Staff

PASTOR/HEAD OF STAFF

STEPHEN CAREY HANCOCK

Steve became Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock in August 2001. Before coming to Little Rock, he served as pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, for 10 years. From 1983-91, he was Dean of Students at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and before that served churches in Indiana and Kentucky. While in Indiana, Steve also served as a Visiting Instructor in Preaching for two years at St. Meinrad School of Theology, a Roman Catholic Seminary. While Dean of Students at Louisville Seminary, he taught as an Adjunct Professor of Preaching, and while in Nashville served as Lecturer in Church and Ministries at Vanderbilt Divinity School.

Steve grew up in Kentucky, and is a graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theology degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville.

As Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, it is Steve’s responsibility to provide overall spiritual leadership, pastoral care and administrative oversight to the congregation in its programs of worship and preaching, Christian education and spiritual nurture, service to the larger community, and fellowship within the congregation. He oversees, coordinates and supports the work of the Ministerial and Program staff, and serves as staff resource to the Worship Ministry, Stewardship Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Personnel Committee, and Nominating Committee.

Steve currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Lyon College and the Board of Trustees of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He is on the steering committee of the Arkansas Interfaith Alliance, and serves the Presbytery of Arkansas as the Moderator of the Permanent Judicial Commission and as a member of the General Council.

Steve is married to Missie Hancock, a speech-language pathologist who is Director of Outpatient Services for Easter Seals. Missie and Steve have two sons: Matt, who is Assistant Men’s Baseball Coach at the University of North Alabama, and William, a student at Catholic High.

Steve enjoys playing tennis and following the University of Kentucky basketball and football Wildcats.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR

ALISA SECREST

Alisa began as Associate Pastor for Congregational Nurture in August 2018. She grew up in the church and assumed leadership positions beginning in her teenage years. She was heavily involved at Peachtree Presbyterian in Atlanta, GA and later Westlake Hills Presbyterian and University Presbyterian in Austin, TX. Alisa graduated from Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL and worked in the IT and communications industry after college. She followed God’s call to full-time ministry about 15 years ago and graduated from Austin Seminary. She served as chaplain for various Austin hospitals and served as pastor of a church in western Colorado. For the last five years, she has been Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, Member Engagement, and Outreach at First Presbyterian in Deerfield, IL, a suburb on Chicago’s north side. Alisa is a big proponent of Stephen Ministry and revived it for the Deerfield church. She is married to Larry Secrest, a native of Fort Smith, who has led several technology commercialization efforts and formerly taught at the University of Texas. Alisa has three sons: Will (a graduate of the University of North Texas in Psychology), Ellis (a student at Valparaiso University in Indiana), and Bennett (a senior at Little Rock Central High).

ASSOCIATE PASTOR

LINDY VOGADO

Lindy began as Associate Pastor of Belonging and Outreach in July 2013. Born and raised in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Lindy has an appreciation for good food, warm hospitality, and the music of Dolly Parton. Lindy attended Presbyterian College in South Carolina, where she double majored in English and history, and she earned her Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School for Christian Education in Richmond, VA.

In her role as associate pastor, Lindy works with the Outreach and Belonging Ministries and she enjoys helping people become more involved in both church life and community service.

Before joining the staff at Second, Lindy worked in the Office of Religious Life at Presbyterian College and as Interim Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Little Rock.

Lindy is married to Dr. Robert (Bobby) Williamson, who teaches at Hendrix College and serves as parish associate at Second. She loves walking trails, rocking chairs, and visiting national parks and historic sites.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR

JEN EVANS

Jen is Associate Pastor for Youth, Young Adult, and Families with Young Children Ministries. She grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, laughing, running, and organizing. Jen attended Elon University, where she double majored in Psychology and Human Services as well as where she met her husband, Rich. Jen and Rich have two young boys and a cute old beagle. Jen is outnumbered by guys in her house! She earned her Master of Arts in Christian Education and Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary and actively pursuing ordination.

