District Leadership Team Projected Staffing
Northwestern District
District Superintendent
Nancy J. Varden
Rev. Nancy Johnston Varden is projected to be the Northwestern District Superintendent. She has been serving as the Purchase District Superintendent.
A lifelong United Methodist, Rev. Varden was baptized at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, and confirmed at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Wilmington, North Carolina. She holds degrees from William Peace University and North Carolina State University and earned her Master of Divinity from Duke University.
She and her husband, Rev. John G. Varden, began their ministry together in the British Methodist Church before returning to serve congregations in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Western Kentucky.
Rev. Varden was ordained an Elder in 2008 and has served faithfully in both the North Carolina and Legacy Memphis Conferences, most recently as Purchase District Superintendent.
Her leadership extends beyond the local church through service on the Board of Ordained Ministry, Reelfoot Rural Ministries, Lakeshore Camp and Retreat, Third Place Ministries Board, Conference Nominations, Equitable Compensation Committee, and The Ekklesia Project.
With a deep love for rural communities and a strong commitment to connectional ministry, Rev. Varden brings wisdom, experience, and vision to this new role. She looks forward to partnering with clergy and laity across the Northwestern District to support vibrant, creative, and faithful ministry.
Chaplain for Discernment & Innovation Associate to the District Superintendent
Amanda Crice
Rev. Amanda Crice is projected to serve as Associate to the District Superintendent in the Northwestern District of Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. She holds a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.
As an ordained Elder, Amanda currently serves as Chaplain for Discernment & Innovation for the TWK. This is a Faith & Innovation funded role which focuses on helping pastors and congregations hear and respond to the Holy Spirit’s call. She will continue to serve in this role.
Amanda brings nearly two decades of ministry experience, including service as a pastor, campus minister, and Conference Youth Ministry Coordinator in the legacy Memphis Conference. Her ministry began in education as a middle school teacher, and she has continued to walk alongside young people and adults as they discern their gifts and deepen their faith.
She also serves her community through leadership roles with local nonprofits and reconciliation efforts. She lives in Martin, Tennessee, with her husband, Justin, and their two cats.
Camden First United Methodist Church Associate to the District Superintendent
Adam Kelchner
Rev. Adam Kelchner is projected to serve as Associate to the District Superintendent in the Northwestern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. A native of Hanover County, Virginia, he holds a Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon College and a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University Divinity School.
As an ordained Elder, Adam Kelchner currently serves as Lead Pastor for Camden First UMC in the Tennessee River District, and, as a Cohort DS since July 2025. Adam’s experience as a Cohort DS will be helpful in this transitional season. He will continue serving at Camden FUMC.
Adam was licensed as a local pastor in 2012, commissioned in 2013, and ordained an elder in 2017. He has served in a variety of ministry settings across the conference, including local churches, campus ministry, and leadership roles in global outreach and congregational development. He has also contributed to conference leadership through the Board of Ordained Ministry and district committees.
He brings experience in congregational leadership, clergy development, and connectional ministry. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, Keeli, their daughter Serena, and their pets.
Hilldale United Methodist Church Associate to the District Superintendent
Jefferson Furtado
Rev. Dr. Jefferson M. Furtado is projected to serve as Associate to the District Superintendent in the Northwestern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. An ordained elder, he is the Lead Pastor at Hilldale United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, and serves as Secretary of the Annual Conference. He has also supported the Board of Ordained Ministry in a staff role since 2021.
He holds a Doctor of Ministry in Practical Theology from Kairos University, a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Rust College. He is certified in Homiletical Peer Coaching and Cultural Intelligence and is completing certifications in Cultural Humility and Restorative Justice.
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Dr. Furtado has lived in the United States since 2001. He is married to the Rev. Linda Louise Furtado, and they have three daughters together. His ministry focuses on discipleship, leadership development, and helping people connect faith with everyday life.
District Administrator
Penny Story
Penny Story will serve as an Administrative Assistant for the Northwestern district of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. She has served as Administrative Assistant for the Purchase District and as Vice President of the TWK United Women in Faith. She is also a Group Leader in Bible Study Fellowship and has over 20 years of experience in Bible study leadership, including Community Bible Study. She has also contributed devotionals to The Upper Room Disciplines (forthcoming) and serves on the TWK Conference Communications Strategy Team. She is a graduate of the former Franklin Business College in Paducah, Kentucky.
Penny is passionate about helping women grow in their relationship with Jesus through Scripture and encouraging them to support one another in faith. She also finds great purpose in coming alongside pastors and church leaders, supporting the church’s work through administration, encouragement, and faithful service. She is married to Randy, a United Methodist pastor, and they have three adult children.
