{"id":16913,"date":"2025-01-31T13:04:09","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T19:04:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/?p=16913"},"modified":"2025-10-07T09:59:50","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T14:59:50","slug":"meet-the-staff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/meet-the-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Staff"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1185.6px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:33.333333333333%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:5.76%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:5.76%;--awb-width-medium:33.333333333333%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:5.76%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:5.76%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" title=\"Staff Profile Picture &#8211; Gerry\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Staff-Profile-Picture-Gerry-1-e1738184532902.jpeg\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-16928\"\/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><h5><strong>Gerry Krupp<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>The Rev. Dr. Gerry Krupp<\/strong> is the <strong>Executive Director<\/strong> of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Christian Ministries from Indiana Wesleyan University, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Gerry\u2019s 30 years as a settled minister and 11 years working in the strategic transitional space with churches and non-profits provided him the perfect experience to guide NACCC member churches as they strive to grow, thrive, and serve \u2013 work he finds engaging and rewarding.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:33.333333333333%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:5.76%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:5.76%;--awb-width-medium:33.333333333333%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:5.76%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:5.76%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-2 hover-type-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" title=\"Staff Profile Picture &#8211; Laura\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Staff-Profile-Picture-Laura-1-e1738184395624.jpeg\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-16933\"\/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><h5><strong>Laura Wright<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Laura Wright<\/strong> is the <strong>Church Services Coordinator<\/strong> for the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. She holds an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences from Milwaukee Area Technical College and previously worked as a paralegal in a law firm for twenty-five years. In early 2018, Laura came across a job listing for the NACCC and thought, &#8220;Why not?&#8221; In her work at the NACCC, Laura has embraced close collaboration with search committee chairpersons, ministers, and member churches.\u00a0Her favorite aspect of her work is having the opportunity to serve others meaningfully. She is also a member and the current treasurer of the Congregational Retreat Society.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1185.6px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:33.333333333333%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:5.76%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:5.76%;--awb-width-medium:33.333333333333%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:5.76%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:5.76%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-3 hover-type-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" title=\"IMG_2252\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/IMG_2252-e1738185633407.jpeg\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-16938\"\/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><h5><strong>Maggie Helmick<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Maggie Helmick<\/strong> is the <strong>Communications Manager<\/strong> and <strong>Editor of <em>The Congregationalist<\/em><\/strong> magazine for the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from West Virginia University and a Master of Theological Studies in the Comparative Study of Religion from Harvard Divinity School. With a background in marketing and communications, Maggie is passionate about highlighting the achievements, milestones, and inspiring stories of member churches and their communities. She finds great fulfillment in helping to amplify the meaningful work and impact of Congregational Christian churches across the country.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:33.333333333333%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:5.76%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:5.76%;--awb-width-medium:33.333333333333%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:5.76%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:5.76%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-4 hover-type-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" title=\"Staff Profile Picture &#8211; Sarah\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Staff-Profile-Picture-Sarah-scaled-e1738184433715.jpeg\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-16932\"\/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><h5><strong>Sarah Sobecke<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Sarah Sobecke<\/strong> is the <strong>Executive Assistant<\/strong> for the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine\u00a0Arts, Boston. Prior to joining the NACCC team, Sarah worked in education, real estate, and interior design. She is a member of the American Society of Administrative Professionals and the Association of Meeting Professionals. Sarah loves collaborating with diverse committees, teams, and partners at the NACCC and finds purpose in supporting meaningful connections, fostering community, and contributing to work that makes a positive impact.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:33.333333333333%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:5.76%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:5.76%;--awb-width-medium:33.333333333333%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:5.76%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:5.76%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-5 hover-type-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" title=\"Staff Profile Picture &#8211; Julie\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Staff-Profile-Picture-Julie-.jpg\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-16923\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Staff-Profile-Picture-Julie--200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Staff-Profile-Picture-Julie-.jpg 206w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 206px\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><h5><strong>Julie Robie<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Julie Robie<\/strong> is the <strong>Missions Coordinator<\/strong> for the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of New Hampshire and pursued graduate studies in Early Childhood Education at Notre Dame College, New Hampshire, until she felt the call to serve as the Minister of Administration at First Congregational Church of Kingston, NH. She also served as a retreat leader for the Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation and a board member of the New Hampshire Chapter of Newborns and Needs before joining the NACCC team. Julie finds immense joy in helping others in the name of Christ.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1185.6px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:33.333333333333%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:5.76%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:5.76%;--awb-width-medium:33.333333333333%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:5.76%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:5.76%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-6 hover-type-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" title=\"Staff Profile Picture &#8211; Cheryl\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Staff-Profile-Picture-Cheryl-e1738184506744.jpeg\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-16930\"\/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><h5><strong>Cheryl Milnes<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Cheryl Milnes<\/strong> is the <strong>Chief Financial Officer<\/strong> of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from The Pennsylvania State University and is a licensed CPA in the state of Wisconsin. Cheryl serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations and is a member of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Her favorite aspect of her work with the NACCC is the opportunity to help the association\u2019s various boards and councils better understand their financials and guide them through the budgeting\u00a0process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_1_3 1_3 fusion-flex-column\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:33.333333333333%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:5.76%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:5.76%;--awb-width-medium:33.333333333333%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:5.76%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:5.76%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\" data-scroll-devices=\"small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element \" style=\"--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-7 hover-type-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"206\" height=\"206\" title=\"Staff Profile Picture &#8211; Austin\" src=\"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Staff-Profile-Picture-Austin-e1738184465491.jpeg\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-16931\"\/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><h5><strong>Austin Tennies<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Austin Tennies<\/strong> serves as a <strong>Fractional Accountant<\/strong> and the administrator of employee benefits for the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Ottawa University and has a professional background in non-profit accounting. Austin\u2019s favorite aspect of his work with the NACCC is providing stability and expertise in an area that not everyone is comfortable in. He hopes his work allows the association\u2019s staff and leadership to focus more on their realms of expertise and professional projects and a little less on the finances.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":725,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16913","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16913","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/725"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16913"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16913\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18339,"href":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16913\/revisions\/18339"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16913"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16913"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.naccc.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16913"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}