Our Staff & Board - Reconciling Ministries Network

Our Staff

Rev. Dr. Israel (Izzy) Alvaran

Director of United Methodist Connections

Julia Buckner

Director of Fund Development & Strategic Initiatives

Laura Young

Director of Congregational Engagement

Director of United Methodist Connections

Rev. Dr. Israel (Izzy) Alvaran

Pronouns: he/him

Izzy is a self-avowed gay United Methodist elder from the Philippines appointed as RMN’s Director of United Methodist Connections.

As Director of United Methodist Connections, Izzy will nurture relationships between RMN and diverse partners across the denomination, including annual conferences, boards, agencies, caucuses, and conference-level Reconciling teams. In league with institutional and grassroots groups alike, Izzy will support efforts to ratify and implement worldwide regionalization for a more equitable Church.

He has also served as pastor, conference youth director, faculty in United Methodist educational institutions, labor union organizer, and economic justice organizer with the General Board of Church and Society. He earned his Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees in the Philippines and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. A former political refugee, he is passionate about human rights and believes that queer justice is inherently intersectional.

Resource Strategist

Rev. Emily Bagwell

Pronouns: she/her

A native Georgian, Emily attended Berry College in Rome, GA, and Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., for her Masters of Divinity. Ordained as an elder in the UMC in 2017, she previously served two churches in the Atlanta area.

As Director of Resource Management & Development, Emily orchestrates the creation and publication of educational tools that foster inclusion and transformation. Emily is committed to expanding justice education for all communities, as all of our communities yearn for and co-create that justice.

Emily is passionate about community engagement and inclusion. You can find her wandering in the woods, training for the next half marathon, and cooking with her family.

Emily deeply desires to see the Church she loves make room for all of God’s people. She thinks expanding one’s heart can be a freeing way to live and an embodiment of God’s kingdom.

Director of Fund Development & Strategic Initiatives

Julia Buckner

Pronouns: she/her

Julia Buckner is a seasoned nonprofit and political strategist whose work lives at the intersection of faith, justice, and organizing. She currently serves as the Director of Fund Development and Strategic Initiatives at Reconciling Ministries Network, where she is building out major giving and development systems to sustain and grow the movement for LGBTQ+ justice in The United Methodist Church.

Her professional path is rooted in her personal story. Called to ordained ministry at a young age, she wrestled with reconciling her faith and her identity as a gay woman—an experience that shaped her deep commitment to inclusion, spiritual integrity, and the hard work of building communities where everyone belongs. She holds a Master of Divinity from Emory University and previously taught at the Emory Regional Course of Study School.

Julia’s commitment to inclusion extends beyond church and politics—she is also a passionate advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and brings that same spirit of belonging to every space she serves.

Whether she’s making donor calls, repairing old houses, or coaching others to lead with integrity, Julia shows up with heart, humor, and a relentless belief that justice and joy go hand in hand. When she’s not organizing spreadsheets or nerding out about science, Julia can be found cycling Western North Carolina’s mountain roads or building kayaks in her garage.

Accountant & Bookkeeper

Patricia Charles

Pronouns: she/her

Patricia has over 30 years of executive administrative and finance experience. She has worked with Merrill Lynch, GMAC, and First American. She is the mother of two children, Donald and Evelyn, and she has six grandchildren. She was born an only child, but her parents bought their home on a block with fourteen boys and six girls, so she has fourteen brothers and six sisters. In addition to her two kids and six grandchildren, she has eight step-daughters and five godsons, giving her an additional 18 grandchildren.

For an only child, she considers herself truly blessed and highly favored.

Executive Director

Jan Lawrence

Pronouns: she/her

As Executive Director, Jan Lawrence, is responsible to the Board of Directors for the implementation of the 2528 Strategic Plan including effectively leading the staff into the new organization, growing partnerships with the institution, engaging external consultants as needed, measuring progress against the goals, and steering adjustments when needed.

Jan and her wife Lindi spend most of their time in Rome, GA, these days (although they have plans of splitting their time between Georgia and D.C. again soon). Both of their families are in Georgia, so they consider it their “home base.”

