Staff Bios

Howard was born and raised in Midland, Texas where he grew up attending the First Presbyterian Church of Midland. Led by his Southern Baptist grandmother, Howard made a commitment to follow Jesus when he was just 6 years old. He was later baptized at the First Presbyterian Church of Midland. Growing up in Midland, Howard loved playing sports like soccer, basketball, baseball, and football, but basketball was definitely his favorite sport.
     While a student at Trinity University, Howard attended the First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, and he became a Bible study leader with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship where he discovered a love for God’s word as he led different inductive Bible studies. In 1996, Howard graduated from Trinity University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Economics.
            After college he moved to Dallas, Texas where he worked as a Management Consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers for four years. While in Dallas, he joined Highland Park Presbyterian Church (HPPC) where he served as a lay leader in the Singles and College ministry. As a part of HPPC, he discovered God had given him his greatest spiritual gifts of knowledge, faith, teaching, and preaching. Encouraged to use his spiritual gifts, Howard helped with the College and Singles ministry at HPPC by leading Bible studies, speaking at retreats, and teaching Sunday school classes. During his time at HPPC, Howard also met and married his beautiful wife, Sarah Browning. Sarah is a native of San Antonio where she grew up attending the First Presbyterian Church. She graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Ed.
            After hearing God’s call to occupational ministry, Howard left his job as a Management Consultant in Dallas to attend Princeton Theological Seminary. While at Princeton Seminary, he served as a Teaching Assistant in the Speech Department under Dr. Robert Jacks, and he worked at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River and later Central Presbyterian Church in Summit, New Jersey.
            After graduating from Princeton, Howard joined the staff of the First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Houston in July 2003 to serve as the Associate Pastor for Singles and College. During his time at FPC Houston, Howard developed a network of covenant small groups in the College and Singles ministry. He also organized and led several international mission trips and local service projects while at FPC Houston.
     In August of 2006, God called Howard back to Highland Park Presbyterian Church, where he became the Associate Pastor of Missions and Outreach. In this position, Howard helped mobilize the 4500 member church for local and global missions, with a particular focus in West Dallas and Kenya while serving as one of the primary preachers of the Contemporary service.
     In November 2010, Howard was called and installed as the new Senior Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo. In 2013, Howard help lead First Presbyterian Church out of the PC(USA) and into ECO. He is excited to be a part of this new movement of God as we seek to be a missional, intergenerational church that makes disciples who make disciples by building Christ centered, grace filled communities.
     In 2015 Howard received his Doctorate in Ministry from Fuller Seminary after completing his dissertation on How To Preach The Absolute Claims of Scripture in a Postmodern Context for Spiritual Transformation.
     In 2022, after 12 years of service, Howard became the third most tenured Pastor in First Presbyterian’s history. His favorite thing about First Pres are the people and their commitment to intergenerational ministry with a faithful willingness to serve the Lord through both local and global missions.
Howard’s favorite verse is John 15:5 where Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” Howard knows that fruitful ministry only happens as we abide in Christ. Howard and Sarah have three children: Hannah, Elizabeth, and John. Howard’s favorite things to do are to travel with his family, go on lunch dates with Sarah, go on hikes with his daughters, play golf and H.O.R.S.E. with his son, and play Pickleball with Sarah and anyone else who wants to play.

Murray Gossett is the Associate Pastor of Outreach and Adults at First Pres. He's been on staff here for over 30 years.   Murray is married to the former Jeri Albertson of Amarillo. They have five children.   Murray attended Highland Park High School, SMU, and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.  He was a High School pastor at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas from 1980-1990. Murray loves working at First Pres because of the Christ - centered, grace - focused body of believers. Murray is also a basketball fan and coaches at a local Christian school. His favorite author is John Stott, and he read all of his books during his sabbatical last summer. Murray's favorite passage is Paul’s prayer in Eph 3:14-21 --- it shows us what to pray for!  The Gossett's theme when raising triplets was Mother Teresa’s quote  “ I know God will not give me more that I am able, but I wish He would not trust me so much." Jeri and Murray will add their 6th grandchild in October 2023!