District Administrator
Vicki Dunagan
Vicki Dunagan will serve as an Administrative Assistant for the Northwestern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. She began her professional career in banking and office management before transitioning into ministry administration. She has served as the Administrative Assistant for the Mississippi/Tennessee River Districts. She studied business and office management at Dyersburg State Community College.
She began her service with The United Methodist Church in 1989 as an Administrative Assistant for the Dyersburg District in the former Memphis Conference. With decades of experience, she brings extensive knowledge of district operations and supports the work of district leadership, clergy, and laity. Vicki and her husband, Eddie, reside in Dyersburg. They are the proud parents of two grown children and grandparents to five wonderful grandchildren.
Southwestern District
Southwestern District Superintendent
Jathaniel Cavitt
Rev. Dr. Jathaniel Cavitt is projected to serve as District Superintendent in the Southwestern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. He has served as Lead Pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church in Cordova, Tennessee, since 2022. During his tenure, he has helped guide the congregation in strengthening its discipleship focus, developing lay leadership, and cultivating a renewed sense of mission in the community.
Dr. Cavitt sensed a call to ministry in 2007 and began the process toward ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church. Raised as a cradle United Methodist and PK in the legacy Memphis Conference, ministry was the last thing on his mind, until the Lord led him from a dream job as a Special Agent in the United States Secret Service into a surrendered life of service for the Lord.
He is a graduate of Lambuth University (1998) and holds a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary (2011). He later earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (2019). He was ordained as an elder in the Legacy Memphis Conference in 2013.
Throughout his ministry, Dr. Cavitt has served congregations in the Memphis Metropolitan area, namely, Heartsong UMC (Associate), Collierville UMC (Associate), Colonial Park UMC, and Covenant UMC. In each setting, he has been committed to helping congregations grow deeper in discipleship, develop strong lay leadership, and engage their communities with the love of Christ.
In addition to his local church ministry, Dr. Cavitt has served the legacy Memphis Conference and the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference in several leadership roles, most recently as Chairperson of the Human Resources Committee since 2022. Other leadership roles include the legacy Memphis Board of Ordained Ministry, Metro District Committee on Ministry, and the Conference Design team during the merger.
Dr. Cavitt is also engaged in leadership development beyond the local church, coaching and equipping ministry leaders who seek greater clarity and fruitfulness in their calling. He is passionate about helping leaders navigate change faithfully while remaining rooted in the mission of the church.
Jathaniel and his wife, Jennifer, are the parents of three daughters: Macy, Charley, and Kia. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors and getting his hands dirty. He is an aspiring apiarist, an average hunter, a bad fisherman, and is fascinated by regenerative agriculture.
Dr. Cavitt looks forward to serving alongside the clergy and congregations of our conference and partnering together in the shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Associate to the District Superintendent
B.J. Brack
Rev. B.J. Brack is projected to serve as Associate to the District Superintendent in the Southwestern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. He began his ministry in the Kentucky Annual Conference before moving to Tennessee in 1998, where he was later ordained as an elder.
B.J. Brack currently serves as the Harpeth River District Superintendent. His experience serving in this role will be extremely valuable in this transitional season.
B.J. has served congregations across Davidson and Montgomery counties and recently worked in the Conference Office in Administrative Services. His recent professional development includes certifications in religious fundraising, charitable estate planning, and church administration. He has also collaborated with conference leaders to explore innovative approaches to church sustainability and community partnerships.
He lives in Tennessee with his wife, Laura, and enjoys spending time with their two adult sons and attending Nashville Predators hockey games.
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church Associate to the District Superintendent
Sharon Lewis-Karamoko
Rev. Sharon Karamoko is projected to serve as Associate to the District Superintendent in the Southwestern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. She has faithfully served in a variety of ministry settings, including rural, urban, and cross-cultural appointments, as well as in district leadership.
She currently serves as pastor of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in the Tennessee River District, and as a Cohort DS for the Mississippi River area.
A native of Kankakee, Illinois, with family roots in Old Hickory, Tennessee, Rev. Karamoko’s faith journey began in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church before she joined the United Methodist Church in Memphis in 1995. She earned a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary and was ordained a deacon in 1997 and an elder in 2000 in the legacy Memphis Conference.
Rev. Karamoko is a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose ministry is grounded in faith and the power of the Holy Spirit. She draws strength from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Associate to the District Superintendent
Russell Morrow
Rev. Dr. Russel M. Morrow is projected to serve as Associate to the District Superintendent in the Southwestern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. A native of Jamaica, New York, he holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wilberforce University, A Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary.