Jan is a lay member of the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, and she and Lindi are members of Foundry UMC. In Rome, they are active in First UMC. Before RMN, Jan spent 35 years working for Harris Corporation in Sr. Engineering Management and Sr. Program Management.

Jan was raised Southern Baptist but chose to transfer her denominational affiliation over 20 years ago because of the active ministry of the active ministries of the UMC in her local community. She considers being on the RMN staff a gift that allows her to see first-hand the gifts that LGBTQ+ United Methodists bring to the Church and world. Her experiences of harm in the Church drive her passion for a Church that models Jesus’ example of love.

Director of Communications

Taylor Whitley

Pronouns: she/her

Taylor Whitley serves as the Director of Communications at Reconciling Ministries Network, where she helps tell the stories of a movement working toward a Church that fully celebrates, affirms, and empowers LGBTQ+ people. She believes the Church should be a place where every person is embraced for their authentic self and never has to wonder whether they belong. Her work is shaped by a deep commitment to justice, curiosity, and creating spaces where people can ask honest questions and grow together.

Taylor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is currently pursuing her Master of Divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary. She brings experience in ministry leadership, digital communications, curriculum development, and community care, weaving together creativity and clarity to support churches and individuals on the journey toward deeper affirmation.

Taylor lives in Charlotte, NC, with her wife, Brittany, and their two dogs, Sully and Wilson. She loves Duke basketball, spending time with friends and family, good books, hand embroidery, and discovering the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants any small town has to offer.

Director of Congregational Engagement

Laura Young

Pronouns: she/her

Laura is a Deaconess, an advocate for biblical scholarship and theological education for laity, and deeply committed to LGBTQ+ affirmation in the UMC. A member of the Texas Annual Conference, she is appointed to RMN as the Director of Congregational Engagement. She’s a skilled organizer and strategist, and supports churches and communities in maximizing their Reconciling journey and advocating for justice at all levels of the Church.

Laura serves as the staff lead on relationships with congregations throughout the U.S. She is particularly interested in equipping local leaders for greater impact. She aims to nurture new church starts and strengthen partnerships with Reconciling Ministries.

Laura values the rich relationships within the Reconciling family and loves connecting RUMs for more impactful ministry. She believes courage, personal stories, and graceful engagement are the most-needed tools for creating change. And she’s convinced that the unique witness of Reconciling Ministries is essential for shaping the future of our beloved United Methodist Church.

Our Board

Hanna Cain

Board Member

Rev. Duane C. Carlisle Jr.

Board Member

Rev. Elaine Eberhart

Board Member

Mary Gladstone-Highland

Board Treasurer & Board Chair-Elect

Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison

Board Member

Rev. Joey Heath-Mason

Board Member

Rev. Dr. Joelle Henneman

Board Member

Rev. Valerie L. Jackson, D.Min.

Board Member

Rev. Chet Jechura

Board Member

Camille (Cam) Manangan

Board Member

Rev. David Meredith

Board Chair

Jason McCarty

Board Member

Rev. Dr. Rebekah Miles

Board Member

Rev. Mina Nau

Board Secretary

Rev. Kipp Nelson

Board Member

Rev. Benedict Odhiambo

Board Member

Rev. Anjie Peek Rivers

Board Member

Derrick Scott III

Board Vice-Chair

Rev. Dr. Deborah Stevens

Board Member

Eric & Rexanna Swanson

Board Members

Rev. Kathy Talley

Board Member, Treasurer-Elect

Rev. Ryan Wager

Board Member

Ben Weger

Board Member

Alice Williams

Board Member

Hanna Cain

Pronouns: she/her

Hanna Cain is a seminarian at Candler School of Theology, pursuing her Master of Divinity, and a certified candidate for ordained ministry in the North Georgia Conference. She serves as a youth pastor at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Decatur, Georgia. Hanna is passionate about amplifying young voices in the church, healing harm caused by exclusion, and equipping congregations to work for social justice.

