Lexi Barnhill

she/her

Events Coordinator & Special Projects Administrator

Lexi graduated from Duke Divinity with her Master of Divinity in 2019 and began her ministerial journey working in camp and retreat ministry. Lexi enjoys painting, board games, and singing and is the proud parent of two handsome cats—Remus and Eugene.

Stephanie Burke

she/her

Regional Gift Planner

As the ELCA Foundation’s Regional Gift Planner for the Carolinas, Stephanie meets with congregations and individuals from across North and South Carolina for two purposes: to help churches grow their Culture of Generosity and to assist members in crafting a Legacy Plan that supports their loved ones AND tells their faith story far into the future. Born and raised as a Lutheran in the Carolinas, she has spent more than 30 years serving the ELCA at congregational, synodical, and national levels. Supported by the NC and SC Synods and affiliated partners, her services are available at absolutely no obligation. 

Evin Burleson

Director of Finance & Administration

Evin is from Albemarle, NC, and is currently finishing up a Master’s in history at UNC Charlotte. Having worked in museums for the past decade, he will gladly talk to you about local history (if you have the time). He lives in Salisbury with the love of his life, Sarah Greene Burleson. In his limited spared time, he enjoys traveling, cooking, coffee, Lego, and obscure facts.

Sarah Greene Burleson

she/her

Bishop's Administrator

Sarah is originally from Hickory and graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2016. She worked in retail, a mailroom, a history museum, and a medical office before joining the synod staff. Her husband, Evin, is the synod's Director of Finance & Administration. They have a dog, a cat, and two chickens.

The Rev. Danielle DeNise

she/her

Director for Evangelical Mission

Pastor Danielle is an Ohio girl (Go Buckeyes!) that moved south as quick as she could to enjoy the sunshine. She is a graduate of American University and Duke Divinity School. She is married to Michael and they have two small kiddos - Moses and Olive. Our family loves the beach and baking. Danielle enjoys reading and loves chai lattes.

The Rev. Michael Dickson

he/his

Coordinator for Social Justice and Advocacy Ministries

Michael Dickson works half-time for the synod as a liaison and resource for congregations engaging issues of justice and advocacy. Additionally, he serves half-time as pastor for care and community ministries at First Lutheran Church, Greensboro. Michael is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill (2014) and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (2021), but has also been formed by his time learning from Lutherans in Palestine, along the U.S.-Mexico border, and at Camp Agapé in the woods of North Carolina. He is passionate about accompaniment, the work of reconciliation, and our call to be a public church. He is excited to share, preach, and listen alongside congregations across the state as we contemplate how God is calling us into the world.

Catherine Fink

she/her

Communications and Resources

A native of South Carolina, Catherine spent many of her growing up years at Southern Seminary where her dad, Dr. Carl Ficken, taught. She graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University in '88 and has stayed in NC ever since! She and her husband, Dwayne, met when they were both counselors at Lutheridge and have a grown son, Jacob, and new daughter-in-law, Elizabeth. She loves stories in whatever form they come—music, books, or movies—as well as traveling to new places.

Angel Jeffery

she/her

Communications and Digital Strategies

Angel graduated from UNCG in 2016, where she studied Religion and Communication. Prior to joining staff in 2022, she served as the Communications Specialist at St. John's, Salisbury. Angel is passionate about social justice, advocacy, and story-telling.

The Rev. Emily Lemoine

she/her

Lutheran Disaster Response Carolinas—Administration

Pastor Emily Lemoine was raised in Kings Mountain, NC, earned her BA in Communications from UNC, prior to entering Wake Forest University School of Divinity, where she earned her Master's of Divinity. She has served several churches in North Carolina and is currently the part time interim at St. Martin in Concord. She resides with her husband Sam, two dogs and a cat (who really rules the house), in Concord.

The Rev. CeCee Mills

she/her

Assistant to the Bishop | Call Process

Ordained on March 20, 2004, CeCee has served in the Virginia and North Carolina Synods. She currently lives in the city of her birth, Greensboro, NC with her only child, Joshua Mills. She completed her seminary studies at the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta which at the time was an extension of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia. She is a certified coach, Ventures Stewardship facilitator, Healthy Congregations facilitator, and Bowens Family Systems Theory enthusiast/student. She also participates as a facilitator and activist in social and racial justice efforts.

The Rev. John Mocko

he/him

Faith+Finances+Freedom Program Director

John is a retired pastor living in Colorado and directing the Lifeline Fund which involves five synods in Region 9.

Deacon Andrew More

Children, Youth, and Family Lead Deacon

As a lifelong Lutheran, sharing life through a community of faith is something I've always known and cherished as a source of strength, guidance, inspiration, and encouragement. For me, church is not a physical place, but rather the activity of people sharing the good news of God's love out in the world through our words and our actions. I have served in ELCA congregations since 2002 following my graduation from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. Whether working with children, youth, or adults, my ministry has always centered on equipping people and congregations to live fully into our baptismal calling as disciples of Jesus.

