She was previously employed at Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts. Mary has never been married, no children, but plenty of nieces and nephews.
Mary is responsible for day-to-day administrative duties for Worship and Arts Ministries. She communicates with the choirs and organizes the music library. In addition, she coordinates scheduling for Adventures in the Arts Music Academy.
YOUTH MINISTRIES (phyouth)
Pastor with Youth & Families – Rev. Jay Clark (see clergy)
Associate Minister with Youth & Families
Jennie joined the PHUMC staff August 1, 2013. She attended Lipscomb University and graduated with an undergraduate degree in Accounting. Jennie is also two semesters away from her Master’s of Divinity at Asbury Seminary. She is married to Brandon Williams and enjoys reading, writing, going out to eat with her husband, spending time with her large and very loud extended family, and any activities involving hanging out with large groups of people.
Jennie coordinates missions, Bible study, small groups, Sunday school, communications, and social media for PHUMC Youth Ministries.
Administrative Assistant for phyouth & PHkids, Ext. 341
Cathy has been on staff at PHUMC since 2005. Her dream job was to work in the church! She enjoys loving on her grandchildren and watching movies with her husband.
Cathy is responsible for day-to-day administrative duties and communications for Children & Youth Ministries.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES (PHkidz)
Minister to Children & Families, Ext. 315
Cindy has been on staff since 2000 and has been working in the area of children’s ministries since 2008. She and her family have been members since moving to Little Rock in 1985. Cindy is married to Kevin Burns and they are the proud parents of Randy and Annie and proud grandparents of Jayden and Austin! In her free time she enjoys walking, tennis, gardening, playing bridge, Mah Jongg, and hanging out with family and friends. Cindy has a passion for all children having a faith in our awesome God that will last a lifetime and beyond.
Cindy is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating ministry to children and families ages birth through 5th grade.
Associate Minister to Children & Families, Ext. 256
Kristie joined the PHUMC staff in January of 2002. Prior to coming to PHUMC she volunteered in Children’s Ministry programs with her children as well as with the youth group of her previous church. She attended the University of Arkansas and graduated with a B.A. in Microbiology and has hours towards a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. She is married to Allen Finney. They have two children, Trey and Ashley, as well as a golden retriever named Charlie. Kristie delights in helping children learn how to let the Light of Christ shine through them. She feels that in doing so, they learn to share God’s love with others. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, crafting, and being at the beach.
Kristie is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating ministry for preschool and nursery age ministries.
CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER (CLC)
Director of Children’s Learning Center, 501-666-5683
Courtney Carlee has been on staff at PHUMC since 2004. She attended Henderson State University from 1996-2001 and studied education, sports medicine, and life sciences. She received the Arkansas Children’s Program Administrator Certification in 2013. Courtney was previously a classroom teacher. She has one son, Joseph who is a freshman at Henderson State University. Courtney is engaged to Ryan McNally and they have two dogs and a cat. She enjoys traveling, recreation, volunteering in the community, and spending time with friends and family.
Courtney oversees all operations of CLC, including enrollment, staff development, events, and curriculum planning.
Associate Director of Children’s Learning Center, 501-666-5683
Susan has been on staff at PHUMC since August 2006. She is a graduate of Hall High School and attended University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Susan has three children: Max, Sarah, and Jason. She enjoys tennis, hiking, and her children.
Susan is responsible for CLC’s staff scheduling, financials, family accounts, and day-to-day staff management.
CLC After School Coordinator, 501-666-5683
Yui coordinates the after school, holiday care, and summer programs for children in Pre-K through 5th grade.
COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
Director of Communications, Ext. 307
Andrea joined the PHUMC staff in September 2011 as our Membership Coordinator. In December 2012, she began a new venture as Director of Communications. She is married to Xavier Wymes and has three lovely girls: Maddasyn, Trinity, and Genesis as well as the family pets, Reece, Lylah, and Roc. She enjoys singing and working crossword puzzles.
Andrea is responsible for church communications including The Tower Newsletter, website updates, social media, weekly e-news, and print publications.