Board Member

Rev. Duane C. Carlisle Jr.

Pronouns: he/him

Rev. Duane Carlisle serves as Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church of West Lafayette, Indiana, where his ministry centers on belonging, justice, and deep community partnerships. He brings a long-standing commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion within The United Methodist Church and the wider community. Duane and his spouse, Todd, have been partnered for nearly four decades and are the proud parents of two adult children.

Board Member

Rev. Elaine Eberhart

Pronouns: she/her

Rev. Elaine Eberhart is an elder in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church, ordained in 1988 and reinstated in 2025 after a 25-year absence from ordained ministry. She is a graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, the University of Tennessee College of Law, and Candler School of Theology. Elaine spent more than 35 years in fundraising and advancement leadership before retiring in 2025 and now brings deep experience in institutional development, justice, and church leadership.

Board Treasurer & Board Chair-Elect

Mary Gladstone-Highland

Pronouns: she/her
Treasurer, Chair of Finance Committee

Mary is the founder and CEO of Spark Group LLC, a nonprofit consulting firm. She is a Certified Nonprofit Professional with fourteen years of experience leading organizations. Mary is a graduate of the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Certificate in Advanced Study in Conflict and Collaboration. She is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive and has raised over $3.4 million for numerous organizations over the past five years.

Mary is skilled at analyzing large amounts of information to find creative solutions to complex problems. She strives to use an asset-based approach in every situation.

She has served as a commissioned missionary from the Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church for 12 years, first as a US-2 and then as a Church and Community Worker. She passionately believes that all persons are loved by God and that everyone deserves a church that honors their dignity and personhood.

Mary is a mom of two, a rescue pit-bull owner, and an avid Harry Potter fan. She lives in Michigan.

Board Member

Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison

Pronouns: she/her

Rev. Griffin-Allison is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church with 28
years of full-time ministry experience. She serves as Senior Pastor of Oak Lawn
United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, where she leads a historic
congregation rooted in LGBTQ+ affirmation, racial justice, and community-
centered ministry. Through Word and Sacrament, she orders the life of the
church while casting vision grounded in radical hospitality, courageous
discipleship, and public witness.

Committed to intersectional justice, Rev. Griffin-Allison serves on the Board of
Directors of Reconciling Ministries Network and co-convenes the Reconciling
Clergy Cohort. She is also the co-founder and president of Safe Spaces
Lebanon, an international nonprofit organization supporting refugee children in
Lebanon through education, care, and trauma-informed programming.

Rev. Griffin-Allison holds degrees from Texas Wesleyan University, Drew
Theological Seminary, and Perkins School of Theology. She and her wife, Cheryl
Griffin-Allison, live in Dallas and are the proud parents of four children, Griffin,
Bekah, Sylvia, and Thomas and a rescue named Penny.

Board Member

Rev. Joey Heath-Mason

Pronouns: he/him
Co-Convener of Reconciling Clergy

Rev. Joey Heath-Mason grew up in southern Georgia. Pastor Joey has over a decade of pastoral ministry experience. He has served in three local church settings as well as 6 years in campus ministry. What excites Pastor Joey about ministry is the opportunity to share love, grace, and dignity with all while working to make the world around us better. He is also passionate about justice and inclusion of the excluded and forgotten. Pastor Joey lives in the DC area with his husband Matthew, daughter Amaya, son Andre, and their dog Abbi.

Board Member

Rev. Dr. Joelle Henneman

Pronouns: she/her

Rev. Dr. Joelle Henneman serves as Senior Pastor of the United Methodist Church for All People and is a nationally recognized preacher, justice advocate, and public theologian. A graduate of Brite Divinity School, she earned her Doctor of Ministry from Pacific School of Religion. Joelle is the author of TRANSitions: Queering Faith Leadership and creates daily faith-based content as @TransPreacher, centering marginalized voices and expansive expressions of God’s love.

Board Member

Rev. Valerie L. Jackson, D.Min.