Jen believes that serving the greater Church is important in the call to ministry and currently serves on the board of Re:Create, an umbrella organization which provides opportunities for intentional leadership development that focuses on connecting recreation, experiential arts, theology, and education. Jen has served as a workshop leader, keynote speaker and manual writer for various retreats and trainings, as well as recreation leader for Presbyterian Youth Triennium and Montreat Youth Conference.

Jen served First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte as the Director of Youth and Families before joining the team at Second Presbyterian Church. She is thrilled to join all that God is doing through Second Presbyterian Church!

CHURCH EDUCATOR

JEANNIE FORD ANDREWS

Jeannie was born in Montgomery, Alabama, graduated from Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham and from Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama with bachelor’s degrees in Christian Education and Religion/Philosophy. She graduated from Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia in 1983 with a master’s degree in Christian Education and received Church Educator Certification in May 2000. Prior to joining the staff in 1992, Jeannie has served as Director of Christian Education at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia and First Presbyterian Church in Fr. Smith, Arkansas. Jeannie serves the Presbytery of Arkansas as an Educator Certification Advisor and as a member of the Presbytery Resource Center Advisory Council. She also serves on the cabinet of the South Central Association of Presbyterian Educators.

Jeannie is married to Collins Andrews, who is retired from Acxiom Corporation and now works as a business consultant. Collins and Jeannie have three adult sons—Collins Andrews IV, who lives in Fayetteville with his wife, Boriana, and two daughters; Spencer Andrews and his wife, Jennifer who live in Little Rock; and Daniel Ford who also lives in Little Rock. Collins and Jeannie enjoy spending time with their granddaughters, Arkansas Razorback sports, and relaxing at nearby Lake Hamilton.

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY

RUTH AMENSEN

Ruth was born and raised in the church with both parents as Presbyterian pastors. She lives in Conway, Arkansas and is working on an English and Art degree at the University of Central Arkansas. She’s always had a joy for working with children. She has previously worked with elementary students at a day school in Conway, teaching English to high schoolers in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and learning and playing with kids of all ages at Heartland Presbyterian Center’s summer camp. Ruth loves to cook, read, bike, and travel with her fiancée, Kyle. She joined the staff in 2017.

DIRECTOR OF YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

ASHLEY NIPP

Ashley began as the Director of Young Adult Ministry in December 2017. Her introduction to the Second Presbyterian community was during her year of service as a Young Adult Volunteer with PC(USA). Ashley grew up in Stillwater, Oklahoma before studying and living in Spain and Washington, DC, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Spanish Translation as well as a Certificate of Spanish Translation. Now that she calls Little Rock home, Ashley lives in Hillcrest with a roommate and at least a dozen plants. In her free time, you’ll find Ashley reading books or watching movies, exploring the outdoors, trying new foods, or laughing with her friends and family. Ashley believes God’s light shines through each of us and strives to leave the world just a tiny bit brighter than it was when she found it.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND THE ARTS

BEVAN KEATING

Dr. Bevan Keating is our Director of Music and oversees all aspects of Second’s dynamic Music Ministry. Dr. Keating conducts the Second Presbyterian Adult Choir, Chamber Ensemble, Youth Choir, and various guest instrumental ensembles. The SPC Adult Choir offers music to our congregation ranging from beloved spirituals to engaging choral masterworks, and tours internationally. Recent tours include the British Isles, Canada, Germany, France and Hungary.

Bevan Keating is also the founding director of Praeclara, a professional performance company supported by Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock and building on Second Presbyterian’s long tradition of contributions to the arts. Praeclara unifies Second Presbyterian’s diverse range of offerings under a single umbrella and elevates them still further, strengthening our artistic ties with the community.

Originally from Canada, he earned bachelor of education and bachelor of music degrees from the University of Western Ontario. He went on to earn a master’s degree and then a doctorate in Conducting from The Ohio State University. Dr. Keating is also the Executive Director of Wildwood Park for the Arts. He and his wife Kira, who is also very gifted musically, and twins Brock and Blythe, born in April 2010, live in the historical Governor’s Mansion District of Little Rock.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND THE ARTS

MARY IBIS

Fondly known as “Miss Mary” by children and adults alike, Mary has served as Associate Director of Music since August of 2001. She directs the Children’s choirs and oversees the children’s bell program, directs the 6-12th grade youth bell choir, the Day Ringers, and the advanced adult ringing ensemble, Exultation Ringers. In the summer she leads a choir camp, (M.A.D) for children grades 1-5, instrument camps, (Orff) for children grades PreK-5, and directs the Summer Ringers handbell choir. Miss Mary also leads music in Sunday Church School for preschool age-5th grade and the music for the summer Vacation Bible School program.

