Tim Smith
Bishop of the North Carolina Synod
Born 1960 in Lenoir, NC, Tim graduated high school in Salisbury, NC, in 1978. He played JV basketball under Coach Roy Williams and was musical director of the Clef Hangers at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, graduating in 1982. He then attended Gettysburg Seminary, including a semester in Washington, DC at Catholic University and an internship at The American Church in Berlin, and graduated in 1986. He received a D.Min degree from Drew University in 1992 and served three parishes—St. Paul-Startown (Newton, NC), Grace (Boone, NC), and Redeemer (Atlanta, GA)—before becoming bishop. Tim is married to Wendy Weisner Smith and they have three grown children and five young grandchildren.
He is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill (M.A.), Gettysburg Seminary (M.Div.), and Drew University (DMin.). His ministry experiences include supervising 22 full-year interns, serving as Appalachian State University campus pastor, and being a featured preacher for Day 1 radio broadcast (formerly “The Protestant Hour”).
Bishop Smith and his wife, Wendy, have three grown children: Matthew and his wife, Keri; Isaac and his wife, Lauren; and Ruth and her husband, Tommy. They also enjoy spending as much time as possible with their three grandsons and one granddaughter.
Lexi Barnhill
she/her
Events Coordinator & Special Projects Administrator
704-680-9569 lbarnhill@nclutheran.orgLexi 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
704-293-9436 Stephanie.Burke@elca.orgAs 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.
Sarah Greene Burleson
she/her
Bishop's Administrator
704-633-4861 sgreene@nclutheran.orgSarah is originally from Hickory and graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne in 2016. She worked in retail, a mailroom, a history museum, and a medical office before joining the synod staff. Sarah met her fiancé, Evin, when she came to the Rowan Museum after they'd already closed and he gave her a tour anyway. She enjoys crocheting, traveling, history, and making cemetery floral arrangements.
The Rev. Matt Canniff-Kesecker
he/him
Youth Ministry Leadership Coordinator
704-633-4861 mattck@nclutheran.orgMatt is pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Greensboro, NC, where he has served since 2018. Additionally, he shares 1/4 of his work time with the wider synod providing leadership and support to children, youth, and family ministers. Matt’s youth ministry experience comes from serving with Lutheridge Camp and Youth Encounter ministry teams, and ELCA congregations in Charleston, SC, Sarasota, FL, and Minneapolis, MN before graduating from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC. Matt and his wife Aubrey met as camp counselors, and now have two daughters: Nora (2015) and Ada (2018). Their family enjoys making pizza and being outside together.
The Rev. Danielle DeNise
she/her
Director for Evangelical Mission
704-680-9554 ddenise@nclutheran.orgPastor 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.
Michael DeNise
he/him
Finance & Administration
704-680-9562 mdenise@nclutheran.orgMichael joined the synod staff in June, 2016. Prior to joining the staff, he worked for YMCAs in both Virginia and North Carolina in multiple positions through his eight years with the YMCA, from assistant program director to executive director. His background in non-profit management helps him be a resource for many different issues relating to both congregations and rostered ministers. Michael is married to Pastor Danielle Kosanovich DeNise and together they have two children: Moses (2017) and Olive (2018).
The Rev. Michael Dickson
he/his
Coordinator for Social Justice and Advocacy Ministries
704-680-9553 mdickson@nclutheran.orgMichael 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
704-680-9574 cfink@nclutheran.orgA 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 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. She loves stories in whatever form they come—music, books, or movies—as well as traveling to new places.
The Rev. CeCee Mills
she/her
Assistant to the Bishop | Call Process & Shared Ministry
704-680-9563 cmills@nclutheran.orgOrdained 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.
Caroline Mocko
she/her
Faith+Finances+Freedom Staff Assistant
704-680-9568 cmocko@nclutheran.orgCaroline serves as Program Assistant for Faith, Finances, Freedom/The Lifeline Fund and works to process grant applications from rostered ministers across five different synods. She feels blessed to work part-time in the synod, doing research and aiding in grant writing for a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. to help pastors relieve debt.
The Rev. John Mocko
he/him
Faith+Finances+Freedom Program Director
704-680-9568 jmocko@nclutheran.orgJohn is a retired pastor living in Florida and directing the Lifeline Fund which involves five synods in Region 9.
The Rev. Cassie McIntosh Overcash
She/Her
Assistant to the Bishop | Boundaries and Inclusion Education
704-680-9556 covercash@nclutheran.orgOriginally 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
704-680-9571 aoviedo@nclutheran.orgPastor 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.
Angel Owens
she/her
Communications and Digital Strategies
704-680-9552 aowens@nclutheran.orgAngel 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. She loves reading, hiking, and board games.
Deacon Wendy Roberts
she/Her
Candidacy Coordinator
704-680-9567 wroberts@nclutheran.orgDeacon 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.
Diane Ryan
she/her
Office Administrator and Supply Coordinator
704-680-9564 dryan@nclutheran.orgA life-long Southern girl born and raised in North Carolina, Diane is married with two sons—Jason & Richie (deceased 2017)—six grandchildren—Alexis, Alex (deceased 2019), Caleb (deceased 2021), Alyssa, Jake, and Rebecca—and two great-grandsons—Maverick & Levi. She loves getting together with family and extended family for Friday Pizza night, her family's weekly pie night at my mom's, and going to yard sales with her sister. Diane says, "Although I have faced trials in life, my faith and positive outlook on life stay strong. I am usually full of energy and look forward to greeting and helping everyone who enters or calls the synod office."
Melody Simpkins
She/Her
Children, Youth & Family Coordinator
704-633-4861 msimpkins@nclutheran.orgPastor Melody serves as the lead of the CYF team, helps steward events, and creates and curates resources. Melody serves 8 hrs/week and also serve as a co-pastor at Cross & Crown, Matthews.
The Rev. Ray Sipe
he/him
Lutheran Disaster Response Carolinas—Disaster Coordinator/Network Builder
704-680-9572 ray@ldrcarolinas.orgPastor 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
704-680-9559 ruthann@ldrcarolinas.orgPastor 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
The Rev. David Sloop
he/him
FFF Resource Director
919-801-8256 davidsloop@aol.comPastor David is retired and lives in Raleigh with his wife Sally. They are privileged to have 8 grandchildren, all living in NC. He's been involved in the Lifeline Fund since 2017, and in 2019 became Lifeline's part time Resource Director. Pastor David delights in visiting others on behalf of Lifeline, especially as it enables them to assist our servant leaders carrying educational debt. He enjoys golf, wood working and hanging with family and friends. The Sloops are members of Abiding Savior, Durham.
The Rev. Brenda Smith
she/her
Synod-sponsored pastor to rostered ministers and their families
704-633-4861 brendiksmith@gmail.comThe Rev. Brenda Smith, member of the ELCA's Prayer Team, is now serving as synod-sponsored pastor to rostered ministers and their families. She is available to provide prayer and pastoral care to NC Synod rostered ministers and their families. Sessions with Pastor Smith are confidential and not shared with synod staff. Schedule sessions by email.
Elizabeth Smith
she/her
Heilig Resource Center Assistant
704-680-9573 esmith@nclutheran.orgRetired 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
704-680-9558 ptonnesen@nclutheran.orgPhil 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.