Pronouns: she/her
Chair of Equity Council

Dr. Jackson is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church. She has a legacy of firsts in various roles. Now, she serves as the lead pastor of Park Hill UMC in Denver and Congregational Resource Minister for the Mile High Metro District of the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Having a deep commitment to disrupting oppressive systems and structures, liberating and empowering persons who live under the burden of oppression, educating involuntary perpetrators of supremacy, Dr. Jackson chooses to partner and collaborate with organizations with compatible missions and values such as: the Iliff School of Theology, the Center for Health and Hope, Interfaith Alliance of Colorado and Reconciling Ministries Network.

To prepare for a life of service as a faith leader, Dr. Jackson has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Tufts University, Master of Divinity and Master of Christian Education from the Interdenominational Theological Center, and Doctor of Ministry from the Iliff School of Theology.

Board Member

Rev. Chet Jechura

Pronouns: he/him

Rev. Chet Jechura is an ordained elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference and serves as the pastor of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Baltimore, MD. His passions in ministry are to encourage all God’s people to recognize and celebrate their innate belovedness, to share the good news of God’s liberating love and unconditional mercy for every person, and to create spaces for belonging that draw out the best in others, whatever they believe or doubt. He is married to Darian Harnish, a member of the Mennonite Church USA, and they are dog dads to an irresistibly cute mini Bernedoodle named Ollie. His joys in life include being outdoors, gardening, walking the beach, making cards to send to loved ones, reading, and listening to music on vinyl.

Board Member

Camille (Cam) Manangan

Pronouns: she/her

Camille Manangan is a student at Drew Theological School and a longtime leader within the United Methodist Church of the Philippines. A former Global Mission Fellow, she brings extensive experience in advocacy related to LGBTQ+ inclusion, migration, cultural identity, and economic justice. Camille currently serves on the board of the General Commission on Archives and History’s Center for LGBTQ+ United Methodist Heritage.She has helped in the grassroots work of Reconciling Ministries Network in the Desert Southwest and Mountain Sky Conferences since 2012 and previously served as the board chair of RMN.

Board Chair

Rev. David Meredith

Pronouns: he/him
Board Chair, Chair of Personnel Committee

David is a Retired Elder in the West Ohio Conference and Chair of the Reconciling Ministries Network Board of Directors. He lives in Madeira, suburb of Cincinnati, OH with his husband Jim where they celebrate 37 years together and 8 years legally wed. David and Jim are also active in the Madeira Inclusion Committee where they launched the first PRIDE Picnic and Festival in 2020 during the COVID Pandemic. Currently, their hearts are focused on David‘s aging 95-year-old parents and their 18.5 year old Border Terrier, Annie. Life and love are precious gifts.

Board Member

Jason McCarty

Pronouns: he/they

Jason McCarty is a proud Jackson, Mississippi native whose faith and leadership are deeply rooted in LGBTQ+ advocacy and community building. He founded the Jack Myers House, the first LGBTQ+ domestic violence shelter in the state, as well as the Jackson Gay Men’s Chorus, and served as the founding Executive Director of Mississippi Capital City Pride. A recognized leader, Jason was named a Top 40 Under 40 honoree by the Mississippi Business Journal and currently serves as Program Development Strategist for the United Way of the Capital Area. Jason was the first openly gay candidate who ran for the Mississippi Legislator in 2019.

Broadmeadow United Methodist Church has played a transformative role in his spiritual journey, offering an affirming faith community that has drawn him closer to God through love, justice, and radical inclusion.

Board Member

Rev. Dr. Rebekah Miles

Pronouns: she/her

Rebekah Miles is the Susanna Wesley Professor of Ethics and Practical Theology at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, A native Arkansan, Miles grew up in a United Methodist parsonage family and is an ordained elder in the Arkansas Conference, where she is a five-time General Conference clergy delegate. Miles, who studied at Iliff School of Theology (M.Div. 1988) and The University of Chicago (1995), is the author, co-author, or editor of eight books in the fields of Christian theology and ethics. She and her late husband Len Delony, who was also a United Methodist pastor, have three young adult children – Katherine, Moth, and daughter-in-law Abby.

