River Road Presbyterian Church is in the Presbytery of the James, part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Leadership of the local church consists of 18 Elders making up the Church Session and 12 Deacons who care for the Congregation as well as Trustees who oversee the financial operations of the church. The work of the church is carried out by designated Church Ministries: Christian Education, Congregational Care, Fellowship and Hospitality, Growth and Outreach, Leadership Development, Mission and Service, Personnel, Property, Stewardship and Finance, and Worship and Music.
Church Staff
Rev. Kelly-Ann Rayle,
Covenant Pastor
Kelly-Ann received her Master of Divinity degree in 2015, from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond and is an ordained Presbyterian Church (USA) pastor. She came to us from Lexington Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Virginia where she served as Interim Associate Pastor. Her responsibilities at RRPC revolve around Church Administration, Congregational Care, and Worship planning and leadership. Kelly-Ann and her husband, Steve, live in Richmond, Virginia. They have two adult children, Alex and Emily. Kelly-Ann enjoys good food, traveling, decorating, and of course, cartwheeling! Kelly-Ann Rayle is passionate about God’s word, her family, and gymnastics.
Rich Thomas Copeland, Director of Worship and Music
A Richmond native, Rich has lived all over the United States and Australia. He began performing and recording as a backing vocalist in the Nashville music scene while still studying at Belmont University. Throughout his career, Rich has collaborated with top-tier musicians and contributed to dozens of studio and live recordings. He began focusing fully on Christian ministry after an extended gig writing and recording new music for a faith-based summer camp organization near Austin, Texas. Along the way, Rich founded city-wide contemporary choirs in Miami, Florida and Melbourne, Australia, and has lived and served congregations in Miami, Houston, Washington DC, Sydney, and Melbourne. He returned to Richmond in 2021 after living abroad five years, during which the Covid pandemic kept him from visiting home for one too many Christmases. Rich and his husband, Jim, live in the West End with their dog, Hamilton, where they love to host game nights and fire-pit chats.
Rev. Joe Torrence, Director of Youth Ministry
Leading youth ministries for the last 20 years, Joe also works at the Children's Museum of Richmond as the Community Engagement Manager. He enjoys most outside activities—especially golf—loves being with family, and is passionate about sharing the good news of Christ’s love and grace with students.
In his own words: “My favorite movies are Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail, and Star Wars. My go-to music is Cold Play, Steel Wheels, and The Wood Brothers. I enjoy reading, and my current faves include Love Wins, Velvet Elvis, UnChristian, and Jesus For President. I have an incredible wife and three great kids. The most important thing about me is that I love Jesus and believe that God is making all things new. That is a message worth sharing. In Christ, we find hope, joy, love, and purpose on this journey we call life.”
Susan G. Hockman, Director of Operations
Susan Hockman is a native Richmonder. She is a graduate of Mary Baldwin College and has been with River Road Presbyterian Church since 2001. Susan’s responsibilities include managing the overall operation of the church, overseeing the maintenance and improvement of church campus facilities, developing and coordinating church communications, handling personnel/payroll needs, and working with each of our ministries. She enjoys the strong relationships she has built with church members over the years. Susan and her husband, Bill, have two children, Hillary Brooks (William) and Jack (Jessica), as well as a granddaughter and grandson. In her spare time, Susan is an avid reader and enjoys volunteering in the community, cheering for Alabama football (Roll Tide!), and spending time with her family.
Rita Smith, Principal Pianist
Rita has worked with a wide variety of choral groups and vocal performers, both as an accompanist and collaborative musician. Throughout most of her career, she has particularly enjoyed her work as a church musician, including 16 years as an accompanist at Second Baptist Church. She has been on the music staff at RRPC since 2021.
Over the years, she has also enjoyed an eclectic mix of career day-job opportunities, including a number of years at the Richmond Symphony executive offices, The Martin Agency, and over 15 years in the Marketing Department at Kings Dominion. (She will claim to be the initiator of the backwards racing train of the park’s Rebel Yell rollercoaster – though this cannot be confirmed).
Rita studied piano and church music at Bluefield University and Carson-Newman University. She carries a deep love and passion for her music, and is at her very happiest when she is “on the keys”. She especially enjoys the musical partnerships and friendships she shares with the directors, the singers and other musicians she works with. She loves the work, the challenges, and the opportunity to continue learning and honing her craft.
Marianne Crean, Interim Organist
Larry E. Coleman, Sexton
Larry Coleman is not only the longest tenured present member of our staff; he has worked for the church longer than anyone during its entire existence. In helping maintain the church as a suitable place for the Lord’s work to be done, Larry’s contributions are an extremely important and valuable part of the work and service of the church. He helps to maintain our buildings and grounds while also providing setup and take-down for the many events held at River Road Presbyterian. In his spare time, Larry enjoys spending time with family and gardening.
