Rev. Robert McDowell
Senior Pastor
robert@firstumcathens.org
(740) 593-3977 ext. 15
Before his appointment at First United Methodist Church in Athens (June 2015), Robert also served churches in Lancaster, Xenia, Toledo, Findlay, Quincy, and Lima. Originally from southeastern, Pennsylvania, Robert moved to Ohio in 1985 to attend United Theological Seminary in Dayton and during this time decided to become a member of the West Ohio Conference. Robert is married to Penny and they have two grown children. Robert’s life mission is to joyfully live out the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed so that his family, his church, and his community will know and embrace God’s hope and promises for their daily living.
Robert also regularly writes about matters of faith and Methodism at his blog: Nikos!
Ministry Staff
Rick Seiter
Director of Congregational Care
rick@firstumcathens.org
(740) 593-3977 ext. 16
Music Staff
Peter Jarjisian
Director of Music Ministries
jarjisia@ohio.edu
Jeff Daubenmire
Associate Director of Music Ministries
jeffdaubenmire@gmail.com
Kevin Dael
Director of Bell Choir Ministry
daelk1@gmail.com
Tom Murray
Director of Monday Lunch Ministry
mondaylunch@firstumcathens.org
Allene Kilgore
Guest Relations Coordinator for
Monday Lunch Ministry
k.allenekilgore127@gmail.com
Kathy Mangen
Director of Growing Tree Preschool
and Christian Education
kathy@firstumcathens.org
(740) 593-3977 ext 14
Support Staff
Jan Miller-Fox
Office Manager
jan@firstumcathens.org
740-593-3977 ext. 1
Dan Smith
Treasurer
retired.dan@gmail.com
Carly Reese, Nursery Attendant
Sarah Mangen, Nursery Attendant
Kristin Kerwin
Event Host & Wedding Coordinator
kerwink@ohio.edu
Denise Davis
Finance Manager
denise@firstumcathens.org
(740) 593-3977 ext. 28
Mindy Dolman
Custodian
Growing Tree Preschool Staff
Kathy Mangen
Director of Growing Tree Preschool and
Christian Education; Preschool Teacher
kathy@firstumcathens.org
Cathy Bigger
Music Teacher
bigger@firstumcathens.org
(740) 593-3977 ext. 14
Angela Strycker
Preschool Teacher
angela@firstumcathens.org
Kaitlyn Drake
Preschool Teacher
Lay Ministry Leaders
Skip Billups
Usher Coordinator
Jed and Vicki Butcher
Prayer Ministry Coordinators
Jean-Marie Cackowski
Athens County Food Pantry Liaison
Bonita Maze
UMW Chairperson
bjm7073@gmail.com
Erin Eckelberry
Acolyte Coordinator
Barb Dingle
Bereavement Coordinator
bjdingle@gmail.com
Ken Edwards
Missions Ministry Coordinator
LMNO@LMNOeng.com
Brandon Saunders
IT/Sound Director
brandon.saunders@bcsengineering.com