Board Secretary

Rev. Mina Nau

Pronouns: she/her

Mina is the pastor at Good Shepherd UMC in Colorado Springs, CO. She lives in Fountain. She believes that all people should be loved no matter their background, sexual orientation, identity, race, gender, history, age, etc.She stands with those who are oppressed, walks with those whose voices need to be heard, and fights for the love of God.

She has served in ministry with the National Alliance of Pan African Seminarians (NAPAS), Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice Washington, D.C., Colorado Religious Coalition of Reproductive Justice, Student Council at Iliff School of Theology, and Ethnic Youth Summit.

Mina has a Bachelor of Science in Apparel and Textiles with a minor in Design from Utah State University as well as a Masters of Arts in Fashion Design at the Academy of Art University. When she was called by God into ministry, she attended and received her Masters of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology. Mina has a Mastiff/Bulldog mix dog named Bubba – her constant sidekick and her evangelist.

Board Member

Rev. Kipp Nelson

Pronouns: he/him

Rev. Kipp Nelson currently serves as the Pastor of St. John’s on the Lake United Methodist Church in Miami Beach, Florida. He is a Miami transplant originally from Birmingham, AL. Kipp has earned a Bachelor’s of Accounting degree from Auburn University in Auburn, AL and a Master’s of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

In July of 2021, Kipp became the first openly gay man to be appointed as a pastor to a local church in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Two years later, in June of 2023, he and two others became the first openly queer individuals to be commissioned as provisional clergy members in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Since assuming his current position, Kipp has been devoted to the revitalization of the church through focused ministry and outreach within the LGBTQ+ community and continues to be driven by a deep passion for healing and reconciling the harm Christianity has widely caused to LGBTQ+ people.

In his spare time, Kipp enjoys quality time with his dog, playing tennis, long bike rides, and relaxing on the beach.

Board Member

Rev. Benedict Odhiambo

Pronouns: he/him

Rev. Benedict Odhiambo is a Kenyan married to Rebecca Wasilwa. Together, they have four sons. He is currently the senior pastor of Christ Chapel United Methodist Church, the second Reconciling Congregation in Africa. Says Rev. Benedict: “I’m looking forward to working with you the Lord’s vineyard.”

Board Member

Rev. Anjie Peek Rivers

Pronouns: she/her

Rev. Anjie Peek Rivers (she/her) is incredibly grateful to get to serve as pastor with Eastside Church in Atlanta, GA in a ministry focused on truly liberative love with God for ALL people. Originally from Decatur, GA, Anjie is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church and a graduate of Georgia State University and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Anjie loves to craft and create, loves to get lost in a good movie or book or the beauty of nature, loves learning new things, loves a spontaneous kitchen dance party with her wild and wonderful family, and she loves to hear and share stories of how God shows up in the middle of real, messy life.

Board Vice-Chair

Derrick Scott III

Pronouns: he/him
Vice-Chair

Derrick Scott III is the Executive Director and United Methodist Campus Minister for the Campus to City Wesley Foundation in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Fl. He has been leading ministry to college students and young adults for more than 18 years. He is passionate about raising up a new generation of leaders and laborers who will live as disciples of Jesus Christ to transform the world.

He has an undergraduate degree in history, is a Cicerone Certified Beer Server, and a textbook introvert. He loves eating sushi, flying on Delta, pouring craft beer, talking church history, nerding out over accounting, and taking care of his Chihuahua-mix dog Winston and Bengal cat Julian. Most importantly, he hates mayonnaise.

Board Member

Rev. Dr. Deborah Stevens

Pronouns: she/her
Chair of Fund Development Committee

Deb Stevens is a retired Elder in the West Ohio Conference, and has been an activist, advocate, and organizer for a fully inclusive and just Church for more than 20 years. Deb is a long-time supporter of RMN and a bit of a UM polity nerd and has volunteered at several General Conferences.