Ashley Redman, Director of Early Learning Center
Ashley Veney joined joined the River Road Early Learning Center staff in 2023. Since childhood days, Ashley aspired to be a teacher and knew early in college that Early Childhood Education was her passion leading her to volunteer in preschools, day care centers, and church VBS and Sunday School programs. She has a B.S. in Family and Child Development with minor degrees in Psychology and Family and Consumer Services from Liberty University. Ashley has broad range of experience as a classroom teacher and executive director in corporate and church sponsored programs. Her dedication and commitment to building outstanding programs that focus on the whole child enrich RRELC community connections. Ashley’s interests and hobbies include music and theater, and she earned the brown belt in Taekwondo. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Daisy, who is a rescued Jack Russell- Lab.
Church Officers
Session
Acting Moderator of Session - Rev. Kelly-Ann Rayle
Clerk of Session - Lee Branch
Treasurer - Sharon Cherry
Assistant Treasurers - Cheryl Duff and Lisa Manchester
Sessional Ministries
Faith Formation Ministry
The Faith Formation Ministry provides opportunities for members of all ages to encounter and study the Bible, to consider the basic tenets of the Christian faith, to improve their understanding of God, and to participate in activities that reinforce the ministry of the church. The current chair of the Faith Formation Ministry is Andrew Sackman, with vice-chairs, Lisa Boyd and Dana Moore.
Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry
The Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry is an integral part of our church family life. This hard-working group organizes Wednesday Night Suppers, Small Group Fellowship, Free Birds, the Annual Picnic, Celebration Sunday Brunch, and so much more. The current chair of the Fellowship and Hospitality Ministry is Marcia Palmer with vice-chair, Joanne Schweikert.
Growth and Outreach Ministry
The Growth and Outreach Ministry seeks to welcome all visitors to our church and inform them of the many opportunities and programs available. This ministry provides guidance in the process of becoming members of RRPC and helps new members to become assimilated into the life of the church. The current chair of the Growth and Outreach Ministry is John Blauvelt with vice-chair, Kristy Geiger.
Leadership Development Ministry
The Leadership Development Ministry is tasked with finding individuals to serve in leadership positions within the church. Regular Nominating Committee meetings are held to fill officer vacancies and also to match the right person with the many volunteer needs of the church. The current chair of the Leadership Development Ministry is Mike McGhee.
Mission and Service Ministry
The Mission and Service Ministry directs mission work throughout our region and the world. Mission work is a priority in our congregation as we are guided by Christ to love our neighbors as ourselves. The current chair of the Mission and Service Ministry is Suzanne Hendrix with vice-chair, Pratt Cherry.
Personnel Ministry
The Personnel Ministry serves as the human resources team for church staff. It undertakes tasks such as coordinating staffing strategies and hiring efforts as well as providing individual staff evaluations and direction for personnel related issues as guided by the Session and Pastor/Head of Staff. Each member of the church staff is important and valued by this ministry. The current chair of the Personnel Ministry is Kendall Shaw with vice-chair, Andrew Sanders.
Property Ministry
The Property Ministry is charged with the care and maintenance of our facilities and grounds. The current chair of the Property Ministry is Greg Guinther with vice-chair, Scott Dearnley.
Stewardship and Finance Ministry
The Stewardship and Finance Ministry leads the annual stewardship campaign, develops and recommends yearly budgets to the Session, and monitors the current operating budget. This ministry is also involved in long-term planning as aligned with the vision of the church. The current chair of the Stewardship and Finance Ministry is Mark Carpenter with vice-chair, Mark Stevens.
Worship and Music Ministry
The Worship and Music Ministry provides and guides worship opportunities in the Reformed Tradition of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Our worship experiences inspire and encourage all to deepen and strengthen their faith and to share this faith with others. The current chair of the Worship and Music Ministry is Mark Hedberg with vice-chair, Kelly Pledger.
Endowment Fund Trustees
Class of 2024
Patricia A. Avery
Andrew Elmore
Class of 2025
Kendall Shaw
A.J. Szumski
Class of 2026
Richard Byrne
Stuart Gregory
Columbarium Trustees
David Hostetler
Ron Drumheller
Donya Ransom
River Road Early Learning Center Ministry Board
The business affairs, operations, and strategic development of the Early Learning Center are governed by the River Road Early Learning Center Ministry Board.
Current Board of Directors
Dana Moore, Chair
Dusty Boyd
Howard Kies
Kristen Lynch
John Simpson
Get Involved
Sexual Misconduct Policy
It is the policy of River Road Presbyterian Church that sexual misconduct is prohibited on Church property and regarding any of its activities, wherever they may occur. You may read a copy of this policy here.