I grew up in Florida, but I've also lived in Maine, Washington, Georgia, South Carolina, and most recently, Texas. I hold a masters degree in Social Work and a bachelors degree in Asian studies, both from Florida State University. I have a 29-year-old son, Zachary, who lives in Georgia. My fiancé, Grace, lives in Japan. We are in the process of bringing her to the U.S. through the Spouse Visa program.

I enjoy traveling, learning about different cultures, spending time in nature, and listening to/playing music. I believe that diversity is one of God's most beautiful gifts and that all of God's children are to be affirmed, celebrated, and loved.

The Rev. Cassie McIntosh Overcash

She/Her

Assistant to the Bishop | Boundaries and Inclusion Education

Originally from New Jersey, Pastor Cassie McIntosh Overcash has been part of the NC Synod since 2003. She grew up attending Abiding Presence, Fuquay-Varina, was an active member of the LYO Board, and served as a camp counselor at Agapé+Kure Beach Ministries. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy from Lenoir-Rhyne and a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. Most recently, she was pastor at Grace, Thomasville. She has served as a member of synod council and is excited to work with congregations across North Carolina to promote collaboration and innovation. Outside of work, you can find Pastor Cassie hosting game nights, throwing pottery, and traveling with her family.

The Rev. Alfredo Oviedo

he/him

Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership

Pastor Oviedo is an immigrant from Mexico. He values genuine devotion to God, compassion, respect for all people, and living in community. Church life includes being Roman Catholic until age 12, time in the Baptist tradition, and being an ELCA rostered minister since 2014. Alfredo’s family are Alejandrina (wife for 48 years), children (Amparo, Miriam, Freddy, and Ana Alexandra-RIP), seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He holds an undergraduate degree from Wayland Baptist University (Christian Education) and his graduate studies include: Gardner-Webb University (M.Div.), UNC-Asheville (MLA), Lutheran Year at LTSS, and United Lutheran Seminary (D. Min.). He has had a professional career in mental health, college religion instruction, and chaplaincy, as well as being a 17-year associate pastor at Grace, Hendersonville. His hobbies are reading, computers, and soccer. He is passionate about ethnic integration in local congregations and Christian ethics.

Jenny Ramos

she/her

Supply Coordinator & Adminstrative Assistant

Jenny is a long-time resident of South Carolina and a graduate of Columbia College. She comes to us from the SC Synod where she served as Administrative Assistant and Executive Administrator for nearly 19 years. Jenny loves documentaries, travel, and good food.

Deacon Wendy Roberts

she/Her

Candidacy Coordinator

Deacon Wendy Roberts received her first call to children, youth, and family ministry at Morning Star, Matthews in 2011. She later became Deacon of Discipleship there, with an emphasis on connecting others with fulfilling ministries that value their God-given gifts. Wendy has served long-term with the synod's candidacy committee, including the Executive Team, and has a passion for raising up leaders in this church. She and her husband, Chris, love exploring anything in the outdoors and live in Charlotte with their teenage daughter and beloved mutt. Their young adult son attends college at UNC Wilmington.

The Rev. Ray Sipe

he/him

Lutheran Disaster Response Carolinas—Disaster Coordinator/Network Builder

Pastor Ray has worked as a hardware and software engineer, customer service manager, and in international sales. He graduated from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) in 2008 and has served the NC Synod congregations of Becks, Lexington; Prince of Peace, Salisbury; Mt. Gilead, Mt. Pleasant; and St. Martin, Concord. He has also served as Chaplain for Trinity Place in Albemarle. During their shared internship, he and his wife, Pastor Ruth Ann, worked with Lutheran Disaster Response on the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina, developing resources on personal and congregational preparedness. ldrcarolinas.org

The Rev. Ruth Ann Sipe

she/her

Lutheran Disaster Response Carolinas—Disaster Coordinator/Network Builder

Pastor Ruth Ann is a third career pastor who returned to school after working as a construction estimator and project manager, and as a customer service manager for a manufacturing firm. She graduated from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS) in 2008 and completed the Spiritual Direction Certification program at LTSS in 2022. She has served three congregations in NC: Becks, Lexington; Mt. Zion, Richfield; and St. Stephen’s, Gold Hill. She and Pastor Ray have two adult children and six grandchildren. ldrcarolinas.org

Elizabeth Smith

she/her

Heilig Resource Center Assistant

Retired from the State of North Carolina, Elizabeth has worked on synod staff since 2013. A member of Calvary, Spencer, she is a wife, step-mom, and proud grandma. She has a passion for work with the election process. She believes everyone should have the chance to vote and she works each year during the election times to make this happen. Also, she supports the Salvation Army and all they do for those in need.

The Rev. Phil Tonnesen

he/him

Assistant to the Bishop | Campus Ministry, Deans

Phil grew up at Grace, Raleigh, and met his wife, Deb, while attending Lenoir-Rhyne. Following his graduation from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 1993, he served in a team ministry at Cross and Crown, Matthews. Phil and Deb live on Lake Hickory and have three adult children. Together they enjoy traveling, boating, and hiking.