Marcos is from San Diego, California and originally from Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. Marcos has been married to his beautiful wife, Chloe, for the past 3.5 years. Marcos and Chloe love to host, make good food, and go on fun adventures. He previously served at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs but is now the Assistant Pastor of Intergenerational Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo. Marcos came to know the Lord at the age of 16, and his life was changed drastically. His encounter with the Lord led him to pursue a BA in Christian Ministries at Azusa Pacific University. After graduating, Marcos worked in various roles including working at a non-profit serving at risk youth, at Pepperdine University as an Assistant Resident Director, and as a Spiritual Pastoral Mentor at Azusa Pacific University. During this time, Marcos also helped develop a youth program with a church plant for four years. Marcos continued his education to receive a Masters in Divinity at Azusa Pacific University. Rumors say Marcos makes the best guacamole in town.

Brady Clark is a father, consultant, pastor, and social entrepreneur focusing on underserved and under-resourced communities. He has 25 years of experience in working with multicultural, low-income, high-risk individuals and communities both internationally and in the U.S. Brady has directed both faith-based and secular nonprofit organizations working towards community and individual transformation, empowerment, and strength-based development. He has taught and spoken to thousands across the world on family reconciliation, poverty, social justice, cross-cultural communication, spiritual transformation, and sustainable community building. As the co-founder and Executive Director of Square Mile Community Development, he is bringing nonprofits, individuals, faith-based groups, and businesses together to create individualized models of long-term community transformation.

Heidi Corona serves full-time as the Assistant to Sr. Pastor, Howard Griffin, to the Worship Ministry and the Communications Ministry.  She has been on staff since the summer of 2015, working in Kids Ministry before moving into this position in Feb. of 2025. Heidi was a missionary’s kid, then a preacher’s kid, then a pastor’s wife, and now has the honor of serving in the church. She has a deep love for the Church, God’s family. Heidi graduated from Ozark Christian College with a Bachelor in Biblical Studies in 1994. She has volunteered for many years in her home church,

Caroline Darst is honored to serve as the Associate Director of Women’s ministry at First Pres! She is married to her best friend, Jeff, and they have two sweet daughters, Emma (5) and Sloane (3). Caroline is a graduate of Texas A&M University and loves traveling, playing tennis, and being with my family. She is passionate about building authentic relationships and walking alongside women in every stage of life.

Austin's bio

Norman Goad is the Director of Music/ Organist at First Pres. He has been on staff from 1990-1994 and from 2004 to present. Norman has served as a church musician for 40 years, serving many churches in many denominations and has culled the best things from those experiences. He brings that cumulative experience to First Pres. Norman loves the Christ-centered, scriptural teaching, preaching, and singing at First Pres. His favorite Bible passage is Philippians 4:6-7 because these verses tell believers to not worry about anything; instead, to give our concerns to God in order to have peace from God. At age five, Norman began piano studies with his mother, Doris. He later studied piano with Jerry Whitten, and at age 14, he began organ lessons and continued through his Master’s degree in college.
He attended Texas Tech University, studying organ with Dr. Judson Maynard and choral conducting with Gene Kenny and Dr. Donald Bailey. He received his Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance in 1982 and a Master of Music degree in 1986, both from Texas Tech. Having married Diana House of Amarillo in 1981, the couple traveled to Brazil doing mission work the entire year of 1983 where they helped career Baptist missionaries establish churches, develop church music programs (teaching music in Portuguese), and played music on a live radio program in the interior of the country along the Trans Amazonian Highway. The couple speaks Portuguese fluently.
In 1986, Norman won the First Prize, Graduate Division in the Wm. C. Hall Pipe Organ Playing Competition in San Antonio, TX, a state-wide contest with students from all the major universities.
For 33 years, Norman has owned N.E.G. Keyboard Services, a company that tunes and repairs pipe organs across the Texas Panhandle, the South Plains, Permian Basin, and Eastern New Mexico. N.E.G.K.S. also restores pump organs and does consulting and pipe organ water damage/ fire/smoke restoration. Organ building requires skills in heavy construction, wood-working, leather trades, electronics, aerodynamics, metallurgy, and pipe tuning/ voicing. Norman’s shop specializes in all these trades.
Norman & Diana enjoy co-directing Praise Kidz, the Children’s choirs at FPC. In their spare time they enjoy vacationing in the Rockies hiking, biking, horse-back riding, and doing home improvement projects. He and Diana have a Schnauzer, several cats, and horses! Norman also enjoys photography, electronics, and international travels. His wife, Diana, has taught private violin & viola and is a retired orchestra/ string specialist with a Master’s degree in Violin Pedagogy.