Mary’s education includes a B.M.E., Bachelor of Music Education, from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. There, she specialized in music for K-8. She has also attended multiple clinics on the Orff process, Kodaly, and studies offered through Chorister’s Guild and P.A.M. (Presbyterian Association of Musicians) music conferences. Mary is the host for the Central Arkansas Orff Chapter, and hosts events for the Arkansas chapter of the AGEHR Handbell Musicians of America. She is a faithful conferee at the Worship and Music Conference in Montreat, NC each summer. She is also honored to be serving on the faculty at the Mo-Ranch/PAM Worship and Music Conference this summer as the children’s choir clinician.

Mary enjoys reading, cooking, and painting. Mary and her husband, Ismail, enjoy playing with their sons, Dawson and Eren.

ORGANIST

ADAM SAVACOOL

Adam Savacool studied organ with Russell Hodges at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. As a student, he was the first prize recipient in the organ division of the Biennial Student/Collegiate Auditions of the National Federation of Music Clubs. A church musician for over 30 years, Adam currently serves as the organist of Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. Recently he has accompanied the church’s Adult Choir on tours of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Canada. In his spare time, he enjoys volunteer work for the Central Arkansas Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the Arkansas Federation of Music Clubs. Adam joined the staff in August 2008

9 O’CLOCK MUSIC COORDINATOR

SARAH JANE GUZMAN

Sarah Jane was born and raised in Arkansas. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance from University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She attends Second with her husband, Alex, and daughter, Layla. She has worked as a church musician in the Little Rock area since 2006. While attending UALR she became involved in many of the adult and children’s music programs at Second Presbyterian Church. She has attended several P.A.M. music conferences including Montreat Worship and Music Conference. She has been an energetic and enthusiastic vocal leader in our Contemporary Service since 2013.

CHURCH BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

AILEEN MOORE

Aileen became a member of Second Presbyterian in 1983 and joined our staff in January 2013. She has been active at Second Presbyterian as an ordained elder and deacon, assistant clerk of the Session, moderator of the Stewardship, Outreach and Worship ministries, moderator of the Nominating and Music Director Search Committees, Sunday morning office participant, bus driver and volleyball participant. Aileen previously worked as an Accounts Receivable Manager at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Accounting Manager for Nuvell Financial Services and Regions Corporation and auditor with Ernst & Young.

Aileen is a graduate of Duke University (MBA) and Centre College of Kentucky (BS). In 2018, Aileen earned the designation as a Certified Church Administrator (CCA) through Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA and The Church Network. She is the daughter of Park and Betty Jean Moore. Her extended Little Rock family include sister Janie Rash, niece Lucy Vitela and nephew Michael Vitela.

DIRECTOR OF PLANNED GIVING

MALINDA KIRCHNER

Malinda has been a member of Second Presbyterian for 32 years. She began her work in this newly-created position in November, 2007. In her years at Second Church, she has served on two search committees, held several leadership roles on the youth network team, and has helped with confirmation, stewardship, and Sunday school. She is a member of Presbyterian Women, Second Readers Book Club and a Bible study group at the church. Malinda is married to Larry, an architect, and they are the proud parents to two adult sons, Bolton and John. Malinda earned a bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Arkansas, College of Business Administration. Prior to joining the church staff, she worked at Wright, Lindsey & Jennings, Attorneys at Law as a paralegal in securities law.

She enjoys swimming, yoga and biking for fitness and playing bridge, reading, travel and knitting for relaxation. She is also a lover of dogs.

