Get to Know Your Leaders: The Next Class of Elders and Deacons
One of the unique things about the Presbyterian church is our commitment to electing leadership from within our Church Family. They serve alongside our members, staff, and pastoral team in a number of ways. Our Elders provide leadership and prayerful direction as stewards of the church’s vision, and our Deacons provide nurture, care, and support to our Church Family. Both roles are essential in the life of the church.
A Congregational Meeting will be held on September 14, 2025, to elect the upcoming class of Elders & Deacons. Ordination and/or installation will happen in January of 2026.
Get to know our leaders
For the office of Elder:
Amanda Dukes
Amanda Dukes is married to Bob Dukes and is step-mother to Bob's two adult children, Ryan Dukes and MelissaJahna. She also enjoys being a grandmother to Ryan's two boys. Amanda is a Senior Public Information Officer for Orange County Government and spent 33 years as a television news reporter, most of her career was spent at WESH TV here in Orlando. Amanda loves leading small groups, mentoring younger women and is often asked to speak at faith-based events.
Chris Higgs
Chris was born and grew up in Virginia, attending Virginia Tech and graduating with a degree in architecture. He met his wife in Orlando and it was she who brought him to First Pres. They have the blessing of being called to live all over the world but keeping First Pres as our "home church" through their travels. They have three amazing kids - Helaina, Indigo and John. Chris is a project management executive with Walt Disney Imagineering and a fellow of the Gotham program as he looks to bring his faith to work.
Curt Brownlee
Curt Brownlee has been married to his wife, Anne, for 39 years. They have three children, four grandchildren, and two more on the way! He is the President of Brownlee Lighting, a 48-year-old, third-generation company. He grew up in First Pres as a child, while his mother sang in the choir. He is excited about becoming more involved, strengthening his faith, and hopefully, encouraging others.
Zane Henderson
Zane has been attending First Pres with his wife, Jess, since he moved to Orlando in 2016. Over that time, he has felt like First Pres has become his family away from family – serving with the Fellows Program, 20s Ministry, Foster Care Minister, and as a deacon. His day job involves operations leadership at Foundry Commercial, specifically focusing on helping corporations, denominations, and churches steward their real estate. Playing with his daughter, fly fishing, and any pickup sport you could name are a few of his favorite things.
Scott Broughton
Scott Broughton was born and raised in Maitland, Florida. He attended both FSU and UCF and graduated with a degree in Business Finance in 2003. Scott and his wife, Scarlett, have four school aged children: Ellie, Sam, Hosanna and Brady. He has been in the insurance business for 20 years, and when he can, he substitute teaches bible classes at his kids' school, Orangewood Christian. Scott is passionate about learning about the Word of God and teaching it to others. Currently, Scott and Scarlett lead a small group for new Covenant Partners at the church.
Lisa Bell
(Bio Unavailable)
FOR THE OFFICE OF DEACON:
Anne Brownlee
Anne was born and raised in Orlando. She married Curt, and they have three children, four grand children and two on the way. She loves the Lord and is blessed to have all of her children and grandchildren living in the Orlando area. Anne loved her experience being a Deacon and is thankful to have the opportunity to serve again!
Bob Alderman
I have been a Christian since I was 7 years old. I was brought to Christ by C. Earl Cooper at Riverside Baptist Church (Jax). I am married to Erin Alderman (who is nominated to be a deacon as well). We have two children Alex (31- Atlanta) and Avery (26- Winter Park). Our family has been a member of First Pres since 2009. We have led small groups, our son Alex was in the first class of the Fellows, we have hosted fellows twice (Emily Dotson and Emma Morgan). We are currently in a small group hosted by Tony and Missy Wilson. I am excited to serve and help First Pres to continue to grow in Orlando.
Bob McClelland
Bob is a native Floridian born in Jacksonville and has lived in Central Florida since 1984. He has been a member of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando since the late 1980's after moving on from the Episcopalian Church which he was raised in. He is a former Elder. He met and married his wife Betsy at First Pres and they have two grown children, daughter Alex and son Will. Bob and Betsy have taught youth Sunday School when our kids were young and Betsy is currently serving as a Deacon. Bob has been involved in commercial real estate and construction his whole career and is now retired.
Brittany Kohl
Brittany Kohl has lived in Orlando since birth. She is married to Michael Kohl and has two children, Brynlee (10) and Beckett (7). Brittany does part time Interior Design work and volunteers at Choices Women's Clinic helping with their marketing and events. She has lived in College Park for 12 years and her children attend Orangewood Christian School.
Debbie Meiser
Debbie Meiser has been attending First Pres for three years, becoming a Covenant Partner in 2022. Debbie, along with her husband Doug, will be celebrating 35 years of marriage in October and are the proud parents of 2 boys; Brian (who lives here in Orlando with his wife Lacey), and Alex, (who lives in Kansas City, KS). Debbie is blessed to be called GoGo by 2 of the cutest granddaughters ever, sisters Sloane (3) and Reagan (2)! Debbie has always been active in both global and local missions, including coordinating a weekly lunch for the homeless in Kansas City. She looks forward to continuing to serve at First Pres!