As an ordained Elder, Dr. Morrow currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Mullins UMC in
the Metro District.
Dr. Morrow has more than 45 years of ministry experience, beginning in the African Methodist Episcopal Church before joining the United Methodist Church in 1997. He has served congregations across multiple states and throughout the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, including serving in long-term leadership roles in cross-racial ministry settings.
His work has included youth development, community outreach, and initiatives focused on racial justice and unity, including after-school programs, music ministry, and partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club.
He and his wife, Elaine, have four children and four grandchildren and enjoy spending time with family, music, writing, and travel.
District Administrator
Amy Replogle
Amy Replogle will serve as an Administrative Assistant for the Southwestern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. She currently serves as a District Administrative Assistant in the Metro District.
She is a lifelong resident of Memphis, Tennessee, and has served as the Metro District Administrative Assistant. Her diverse career spans roles with the Shelby County Government, a North Carolina law firm, and specialized legal support in downtown Memphis. Amy later pivoted to become a Marketing Representative for a local Compounding Pharmacy, before bringing her talents to support a top-producing real estate agent.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys sewing, decorating, shopping, and cherishing time with her two daughters, Heather & Melissa and five grandchildren, who range in age from 11 to 24.
District Administrator
Chris Grosson
Chris Grosson will serve as an Administrative Assistant for the Southwestern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. She currently serves as a District Administrative Assistant in the Harpeth River District.
She previously served as an administrator at Nolensville First United Methodist Church for more than 13 years and joined the Harpeth District office in 2023 prior to this district realignment. She holds an advanced certification from the Professional Administrators of the United Methodist Connectional Structure.
Chris has lived in several states, from the west to the East Coast, before settling in Tennessee more than 25 years ago. She and her husband, Andy, have two grown sons and a granddaughter. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, reading, and serving at her home church.
Eastern District
Eastern District Superintendent
Cynthia Talley
Rev. Dr. Cynthia Talley is projected to serve as District Superintendent in the Eastern District of the Tennessee–Western Kentucky Conference. She is an ordained elder and has served as pastor of Sango United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, in addition to her role as District Project Manager for the Red River District. With more than twenty-five years of ministry experience, she has previously served as pastor of New Providence United Methodist Church (2014–2017), the Bethel–Woodlawn Charge (2008–2014), and Caldwell United Methodist Church (2001–2004) within the legacy Tennessee Annual Conference.
While pursuing her Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary, Dr. Talley served as a student pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Lexington, Kentucky (2004–2008). She completed the M.Div. in 2008. In 2016, she earned a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Leadership, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies from Asbury Seminary. Her doctoral work reflects a strong interdisciplinary emphasis, integrating missiology, theology, anthropology, and sociology.
In addition to her pastoral leadership, Dr. Talley brings eleven years of professional experience in social services with the Tennessee Department of Human Services. Much of her ministry has been shaped by cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments, deepening her commitment to fostering meaningful engagement across diverse communities. In her role as District Project Manager, she formed the Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Ministries Team, charged with developing a comprehensive strategy to equip clergy and congregations for effective and sustainable intercultural ministry.
Dr. Talley currently serves as chair of the District Committee on Ordained Ministry for the Red River District and as a member of the Tennessee–Western Kentucky Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Her additional conference service includes participation on the Committee on Safe Spaces, the Committee on Investigation, the Committee on Resolutions, the Committee on Standing Rules, the Cooperative Ministries Committee, and the Journal Dedication Committee for the legacy Tennessee Conference.
A native of Petersburg, Tennessee, Dr. Talley enjoys traveling, walking, photography, and spending time with family. She is deeply committed to the church’s calling to embody love of God and neighbor through authentic relationships and is especially passionate about cultivating communities marked by unity, reconciliation, and shared purpose — captured in her guiding vision: “to see the people of God living in beloved community.”
Lebanon First United Methodist Church Associate to the District Superintendent
Ryan Bennett
Rev. Ryan Bennett is projected to serve as Associate to the District Superintendent in the Eastern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. He holds a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and was ordained an elder in 2007.
As an ordained Elder, Ryan serves as the Lead Pastor of Lebanon First UMC in the Cumberland River District, and as a Cohort DS with the Stones River. Ryan’s experience serving as a Cohort DS will be helpful in this transitional season. He will continue to serve at Lebanon FUMC.
Ryan has served in full-time ministry since 1998, with appointments in Crossville, Pleasant View, Franklin, and Lebanon. In addition to his work in the local church, he now serves in a hybrid capacity on the bishop’s cabinet while continuing to support congregations across the conference.
