Meet Our Team
HOPE RIDGE STAFF
Jim Szakacs
Jim has been Pastor at Hope Ridge UMC since July 2021. He is a graduate of Capital University of Columbus, Ohio. He previously served for 13 years as Executive Director and Pastor of The Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland. During that time, he also served as the Associate Pastor of New Vision at Garfield Heights United Methodist Church.
Jim and his wife Robin have three adult children and six grandchildren.
Pastor
Lori Toth
Lori has been a part of Hope Ridge UMC since 1996, when she moved to Concord Township from Wisconsin. Lori has a B.S. in Marketing from Indiana University Bloomington. She has been the Office Administrator since 2013, and loves helping people get connected and involved in the Hope Ridge ministries.
She and her husband John have two adult children.
Office Administrator
Christian Brooks
Christian joined the Hope Ridge UMC staff in July 2021 as the early service pianist and in September 2022 became director of the choir. As of January 2023, he also shares his gifts on keyboard at the 10:30AM service with the Praise Team.
Christian loves to bring glory to God and bring others closer to God through his music.
Accompanist
Contemporary Worship Coordinator
Hope Ridge is excited to welcome Michael to our staff as of March 2023! He is a 1993 Graduate of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in which he earned a degree in Music Education and Performance. He also received a Masters Degree from Cleveland State University in 1998. He is currently a Band Director for Mayfield City Schools. He has had several solo recordings released, featuring his smooth jazz saxaphone.
Paxton & Alexis Pickrell
Youth Group Leaders
Paxton and Alexis became Youth Group Leaders at Hope Ridge in December 2021 and hit the ground running! Since then, the Youth Group has grown by leaps and bounds with mission, faith, and FUN!
Youth Group
Accountant, Controller
Michael Palermo
Marty Kohler
2023 HOPE RIDGE LEADERSHIP
Harry Fisheligh
Administrative Council Chair
Jim Moll
Lay Leader
Laura Moll
Representative to Annual Conference
Fred Dingeldein
Board of Trustees
Chair
Steve Monthey
Finance Committee
Chair
Jamie Chamberlain
Staff-Parish Relations Committee
Chair
Yvonne Oyler
Nurture Team
Chair
Sue Nahumck
Adult Nurture Team Rep.
Carol Benroth
Welcome Team
Chair
Bob Rader
Send Team
Chair
Karoline Ferencak
At-Large Member of Ad. Council
Don Sotka
At-Large Member of Ad. Council
Gary Baptie
Youth Representative