Anita Goodrum has been an Administrative Assistant at First Pres for 33 plus years. She loves everything about First Pres. Her hobby is undoubtedly her grandchildren! Anita's favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13.

Nicole Havlik is the Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director of Administration and Operations Manager. Nicole grew up in the Canyon/Amarillo area and is happy to be settled here in adulthood. Nicole is married to Joseph Havlik, an employee of the Amarillo Fire Department and together they have two children, Hollis & Harris. She enjoys spending time with her family, watching her daughter perform in competitive cheer, reading, and visiting with friends. Nicole graduated from West Texas A&M University in 2016 and has recently made a career change from childcare to administration. She spent 6 years as a Mother’s Day Out Director before joining First Pres as an Admin Assistant. She’s very excited for this new journey and looks forward to many years with First Pres. Nicole’s favorite Bible verse is: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Jaci Hopkins serves as an Associate Director of Youth at First Pres. Jaci graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelors Degree in Biology with a minor in Religion. She is very grateful to get to be on staff at First Pres and to get to work with the awesome youth. A couple of her favorite verses are Jeremiah 9:23-24 and Matthew 20:26-28.

Cara Hunt is the Director of Communications & Production at First Pres. She's been on staff since May of 2012. Cara earned a Bachelors Degree in English and a Master of Arts Degree with an emphasis in English and Communications from WTAMU. She has been in church communications and production for over 15 years and enjoys helping ministries effectively communicate their messages in creative and relevant ways. Her favorite author is C.S. Lewis, and her favorite Bible verse is 2 Corinthians 5:17.  Cara loves the heart of the people at First Pres, the sound theology, and the rich worship experiences. She has two amazing grown children, Camryn and Bryson, and two precious dogs, Willa and Kodi.

Breanna and her husband, Daniel, have attended First Pres since 2020. They have a daughter, Hannah, who is as silly as she is sweet. Through her experiences as a middle school teacher, Americorps member, wife, and mother, Breanna has discovered a profound sense of purpose. God has uniquely blended her passions and talents, guiding her to a role that brings her immense joy. She's found her sweet spot in ministry and can't imagine serving anywhere else!

Debbie Laur has been the Director of Early Childhood Ministry since 1997. She and her husband, Noel-Paul, have four grown children and seven grandchildren. Debbie earned a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute and a diploma in Christian Education/Music from Moody Bible Institute. She has been an early childhood educator for 30 years. Debbie loves chocolate, the first layer of the food pyramid!! She loves that the Holy Scriptures are upheld as the inerrant Word of God at First Pres.

Orlando Lopez serves as the Singles Director and Church Planter at First Presbyterian Church in Amarillo. He has committed his life to full-time ministry for almost three decades, including serving on staff previously here at First Pres, pastoral roles as an ordained Assemblies of God Minister, and roles within Young Life. Orlando's passion for outreach and community building includes impacting youth and families alike. He and his wife, Dena, have three adult children and still enjoy sharing meals and conversation with them around the dinner table on a regular basis. Orlando and Dena’s home also includes one average dog, Meia. The biggest joy of their lives during this season is their first grandchild, Roman Isaac.