DIRECTOR OF NEW MEMBER RECRUITMENT AND ASSIMILATION

CATHERINE ALLSBURY

Catherine Allsbury is our Director of New Member Recruitment and Assimilation. Catherine is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin (B.S. in English) and Columbia Theological Seminary (MDiv, M.A., and Doctorate of Ministry). She has experience in churches in Florida and Arkansas as Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Transitional Pastor. She also has extensive work experience in the information technology field. She also has twenty years of experience with Second Presbyterian Church. Catherine will be working with the Belonging Ministry: greeting visitors and inviting them into participation in the life of Second Presbyterian Church; helping new members to find their place in this large congregation. She joined the staff in May, 2016.

PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

PAIGE MAJORS

Paige has been a member of Second Church since 1994. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of two daughters, Mary Carol and Meredith. She is originally from Ruston, Louisiana, and graduated from Louisiana Tech University. Before becoming the Preschool Director in August, 2002, she was a teacher there for seven years. She is an Elder, is involved with handbells, teaches Sunday School and serves on the Children’s Ministry.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE

TRACY MAY

Tracy has attended Second for many years. She is mother to a son and two daughters: Skyler, Cassie, and Gracie. She has been involved through the years in the FAME program, Spy Kids, VBS, and was a Sunday School teacher. Tracy is a member of PCUSA Administrative Personnel Association. She joined our church staff in 2012. Prior to that she was the Administrative Assistant at Grace Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. She is support staff resource for the Belonging and Outreach Ministries, Personnel and Church records.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE

SHARON HOWARD

Sharon rejoined the church staff in 2014 after serving from 2005-2012. Originally from Greenwood, Mississippi, Sharon moved to Arkansas in 1992 with two young children and immediately found a home at Second Presbyterian Church. She taught Sunday School on children and youth levels, including confirmation. Sharon was a youth advisor, has been on mission trips, and served as a confirmation mentor. As an ordained deacon, Sharon served on Youth Ministry and the Belonging Ministry.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE/CHILDCARE COORDINATOR

KARIN HOWZE

Karin joined our staff in April of 2012. Before that, Karin was in banking for 12 years. She is married to Guy Howze and they have 6 children, 4 of whom live at home. Karin brings a friendly, outgoing personality and top-notch organizational skills to the position of Administrative Associate and Childcare Coordinator and enjoys working with all of the parents and members of Second Presbyterian Church.

FOOD SERVICE MANAGER

BRENDA MAJORS

Brenda became a member of Second Presbyterian Church in February 1976 and joined the staff in December 2019. She has catered special events, dinner parties and business functions in Little Rock and beyond for almost 20 years. In addition, she served on the Junior League Riverfest Committee responsible for food vendors and services from 1993-2015. Brenda’s father is Gerald Johnson and she has two daughters, a granddaughter and a grandson.

FACILITIES MANAGER

DAVID BEACH, JR.

David joined our staff August 1, 1994. He has several years’ experience in custodial services, as well as construction work. In June 2011, he was named as Facilities Manager with oversight of buildings, grounds and church vehicles. David and his wife, Kristen, Principal at Arnold Drive Elementary School in the Pulaski County Special School District, have two adult children, Grant and Elizabeth. David enjoys camping and kayaking with his family and hunting during the fall.

CUSTODIAL STAFF (SEXTON)

GUY HOWZE

Guy joined our staff in the spring of 1997. He has children, Haley, Heather and Gardner. In August 2003 he married Karin and gained three more children – Jake, Jody, and Josh. Karin is Second’s Childcare Coordinator. Guy’s favorite pastimes are golf and hunting, especially for deer.

CARRIE JOHNSON

Carrie has been a member of Second Presbyterian Church for 19 years. Raised in northern Ohio, she and her husband, Michael, moved to the Little Rock area in June, 2000. They have three children: Maggie, Nora and Cade. Maggie lives in Dallas and is a youth director in a PCUSA congregation. As an ordained elder, Carrie has served on the Session, Children’s Ministry and Belonging Ministry. She has taught Sunday school at every level, including Confirmation. Carrie enjoys all kinds of music; she has played in the Second Presbyterian Flute Ensemble and has rung bells for the Exultation Ringers and Praeclara. Carrie’s background is in Teaching English as Second Language education where she has worked as both an instructor and administrator. Carrie joined the staff in September, 2019.