Our staff is a blend of natives and transplants, all here serving the Savior through this branch of His church.
Jim Richter has served as the senior pastor of Westminster since January 1, 2003. Jim grew up in Alabama, where he completed his college education at Auburn University, obtaining Bachelor and Master degrees in civil engineering. While at Auburn Jim trusted Christ as his Savior and Lord, was discipled by the Navigators, and met his future wife Linda. They were married in 1973 and have two adult married children, and three grandchildren. After completion of his studies at Auburn, Jim worked as a civil engineer in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There his family joined Hixson Presbyterian Church, part of the Presbyterian Church in America, where Jim served as both Deacon and Elder. After sensing a call to pastoral ministry Jim and his family moved in 1978 to Jackson, Mississippi to study at Reformed Theological Seminary. He earned the Master of Divinity in 1981, and the Doctor of Ministry degree in 2002. Shortly thereafter, Jim and family moved back to Tennessee, where Jim was ordained to serve in pastoral ministry. He has pastored three congregations in twenty-seven years of ministry: Meadow Creek Presbyterian near Greeneville, Tennessee (1982-1989), the First Presbyterian Church of Biloxi, Mississippi (1989-2002), and Westminster Presbyterian in Johnson City, Tennessee (2003-present). Since 2004 he has served on the board of Mission Safety International, a ministry that promotes safety in missionary aviation worldwide. Jim can be contacted at: pastor@westminster-jc.org
Joel Kavanaugh is our most recent staff member. He has a heartfelt passion to see Godly families raise up Godly children. Although raised a Baptist, he found himself more at home among Presbyterians. He studied chemistry as an undergraduate at Butler University and wanted to work in the pharmaceutical industry. After four years in the medical diagnostic industry, God took his life in a new direction. During that time and after serving as a ministry deacon and small group leader, God called him into full-time vocational ministry. His wife Corinne spent many years involved with Campus Crusade for Christ and thinking that she (or her husband) would be in full-time Christian service. Joel received his Master of Divinity degree in 2003 and is working on his doctorate. He was ordained as an Assistant Pastor in Belzoni, Mississippi in 2004. After a two-year stint there, he took a solo pastorate in Brent, Alabama (2005-2008) before coming to Johnson City in early 2009. Joel and family love God’s people and this part of God’s world. His life verse is 2 Timothy 2:2. He loves to play sports, enjoys time hunting and fishing, and has spent two decades studying and teaching martial arts. Joel may be contacted at: joelkavanaugh@gmail.com
John Suits, our lead musician on the guitar, grew up in Cleveland, Tennessee, just outside Chattanooga. As one child out of five, there was never a dull moment. He especially credits his mother for being a saint when it came to meal times because of the way she lovingly served her family. After graduating from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communications, John is excited to announce he is currently engaged to Allison Wilson. When it comes to his service in the musical ministry at Westminster, John feels the best part is the people who encourage him every Sunday. John may be reached at JRSuits@gmail.com
Christy Torbett grew up in Johnson City and was privileged to be in a church where she still remembers her favorite Sunday School teacher who taught her the books of the Bible. She has fond memories of that church and being a part of everything that was going on. Because her parents often helped at church, the children followed. She attended Northeast State and ETSU, where she majored in psychology and special education before getting married. Being called to serve in the church, Christy recognizes the importance of ministering to children knowing they are the future of our church. She believes they soak up so much when they are young that we should fill their minds with the truth and equip them for the future. Her favorite verse is "Jesus said, let the little ones come unto me..." (Matthew 19:14) At Westminster the children are surrounded by the covenant and there are many opportunities for parents and churchgoers to shepherd and teach these precious little ones. Christy may be reached at: ctorbett3@gmail.com
Erin Williams is a native of Greenwood, SC. She graduated from Greenwood High School where she was inducted into the Greenwood High School Athletic Hall of Fame. She attended Furman University in Greenville, SC where she received her BA in Political Science. She is attended Furman on a tennis scholarship and still holds her tennis teaching certification with the United States Professional Tennis Association. While at Furman she met her husband, Robert, a native of Johnson City. She and Robert were married in June of 1995 at Westminster, where Robert is a charter member. After a career as a paralegal, realtor, and clothing store proprietor, she joined the WPC staff. She has served as Director of the Early Learning Program since June of 2005. In addition to her work at WPC, Erin participates in the Junior League, Niswonger Children’s Hospital Spirit Gala Committee, serves as Vice Chair of Personnel on the Board of the Children’s Advocacy Center of the First Judicial District. Erin may be reach at: epofsc@earthlink.net
Sandy Smith grew up here in Johnson City, the youngest of five children raised by loving, Christian parents. She accepted Christ as Savior at a young age of 6. Grateful to be raised in a church where children and teens were taught the importance of using their gifts to glorify God and given many opportunities to do so. Gifted by God in music, she started serving the Church as pianist at the age of 12. Only two years later she began directing adult & children’s choirs. Sandy majored in Music Education at ETSU. She was called to work in church music ministry and has worked in church much of her life. She was married in 1986 and blessed with two children. Employed with Westminster since April 1994, she has a passion to share the gospel message through the avenue of music and to help others develop their gifts to exalt God. Sandy may be reached at: sandynealsmith@gmail.com
Willette Ericson grew up in Toccoa, Georgia. After graduating from Toccoa Falls Academy, she attended Moody Bible Institute majoring in church music. She met her husband Keith at MBI, and after completing their studies they served for three years in Liberia, West Africa. When their time in Liberia was complete, they moved to Elizabethton to work at Moody Aviation. Willette also has a BS from ETSU in Elementary and Secondary Education, and an MA in English. She taught in the public school system for 30 years and has served as an assistant principal. Her love for church music goes back to her childhood. Her life has been dedicated to serving the Lord wherever he puts her. Ms. Ericson views participation in music as a privilege and a ministry. 
Donna Viens grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. She and her husband, Harry, have moved to Chuckey, Tennessee, from the north and enjoy living in the Bible Belt. She really is thankful to be serving with people who love the Lord. Ask Donna about the new joy in her life and you will hear about her little grandaughter, Gia, who still lives up north with her parents, Karen and David. Her adult son's name is Andy. Donna faithfully serves as our church secretary. While diligently keeping our church affairs organized, she is a friend to all, greeting visitors, parents of the Early Learning Program and members, always with grace. Donna may be reached at: office@westminster-jc.org
Preston Wolfe moved to Johnson City in 1955 and joined the First Presbyterian Church. He served as a deacon in 1969 and then as an elder in 1972. He is a founding member of Westminster, dating back to 1983. Preston retired from ETSU after working as assistant director of computer services for thirty-five years. His formal education is in electrical engineering and computer science. In addition to helping Westminster by overseeing the sound system, he is deeply committed to serving his Lord. He has visited Israel on four occasions and spent a total of ninety days in the land where Jesus taught and preached before amplification systems. Preston may be reached through the church office.