Eric and Amanda married in 2004 and spent the first 15 years of married life serving children and youth at Frontier Camp (Grapeland, TX). They have three lovely children, son Noah (17), daughter Esther (15) and son Titus (13). Amanda’s favorite verses are John 1:1-5, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Amanda is excited to help share this same Light with others through the ministry here at First Pres.

Lindsey's bio

Allison has been in this role since September 1, 2021, after retiring from 32 years in education. She loves the First Presbyterian Church staff and members and is so very grateful to have the opportunity to serve this church, all its members, and staff. She was baptized as an infant here, professed her faith as a young person after Confirmation class here, was married, and baptized her two precious daughters here. She is still married to Dennis (34 years later) and together they have raised their daughters, Shelby and Lyndee. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to worship music, gardening, and camping with her family. Three favorite verses are: Psalm 27:1; 1 Peter 4:10, and Philippians 4:6-8.

Kasey Sims serves as the Director of Elementary Kids Ministry.  She graduated from Texas Tech University in 1997 with a Bachelors Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies.  She taught school for several years before she and her husband, Kelley, knew God was leading her to stay home to raise their two boys, Ethan and Gavin.  During that time, she was involved with many volunteer opportunities including hosting Moms in Prayer in her home for many years and teaching children’s groups in Bible Study Fellowship.  
Kasey was delighted when God opened the door for her to come on staff to serve the precious kids of First Pres. She loves the joy of seeing kids experience and understand the love of Jesus.  Being with kids helps her to understand His love even more!
One of her favorite verses is Jude 1:24  Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forevermore. Amen

Brandon has served as worship leader for the 1105 service since 2017. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Baylor University and has been a music educator and choir director in addition to leading worship for a variety of ministries and churches. A few things he loves about First Pres are our commitment to upholding and teaching the Word of God, our beautiful and humble community of believers, and our focus on carrying out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. When he’s not strumming and singing, Brandon enjoys spending time in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. He also loves good coffee, spicy Thai food, and traveling with his family. He and his beautiful wife Elizabeth have three remarkable kids - Nathan, Ian, and Catherine.

Jeff began serving as the Technical Director at First Presbyterian in 2022. He has been serving in audio/visual and worship ministries with various churches since his early teen years. He graduated from WTAMU with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Business in 2004. Between 2009 and 2015, he worked in full-time ministry performing numerous tasks in the areas of audio, video, and lighting. In 2015, he was blessed with an invitation to serve at Insight for Living, the Chuck Swindoll radio ministry as Recording Engineer and Editor. After living in McKinney, Texas for six years, he and his wife, Melanie, moved back to Amarillo to be near family. He continues editing the radio programs remotely for Insight for Living. After attending First Presbyterian for a short while, he was excited and honored to be asked to join this wonderful staff. His favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11.

Lori Wood is the Executive Director of Administration at First Pres. Growing up as a preacher’s kid, she realized that she needed to make her own decision of faith and did so on July 12, 1983 and was later baptized by her father. It was truly a special time. Growing up in a small town outside of Lubbock, Lori enjoyed track, basketball, and UIL events. She especially loved watching the Dallas Cowboys play football (another great love passed on by her dad).  Lori also enjoys reading, stained glass, spending every moment she can spare with her hubby, and traveling!

Lori is married to David Wood, and they have five children (Celeste, Kristen, Naomi, Jarek and John Mark) and two amazing granddaughters (Trinity and Ember). Lori earned her undergrad from West Texas A&M University and completed her MBA at Wayland Baptist University in 2021. She has over 14 years of experience working with church finance and administration and over 25 years of experience in management.  

Lori’s favorite verse is Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What a comfort! It reminds us that God is our God and that He will strengthen us! We can count on Him, and He will never fail us. How wonderful and faithful is our God!