Director of Technology, Ext. 311
Jacob joined the PHUMC staff in 2012 as a full-time employee, but previously worked with the church as a tech consultant and sound engineer for nearly five years. He graduated from Philander Smith College in 2006, Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Jacob was previously employed as a graphic designer and IT for Arkansas Flag & Banner. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Kristin for three years and has one daughter. Jacob has been playing and recording music since his early teens. He’s also a voracious reader and loves to learn.
Jacob attends to all things technical and serves as the in-house computer administrator. If it lights up, turns on, or makes a sound, Jacob is the one to make it work.
FINANCE
Director of Finance, Ext. 309
Mark loves enjoys landscaping, cycling, hiking, camping and his granddaughters. He has been on staff since 2011. Mark was previously employed with Verizon Wireless and Alltel Wireless. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Mark has three children: Caroline, Ainslee, Samuel and two granddaughters: Mary Ava and Evelyn.
Mark manages the overall financial operations, activities, and reporting of PHUMC, the Foundation, CLC, and all other ministries.
Finance Associate, Ext. 260
Juanita joined the PHUMC staff in June 2005. She attended Sheridan High School and University of Arkansas at Monticello. Juanita is married to Loyd Daniels and she enjoys Dog Trials (stockdogs) and Rancher (sheep) hunting. She has shown horses in high school and trained dogs in various events from 1976 to present. Juanita loves cooking, hiking, and cycling.
Juanita provides support for the day-to-day financial operations and activities of PHUMC, the Foundation, and all other ministries.
Finance Associate, Ext. 243
Theresa has been on staff since 1994. She was previously employed with Youth Home, Inc. and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Theresa has four children: Ryan, Megan, Courtney, Ben, and one granddaughter, Skye. She enjoys reading, spending time with family, cooking and hiking.
Theresa provides support for the day-to-day financial operations and activities of PHUMC, CLC, and all other ministries.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Receptionist, Ext. 301
Pat joined the PHUMC staff in July 2001. She is University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate with a major in history. Pat was a civil servant for 28 years and three months at Social Security, she says, “What else can you do with a degree in history?” Pat has two wonderful and handsome sons: Lew and Bryan; dog, Jack and granddog, Mr. Gobbles. She enjoys being with her family and friends, Words with Friends game, and shop at goodwill.com.
Pat is responsible for greeting members and guests in our Welcome Center and she serves as the primary phone contact for the church.
Administrative Assistant to Caring Ministries & Older Adults, Ext. 258
Linda has been employed with PHUMC for nearly 10 years. She graduated from Bossier High School in Bossier City, Louisiana. She was previously employed as a application programmer and teacher at Systematics and Alltel for 25 years. Linda has one child, Shirley Forehand and three grandchildren: Kyle, Parker, and Shelby Forehand. She enjoys being with family and working her Mary Kay business.
Linda is responsible for day-to-day administrative duties for Caring Ministries & Older Adults. She coordinates hospital lists, premarital workshops, and assists with Cancer Friends.
Assistant to PHUMC Foundation & Columbarium, Memorials, Ext. 344
Jennifer is responsible for day-to-day administrative duties for the PHUMC Foundation and the Columbarium Garden, and for the Memorial Committee.
Membership & Scheduling Coordinator, Ext. 301
Sara joined the PHUMC staff in April 2013. She previously served at Cornerstone Bible Fellowship in Sherwood for six years as the administrative assistant. Sara enjoys hiking, kayaking, and volunteering in the community.
Sara maintains the membership database, church calendar, and provides administrative support to Welcoming Ministries.
CUSTODIAL STAFF
Director of Facilities & Maintenance, Ext. 333
Steve joined the PHUMC staff in 2012. He has over 13 years of experience in apartment maintenance. Steve is from California and graduated from Bella Vista High School in Sacramento. He has been married for 12 years and has two children: Nathan & Kaylynn as well as a beautiful golden retriever, Cooper. Steve enjoys riding dirtbikes, street bikes, helping friends and family with home repairs and remodeling, and most of all spending time with family!
Steve is responsible for the general maintenance repairs and upkeep of the facilities as well as supervising the custodial maintenance staff.
John Englade, Maintenance Technician
Linda Johnson, Night Shift Supervisor
Booker Rodgers, Sr. Custodian
Nathan Davis, Custodian
Nathaniel Lewis, Custodian
Otis Schiller, Custodian
William Taylor, Custodian