Pastors & Staff

Paul is a graduate of Furman University (BA Music - 1988). Paul continued his studies at Columbia Theological Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1993 and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2003. Paul is the Executive Director of the Institute of Church Renewal and the principal creator of The Pilgrimage ministry of adult faith-formation.

In recent years, Paul co-authored a book with Ben Johnson on making a personal retreat (Time Away, published by Upper Room: 2010) and has focused on spiritual formation and leadership development in the church. Paul has been the instructor for the Spirituality Retreat at Montreat through the Columbia Theological Seminary Certificate in Spiritual Formation (topic: Liturgy of the Hours). He has been an instructor for the Synod of Lakes and Prairies Synod School, the Presbytery of the Northern Plains, and continues to write and teach in a variety of other settings around the country. Paul's most recent book is The Pilgrim's Compass: Finding & Following The God We Seek, (published by Westminster John Knox Press: 2019).

Paul and his wife, Sarah, live in Cary and have two adult sons — Daniel and Benjamin.

Alan oversees and helps coordinate the educational, fellowship, and missional ministries for youth (5th-12th grades) and adults so as to create cohesive opportunities for Christian faith development and nurture. He is an ordained PC(USA) pastor with more than 10 years of experience, including Youth, Campus, and Transitional ministries. Most recently, he served Discovery Church in Clayton, NC as interim pastor. He has been a campus minister for UKirk Nashville, the Presbyterian Campus Ministry serving Vanderbilt University and Belmont University, and associate pastor for youth and families at Harpeth Presbyterian Church in Brentwood, Tennessee. Alan is a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary.

Alan, his wife Gracyn, and their two sons live in Cary.

Lee (she/her) is our pastoral resident, a role shared with the Presbyterian Campus Ministry at UNC-CH. Lee is a native North Carolinian and graduate of Davidson College. She worked with the Davidson College Advising Corps before earning a Masters of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond. She comes to us after a three-year pastoral residency at White Memorial Presbyterian in Raleigh.

Lee is married to her college sweetheart, Joshua, who hails from Ghana. Joshua will be beginning his Internal Medicine residency at Campbell University in the summer of 2026, and they are relocating to Garner to make the commute easier for both of them. In her free time, Lee likes to spend time with Joshua, watching movies, reading, and taking walks.

Jen oversees and coordinates the educational and care aspects of CPC’s ministries with children (infants through 5th grade) and their families to enhance their Christian faith development. She is originally from New Jersey but has lived in North Carolina for over 25 years. She has a B.S. in Science from Fairfield University in Connecticut. In addition to being on the church staff, she also teaches at the Preschool 3 days a week.

Jennifer is married and has three children.

Zinia maintains the financial records for both Cary Presbyterian and its Preschool. She is originally from Philadelphia, but was raised in North Carolina. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and has worked in Finance and Accounting for over 10 years, beginning in banking, then working at a CPA firm, and as a Senior Staff Accountant at an insurance company.

Zinia has three children and one “fur baby."

Phil manages the day-to-day communication activities for CPC, including oversight and production of published materials from bulletins to handouts, as well as CPC’s digital media and online presence. Phil also ensures the efficient and effective operation of the church office. Phil graduated from Oral Roberts University and UNC Greensboro.

Ron’s day-to-day responsibilities include maintenance and upkeep of the church and preschool property. He works closely with the Building and Grounds Ministry Team. Ron has also worked as a carpenter/contractor and construction superintendent.

Ron is married and has one son.

Ed oversees the entire music program at Cary Presbyterian Church, ensuring a balanced and extensive music ministry to and with all ages. In addition to directing and accompanying the Chancel Choir, he organizes and coordinates the participation of all the choirs, musical groups, ensembles, as well as vocal and instrumental soloists in the Sunday morning services of worship, seasonal services, and any other special services. Ed also is the Choral Director and Fine Arts Chair at Cary High School and an adjunct music professor at Central Carolina Community College.

Ed earned a B.S. in Music Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Master of Music Education at UNC-Greensboro, and did Doctoral work at Boston University. Ed holds National Board Certification in the area of Early Adolescence through Young Adult Music.