Our Staff

Staff Image
Rev. Ann Conklin, Pastor and Head of Staff
Rev. Ann Conklin began her ministry with First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara in March, 2022, as Pastor/Head of Staff. Prior to that, she served Presbyterian churches in Mesa, AZ and Grand Rapids, MI. Care for the whole person is at the heart of her ministry since prior to becoming a pastor, Ann had a career as a physical therapist. Email: aconklin@fpcsb.org [Read more...]
Staff Image
Dean Choi, Associate Pastor of Faith Formation and Community Life
Dean joined as the Associate Pastor of Faith Formation and Community Life in January of 2024. Youth and Families and Young Adults are the main areas of ministry Dean oversees. Email: dchoi@fpcsb.org [Read more...]
Staff Image
Rev. Dr. Gordon Hess, Parish Associate
‘Gordy’ is the Parish Associate for FPCSB and has served in this capacity since 2000. As the Parish Associate, he is available to support and participate in every aspect of ministry as needed. Email: gclint3@mac.com [Read more...]
Staff Image
Rev. John Burnett, Parish Associate
John is a parish associate joining FPCSB after relocating to Santa Barbara.  As a parish associate he is supporting the deacons ministries  and is available to support and participate in the ministries of First Presbyterian. John served Presbyterian churches in San Bernadino and Westlake Village, CA. He is also a retired Human Resources Manager from a national corporation. John is an ordained Presbyterian Minister and enjoys participation in the many ministries of First Presbyterian Santa Barbara. Email: burnettjohnf@gmail.com [Read more...]
Staff Image
Rev. Dr. John Harris, Parish Associate
John accepted the role of Parish Associate in early 2023. Email: johncoventry@icloud.com [Read more...]
Staff Image
Charles “Chuck” Curtis, Commissioned Lay Pastor
Known by all (except my mother and sister) as "Chuck," I have been on the staff of First Presbyterian Church since 2006, serving as Director of Mission and Evangelism. In 2012 I completed our Presbytery's two year program of Lay leadership Training and was subsequently commissioned as Lay Pastor for Mission and Evangelism. Email: ccurtis@fpcsb.org [Read more...]
Staff Image
Diane Kirkpatrick, Commissioned Ruling Elder
I’ve been a member of First Presbyterian Church Santa Barbara since 1985 when I, and my husband Lee, joined. I was raised in Asia and graduated from a Missionary High School in India. [Read more...]
Staff Image
Erin Bonski-Evans, Minister of Music
Erin makes her home in Santa Barbara (with husband, Matt and daughter, Aria) and brings with her a love for the church, its music and hymns; a depth of experience with choirs, choral conducting, vocal and keyboard performance, and developing children’s music programs; an appreciation for the diversity of church music styles and genres; and a warm, welcoming, and collaborative spirit. Email: ebonski-evans@fpcsb.org [Read more...]
Staff Image
Susan Croshaw, Children's Ministries Director
I grew up here at First Presbyterian Church, and came back to Santa Barbara to get married and raise my family. Email: scroshaw@fpcsb.org [Read more...]
Staff Image
Denise Rodman, Business Administrator
“Business Administrator… Because ‘Multitasking Ninja’ isn’t a Job Title” I’m not sure how much ninja my job is but multitasking certainly applies. As First Pres’ Business Administrator I’m responsible for the business aspects of the church, such as finances, human resources, and payroll, as well as daily operations and supporting the pastors, other staff members and ministry leaders as we work together to further the Kingdom. Email: drodman@fpcsb.org [Read more...]
Staff Image
Denise “D” Pendergast, Administrative Assistant
Maybe it’s because I’m getting older and I just plan to do what I want to do, maybe it’s more confidence or maybe it’s just more wisdom, but I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work for First Presbyterian Church. Email: fpcadmin@fpcsb.org [Read more...]
Staff Image
Justin Walker, Media Arts Specialist
I joined FPCSB as a contractor at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 to help get the services online. I now work on the staff managing all video content and helping in other areas of media arts. I am an award winning filmmaker from Fort Worth, TX who moved to California in 2016. I love that I can use my skills to not just sell products but to make an impact and spread the message of our Lord. Email: video@fpcsb.org [Read more...]
Staff Image
Paul Tarasick, Facilities Manager
I’ve been on staff at FPC since 2009 and could not be happier. A truly wonderful community! [Read more...]
Staff Image
Kay Bowman, Kitchen Liaison
I love being in the kitchen. Come back and visit any time! Email: ohkaycatering@aol.com [Read more...]