His ministry has focused on strengthening the local church and expanding its impact within the community through leadership and connectional ministry.
Ryan is married to his wife, Heather, and they have one son, Tyler, a sophomore at Lebanon High School and a member of the baseball team. Their family also includes their labradoodle, Hickory, and Ryan enjoys all things baseball.
McKendree United Methodist Church Associate to the District Superintendent
Stephen Handy
Rev. Dr. Stephen Handy is projected to serve as Associate to the District Superintendent in the Eastern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. He holds a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary and was ordained an elder in 2008.
As an ordained Elder, Dr. Handy currently serves as Lead Pastor with McKendree UMC in the Red River District. Additionally, he has been serving as the Cohort DS with the Urban Cohort. Stephen’s experiences as a Cohort DS will be a strength as we bring best practices forward into a new districting model. Dr. Handy will continue serving with McKendree.
Stephen has served in a variety of ministry roles, including youth and associate pastor positions in Nashville and Lebanon. He also served on the Executive Team of The United Methodist Publishing House. He currently serves as Lead Pastor of McKendree United Methodist Church in downtown Nashville and is a member of the Bishop’s Cabinet, supporting congregations across the conference.
His ministry focuses on discipleship, community engagement, and the development of spiritual and intercultural leaders within the local church.
Stephen is married to his wife, Shelley, and they have three children: Detra Janay, Stephen Jr., and Noah. Their family also includes a 75-pound AmStaff-Labrador mix, and he enjoys running, reading, and traveling.
Algood-Cookeville-Sparta Charge Associate to the District Superintendent
Diantha McLeod
Retired Elder Diantha S. McLeod is projected to serve as Associate to the District Superintendent in the Eastern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. A native of Nashville, Tennessee, she holds a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from American Baptist Theological Seminary.
As an ordained Elder, Diantha currently serves as the Lead Pastor with the Algood-Cookeville-Sparta Charge. Rev. McLeod will continue serving with this Charge.
Diantha was commissioned as a Licensed Local Pastor in 2015 and has served congregations in the TWK Conference, including Key United Methodist Church in Hartsville and a multi-church appointment in the Caney Fork River District.
Her ministry has centered on faithful congregational leadership and sustained service to local communities. She brings a steady commitment to pastoral care and connectional ministry through her continued service in retirement.
Diantha is married to Robert McLeod and is the proud mother of two adult sons, with a growing family that includes grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Associate to the District Superintendent
Jerry Wallace
Rev. Jerry K. Wallace is projected to serve as Associate to the District Superintendent in the Eastern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. A native of Crossville, Tennessee, he holds an Associate of Arts from Martin Methodist College, a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University, and a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University.
Jerry currently serves as the District Superintendent in the Cumberland River District. His years of experience serving in this role will be invaluable to us in this transitional year.
Jerry has served in ministry for more than 35 years, with a focus on congregational leadership across the eastern portion of the conference. His appointments have included a range of local churches, and he most recently served as District Superintendent of the Cumberland River District.
In addition to his local church leadership, Jerry has contributed to the wider conference through service on district and conference committees supporting clergy and congregations.
He has been married to his wife, Jamie, for 35 years, and they have two grown children and two granddaughters.
District Administrator
Monica Butler
Monica Butler will serve as an Administrative Assistant for the Eastern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. She has served with the Stones River District office since 2013, when it was known as the Murfreesboro District in the former Tennessee Conference. Prior to this role, she worked for 14 years as technical support manager at a law firm in Nashville.
She was among the first Certified Lay Ministers in the Murfreesboro District and is certified through the Professional Administrators of the United Methodist Church. She most recently served in the Stones River District prior to realignment. She is the proud mother of one daughter and grandmother and great-grandmother to one each. She is dedicated to supporting the district’s work and serving others through her ministry role.
District Administrator
Robin Stanfield
Robin Stanfield will serve as an Administrative Assistant for the Eastern District of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. She has served with the conference since 2014, previously as Cumberland River District Administrator in the legacy Tennessee Conference. She became a Certified UMC Administrator in 2015 through the Professional Administrators of the United Methodist Connectional Structure (PAUMCS) and earned Advanced Certification in 2023. She played a key role in relaunching the Nashville Chapter of PAUMCS, helping expand membership across the TWK Conference, and has served for eight years on the Conference Communications Strategy Team.
Robin has three children: Emily, Christopher, and Lindsay. She enjoys hiking, walking, and singing in church choirs.