Deb is currently enrolled in the Upper Room Two Year Academy for Spiritual Formation, which she hopes will help equip her to deepen her own and the Church’s embrace of the Beloved Community — a place of joy, welcome, and generosity.

Deb lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her spouse, Gary. They share their time with their two grown sons’ families, including four amazing granddaughters.

Board Members

Eric & Rexanna Swanson

Rexanna’s pronouns: she/her

Eric’s pronouns: he/him
Chair of Parents Reconciling Network

Rexanna and Eric Swanson are co-chairs of the Parents Reconciling Network (PRN). Rexanna is a retired elementary school teacher, and Eric is a retired Civil Engineer, both graduates of Arizona State University, and we live in San Diego, CA, and we are life-long United Methodists.

We are parents of a gay daughter who came out to us 25 years ago while she was in college. We have always loved her and supported her, as has her straight younger sister, and all of her relatives and friends.

We were motivated to join PRN during the RMN Convocation of 2015 in San Antonio as we became aware of their mission and the ongoing efforts to remove the egregious Book of Discipline language present then (now, thankfully, removed).

The LGBTQ+ community continues to be in need of major support from us all, despite the wonderful outcome of the 2024 General Conference. PRN’s focus is on the support of LGBTQ+ children and their parents as they address the realities of being part of the LGBTQ+ community and what that can mean in today’s church and society. We are in support of RMN’s ministries and activities, and we are blessed with a volunteer board of over 20 highly professional and committed parents of LGBTQ+ children.

Our more well-known activities include helping on the Virtual Front Porch Zoom presentations, Parents Toolbox, Vacation Bible School curriculum, and the distribution of rainbow stoles. PRN’s members, including Janet Duke, Chris Pepple, and Audrey Myer, have also published several books and articles on the general topic of LGBTQ+ support.

Board Member, Treasurer-Elect

Rev. Kathy Talley

Pronouns: she/her

Rev. Kathy Talley is a retired elder in the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. During her ministry, she served local congregations and later focused on developing affordable housing through Community Housing Partners and Virginia Supportive Housing. She remains active in justice work through Centenary UMC in Richmond and is deeply committed to advocacy for marginalized communities.

Board Member

Rev. Ryan Wager

Pronouns: he/him

Rev. Ryan Wager serves as the Associate Pastor at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, where he is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and affirming community, particularly supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in faith and recovery. Deeply inspired by the teachings of John Wesley, contemplative prayer, and progressive theology, Ryan’s ministry emphasizes empathy and a commitment to serving those on the margins. He has been a Local Licensed Pastor since 2022.

Ryan is actively involved in transformative ministry through creative projects, Bible studies, book studies, and worship experiences. His passion for social justice extends beyond the church, as he serves on the boards of Safe Spaces Lebanon and the Coalition of Care at Housing Forward, Dallas County’s lead funding agency for addressing homelessness.

Currently enrolled in the Course of Study program at St. Paul’s School of Theology, Ryan balances ministry with a 23-year career at AT&T, where he holds an MBA. In early 2025, Ryan and his husband, Brendan, celebrated their marriage following The United Methodist Church’s historic decision to allow married pastors—a change influenced by the work of Ryan’s mentor, Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison, and the Reconciling Ministries Network.

Ryan’s ministry is a vibrant blend of advocacy, compassion, and spiritual leadership, creating spaces for growth, healing, and belonging for all.

Board Member

Ben Weger

Pronouns: he/him
Chair of Board Development Committee & Board Chair of Center for Resource & Congregational Engagement

Ben Weger serves as the Worship Director at Trinity United Methodist Church in Madison, WI. Graduating with his Masters of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Ben studied theology with a focus on social justice and leadership and organizational development.

In 2014, Ben was the worship leader for the Florida Annual Conference gathering of the United Methodist Church and has served various churches in the Florida Conference since 2008.

Ben transitioned from female to male in 2015 and is passionate about building a more inclusive Church for the next generation. Ben lives in Madison, WI with his wife Leigh and their three children.

Board Member

Alice Williams

Pronouns: she/her