Doug Meiser
Doug has been a Covenant Partner at First Pres since 2022 when he and his delightful wife, Debbie moved to Orlando. After a 35 year career in medical diagnostics which saw them relocate 5 times, they are happily settled here near family and grandchildren. In many of the prior churches we attended in past cities, Doug served in Elder and other leadership roles. He loves the various groups they participate in here at First Pres (Chancel Choir, Small Group, ORL Fellows) and is eager to engage in the Deacon role.
Erin Alderman
I have been a Christian my whole life and I would describe my relationship with Jesus as childlike. I was aware of his presence after my father's death at age five, giving rise to the theory that GOD has a special place in his heart for widows and orphans. Jesus became my earthly and heavenly father forevermore. I grew up fast, was a good student and appreciated my mother's hard work and devotion despite a difficult situation. I studied classical architecture and interior design at FSU and married the love of my life, Bob who shares my father's birthday. We have two beautiful grown children; Alex (31) and Avery (26) both of whom are strong Christians. Professionally, I have had the good fortune of working for a top interior design firm and subsequently, owning my own practice in Jacksonville. Nine years ago, I had a violent crash on I-4 that resulted in four neurosurgeries and shortly thereafter, my mother was diagnosed with Dementia. I cared for her full time until her death last year and was privileged to give back during her time in need. I am honored to serve, and I have a heart and personal knowledge of chronic pain and caretaking. Thank you for this opportunity to serve and I apologize that I couldn't write this sensitive material in 3rd person.
Guy F. Yandow
Guy Yandow was in the navy for 6 years, 4 years active duty and 2 years inactive. worked in and owned a corp. moving business for over 25 years. He got in a motorcycle accident in 2007 and suffered a spinal cord injury had to close business. Guy and his wife have been attending First Pres since about (est.) 2012 to present and guy has been ushering for about 8 years and what a joy it is to serve.
Kaylee Swanson
Kaylee has been a Covenant Partner of First Pres since 2004. In each stage of life she has been actively involved in its ministries and has a deep love for the church. She has worked as a nurse in Women’s Health for the past 8 years and currently serves as the nurse educator for the Mother Infant and OB High Risk units at AdventHealth. Kaylee is honored to serve as a deacon and looks forward to continuing to serve her church family.
Larry Kreider
Larry Kreider graduated from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas in 1966. He is married to Susan Kreider and they have two childen (Brett Kreider and Erica Jarrell) and six grandsons. Larry has been in full time Christian ministry since 1966 serving with Youth for Christ in Lebanon, Ventura, Ca, Omaha, Nebraska, and Houston, Tx. He moved to Orlando to be the Pres of The Gatheirng/USA and helped start Mission Emanuel and Lifework Leadership. He has served as an elder of First Pres and also was a Stephen Minister. He has also led the Basics/Foundations class at First Pres for 35 years. He is currently on the Minsterial Committee for the EPC FL/Caribbean Presbytery.
Lisa Bywater
Lisa has been married to her Clemson sweetheart Bill Bywater for over 30 years. She was blessed to get to stay home with her 3 children Jay, Sallie Jane & Clara for many years, and now she is the thrilled grandmother of sweet baby Emma. Fifteen years ago she had the joy of starting a floral business with 2 wonderful partners providing flowers for weddings. Lisa has been involved in Early Childhood and Children's ministry at First Pres for the past 28 years, where she still loves keeping the babies at the nursery.
Nicole Millard
Nicole has been married to Brian for 28 years and they live in Winter Park. They have three children - twins Hannah and Hallie and Nicholas, who attended The Christ School from K - 8 and were very involved with First Pres middle and high school ministries and are now in their mid-20’s. Nicole spent half her career in the corporate sector and half in the nonprofit world; she has been working at One Purse for over four years as the Director of Philanthropy & Communications. Prior to that, she worked at Jobs Partnership, Montreat College and The Christ School in Marketing and Development roles. Covenant Partners since 2009, Nicole and Brian have been a Fellows Host Family for three Fellows, participated in small groups and a Life Community Group and helped host many First Connections classes; Nicole also served on the Middle School Ministry Advisory Council.
Robert "Topper" Peacock
Topper Peacock is a Covenant Partner and grew up in First Pres attending Edgewater High School, Mercer University and Walter F George Law School of Law in Macon Ga. Married to Linda Allen Peacock and returning to Orlando to practice Law in 1971. Linda and Topper were Blessed with two children Courtney Pollak and Allen Peacock together with four grandchildren Alexis Santiago, Hunter Peacock, Samual Peacock, Wyatt Peacock and one great granddaughter Briar Peacock. After almost 57 years of marriage Linda passed away on July 22, 2025 and is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Topper enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren including anything they like to do, and which of course includes hunting and fishing.
Samantha Danielski
Samantha Danielski has been attending First Presbyterian Church of Orlando for 12 years. She and her husband Chris, have two sons, Max (8) and Wes (5). A former teacher, she now enjoys volunteering at Deep Dive and with the children’s SHINE Ministry. She and her family have delighted in twice serving as a host family for the Fellows Program. She currently serves as an advocate for Commission 127 at First Pres., assisting care groups for foster families.
Nathan Shinn
Nathan Shinn moved to Orlando in 2021 to become a Fellow at First Pres. Throughout the year he grew to love the church, the people, and found a calling serving in Shine, the children’s ministry. He has now been at First Pres for 4 years and just recently went through a job change. He loves his community in Orlando and looks at First Pres as a focal point of his life.