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Meet Our Team

HOPE RIDGE STAFF

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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.

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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

 hopeoffice@hoperidge.com

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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.

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Contemporary Worship Coordinator

mike@hoperidge.com

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. 

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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! 

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Accountant, Controller

accountant@hoperidge.com

Michael Palermo

Marty Kohler

2023 HOPE RIDGE LEADERSHIP

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Harry Fisheligh

Administrative Council Chair

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Jim Moll

Lay Leader

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Laura Moll

Representative to Annual Conference

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Fred Dingeldein

Board of Trustees

Chair

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Steve Monthey

Finance Committee

Chair

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Jamie Chamberlain

Staff-Parish Relations Committee

Chair

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Yvonne Oyler

Nurture Team

Chair

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Sue Nahumck

Adult Nurture Team Rep.

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Carol Benroth

Welcome Team

Chair

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Bob Rader

Send Team

Chair

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Karoline Ferencak

At-Large Member of Ad. Council

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Don Sotka

At-Large Member of Ad. Council

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Gary Baptie

Youth Representative

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