Rev. Nick Demuynck
Pastor

Reverend Nick Demuynck

Nick grew up in Wake Forest and graduated from NC State in 2011. He received his Master of Divinity from Austin Theological Seminary in 2020. After graduation from State, he served as Associate Director of Youth at White Memorial in Raleigh. He then served as Church Youth Director at First Presbyterian-Greensboro from 2013 to 2017. As a seminary intern, he served as Church Youth Director at St. John’s Church in Austin, Texas. Since 2020, Nick has served as Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.

Nick is married to Savannah who graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. They met at Montreat and attended seminary together in Austin.

Their first son, Thatcher, was born in August 2023.

Claire Colcord
Associate Pastor

At age 50, after working in the church for several years, Claire was surprised (gobsmacked really!) to be called to seminary and the pastorate. Trusting that God surely knows best, Claire followed God’s call to FPC where her role in the church is repeatedly affirmed. This return south, after serving in churches as far away as NJ and Tokyo, is a joy. “I love Wilson and feel the amazing warmth and openness of this faith community!” says Claire. She has four grown daughters (and 4 terrific sons-in-law, 8 adorable grandchildren, and several granddogs) sprinkled across the US. Claire is a staunch believer that God never asks us to “check our brains at the door”; she enjoys tough theological questions and biblical tensions, lively debate, deep discussion, and not having all the answers.

Robert Morehead
Director of Music

Robert L. Morehead, CAGO, is a native of Pittsburgh and joined the staff as Director of Music in early November 2021. Robert began his organ studies at the age of twelve in Germany under Tassilo Schlenther. For over thirty years, Robert has held Director of Music positions in German Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Evangelical Lutheran churches. Robert holds a Bachelor's of Music degree in Organ Performance from Malone University in Canton, Ohio. While at Malone, Robert received instruction from W. Robert Morrison, FAGO, and earned a piano teaching certificate.  Today he directs his own teaching studio for keyboard, piano, and organ.  In 2007, Robert received his Master's degree in Music History from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned a research award from the university for his work on the topics of Ralph Vaughan Williams' agnosticism. In his free time, Robert is a free-lance recitalist and composer performing throughout the United States and Germany. He has been privileged to record improvisations and the organ works of Dr. Joe Utterback, which can both be found on all major streaming sources including Spotify.  Robert is married to Miranda, and they enjoy their two children, Kieren and Lauryn.

Leigh Anne Orr
Director of Youth Ministry

A native of Wilson, Leigh Anne grew up as an active member, then leader, in West Nash United Methodist Church. As a teen, her involvement in youth ministry carried her to district events throughout the Methodist church. After graduating from Fike High School, she attended Barton College where she graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education and a minor in mathematics. Leigh Anne enjoys being involved in our community. Over the years, she has volunteered with the Wilson Recreation Department, Relay for Life, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Robbie Page Memorial Wing of UNC Hospital. In her free time, she loves traveling to the beach, trying her hand at painting, reading new novels and taking early morning trips to fish.

Kathy Maurice
Director of Weekday School

Kathy was born in Texas, but grew up in Wilson where she attended Covenant Presbyterian Church.  After meeting her husband, Jim, they joined First Presbyterian Church and were later married here.  They have two beautiful girls, Victoria and Anna Claire, who were baptized at First Presbyterian Church and also attended the Weekday School.  Kathy is happy to be a part of the Weekday School ministry. She loves yoga, the Dallas Cowboys, watching her girls dance, and tending to her rescue pets - four dogs and one cat!

Lisa Briley
Church Administrator

Lisa is from Greenville, NC where she attended First Presbyterian Church. She is married to Gregg and they have two daughters Allie and Avery. Lisa is a graduate of Peace College and the University of South Carolina where she majored in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism. She has worked over the years in the tourism/hotel and healthcare industry. She loves NC State and the great outdoors whether working in the yard, exercising, spending time with her animals, on the farm or on the water. She’s a foster with the Wilson County Humane Society, serves on the board for the Wilson Education Partnership and is a Deacon at FPC.

Cathy Daniel
Director of Communications

Cathy has a lifelong love for the arts and a deep connection to Downtown Wilson, inspired by fond childhood memories, especially during the Christmas season. Cathy began her career at Wilson Medical Center before fulfilling her dream of opening La-D-Da, a gift shop she later relocated to Downtown Wilson. Her passion for creativity led her to establish ArtDaze, where students of all ages explore their imagination through various artistic projects. A lifelong resident of Wilson, Cathy is married to Randy Daniel. They have a daughter, Catherine, a daughter-in-law, Brittany, and three grandchildren. She is proud to contribute to Wilson’s vibrant arts community.

Cathy strongly believes that surrounding yourself with creative energy can have a lasting positive impact on your life.

Judi Walton
Financial Administrator

Judi moved to Wilson 7 years ago with her husband Dave from Florida to be closer to her father. They have 2 adult children Nick & Ana, and this year have welcomed their first grandchild Ezekiel. For the last twenty-five years Judi has held administrative positions in the construction and transportation industry. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, gardening and baking. Judi is delighted to join the team at First Presbyterian Church.

Shanyl Green
Director of Children's Ministry

Shanyl brings a passion for teaching and nurturing young minds to the Children's Ministry at First Presbyterian Church. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a focus on Secondary Education. She has teaching experience across high school, middle school, and preschool settings - where she fostered a love of learning in a caring and engaging environment for early childhood development. As a mother of three, Shanyl values building a strong foundation in faith and character from an early age. Her time at Montreat in Black Mountain deepened her appreciation for community, worship, and the power of positive spiritual development. Her love for travel and exploration inspires her to bring fresh perspectives and creativity to children’s ministry. Shanyl is dedicated to creating meaningful, fun, and impactful experiences that help children grow in their faith and discover God’s love and grace.

Alan Martin
Maintenance

Alan is somewhat like Santa Claus for us. For thirty years, Alan has tended to our church property, often while balancing a full-time load at Firestone. He and his wife Janet have five grown daughters and a slew of amazing grandchildren – just ask him!