Our people
Enjoy learning a little more about the people behind the scenes at GenOn.
We love what we do! We are always available to chat. Call us at (412) 265-6541.
Kelly Burnett
Youth Summit Coordinator
Maryland
Kelly manages our annual Youth Summit, a weeklong conference where high school youth, young adults, and adult leaders worship, fellowship, and serve in mission together.
What excites you most about your work for GenOn?
RELATIONSHIPS!! I love meeting so many people during the exciting times of planning to go to Summit and of dreaming/planning for Summit…which all leads up to being a Christian community at Summit and beyond!
Betsy Dishman
Training Director
Virginia
Training Director Betsy Dishman has served on church staffs in Virginia for more than 30 years. Before joining the GenOn staff, she volunteered as a GenOn training leader for 15 years. When she’s not writing or leading online and in-person sessions for GenOn, you’ll find her offering workshops at conferences like InterGenerate and the Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE) or writing articles and resources to encourage intergenerational ministry development.
What excites you most about your work for GenOn?
Helping churches evaluate where they are with intergenerational ministry and guiding them to develop their own pathways to realize their specific vision and goals is my passion. My favorite quote to explain my work is: “It’s a process, not a program!”
Suzie Lane
Resource Director
Tennessee
Suzie has served as Christian Education Director for multiple churches in middle Tennessee. For GenOn, she designs resources, works with a variety of writers, edits resources, and maintains the online store. Suzie and her husband live in Old Hickory, Tennessee, with their two dogs. They are active members at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville. She enjoys gardening, DIY projects, and spending time with grandchildren.
What excites you most about your work for GenOn?
I am always excited about GenOn’s emphasis on helping churches foster Christ-centered relationships, especially among multiple generations. I love introducing our resources to church staff and lay leaders, and at judicatory gatherings.
Liz Perraud
Executive Director
Maryland
Liz has served GenOn Ministries as a Regional Church Advisor (2004-2013) and since 2013 as Executive Director. She also brings over 35 years of volunteer experience leading in Christian education in the local church. Liz enjoys hiking with her husband, Art, and spending time with her practically perfect grandchildren and their parents.
What excites you most about your work for GenOn?
Knowing that we’re making a difference by supporting churches in their ministry with all generations, motivates me daily. I love hearing the stories of impact and the part that we play in it.
Lisa Sampson
Logos Church Consultant
Minnesota
With more than 25 years of experience in faith formation, Lisa has served four congregations across the Twin Cities. A passionate advocate for intergenerational ministry, she has successfully launched Logos ministries in three of those congregations and continues to be deeply involved in nurturing vibrant faith doing interim CYF ministry work. In addition to her local congregational work, Lisa has contributed to GenOn as a training volunteer and resource writer. She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and Innovation from Luther Seminary. In her free time, Lisa enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her grands.
What excites you most about your work for GenOn?
Supporting Logos congregations in their unique ministries and hearing the powerful stories of how Logos has shaped the lives of children, youth, and entire faith communities.
Tracey Schoch
Communications Director
Virginia
Tracey has spent 20 years helping nonprofits and faith-based organizations with communications and outreach, including time with Gospel Rescue Ministries and Prison Fellowship in Washington DC. When not working for GenOn, she is often playing par 3 golf or picking for the two antique booths that she operates with her husband, Tim.
What excites you most about your work for GenOn?
Being part of helping churches grow and sustain community across generations. Intergenerational community is foundational to the development and deepening of faith and a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Nancy Shimpeno
Bookkeeper
Pennsylvania
Nancy joined GenOn’s staff in 2010, and has been working with multiple nonprofits, as a bookkeeper, for the past 20 years, including international ministries to China and Thailand. She has been married to her husband, Chip, for 45 years and they have one grown daughter, Abby. They enjoy attending church, camping, watching movies, working on DIY projects around our home, and spending time with friends and family.
What excites you most about your work for GenOn?
I find my work with GenOn very gratifying because of the sheer nature of what we do. Helping people and churches to learn and grow is great! Although I’m “behind the lines” by being the bookkeeper and not having direct contact with our customers, I always have felt part of the team effort!
Rebekah Witt
Threads Within Project Coordinator
Virginia
Rebekah is an avid hiker, dog lover, coach, and youth and young adult director, who feels closest to God when she is in nature. She is the Project Coordinator and a coach-sultant for the Threads Within Christian Parenting Project and grew up in GenOn's Logos Ministry at the church she now serves. Rebekah has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Arts in Teaching. She loves ministry that emphasizes the value of all ages and stages exploring faith together.
What excites you most about your work for GenOn?
I love being able to connect with church leaders and families all over the country because ministry is about relationships! The Threads Within Christian Parenting Project has provided me with the opportunity to walk alongside folks as we all learn how to recognize God's presence in the little and big moments of life.
Board of Directors
Tara Dew Board President, Associate Minister, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), El Reno, Oklahoma
Rev. Kevin Johnson Board Vice President, Director, Children’s Ministries for Congregational Vitality and Intentional Discipleship and Discipleship Ministries, United Methodist Church, Nashville, Tennessee
Annette Hinkle Board Treasurer, retired CPA, Community Volunteer, Presbyterian Church (USA), Columbia, Maryland
Rev. Dean Lindsey Board Secretary, Presbyterian Church (USA), retired pastor, Trumbull, Connecticut
Rev. Merideth Sprigler Minister for Children and their Families, First Christian Church of Louisville, Kentucky
Rev. Dr. Olivia Bryan Updegrove Founder, Faith Tutors LLC; Part-Time Pastor, Independence Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati Area
Rev. Dr. Brian Watson Special Education Teacher, Former Pastor, Non-denominational, Houston, Texas
Ed Carlson board member emeritus
Shirley Carlson board member emeritus
Tom Kanavy board member emeritus
Anne Pankratz board member emeritus
Jim Ryan board member emeritus
Rev. Anna Taylor Sweringen board member emeritus
Beth A. Thompson board member emeritus
Resource Writers
Training Leaders
Volunteers
Youth Summit Leaders
Donors and Partner Churches
GenOn's donors and Partner Churches make our ministry possible by generously sharing their financial resources. Through these partnerships, we are able to extend our reach in growing Christian relationships.
