Staff
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The Rev. Emily J. Whiten
Senior Pastor Rev. Emily Whiten was appointed as Senior Pastor at Acworth UMC in July of 2022. Pastor Emily first felt her call to ministry as a teenager at Acworth UMC, but spent a decade running away from her call. She began serving in full-time ministry in 2010. Since then, she has been in ministry at Kennesaw UMC, Eliam UMC, and Watkinsville UMC. Pastor Emily is married to Jay who owns and operates a local remodeling/handyman business. One of her very favorite roles is getting to be Stepmom to Jay’s son Jackson. Pastor Emily loves Jesus and is passionate about seeing transformation change in the church and in our lives. In her free time she enjoys conversations at coffee shops, adventures with her loved ones, and good books! |
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The Rev. Angie Crummie
Associate Pastor Rev. Angie was born in Atlanta, Ga. She is an Ordained Elder in the North Georgia Conference. She received a BS in Religious Studies from Liberty University and an MDIV from Candler School of Theology. She has previously served St. Andrew UMC in Marietta as Assoc. Pastor and Trinity UMC, Durand as Pastor in Charge. She retired from full-time ministry in June 2019 and now resides with her husband in Marietta. Rev. Angie is married to Eugene and they have four children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She and Gene enjoy traveling and spending time with the grandchildren. |
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Nicole Moore
Facilities Director Nicole Moore is our Facilities Director. She has a background in retail management and runs her own online business. But she is in charge of managing all things facilities. She is the coordinator for building projects. She has three children, Eva, Lily and Maverick who are all active in NextGen. |
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David Starnes
Director of Music Mr. David Starnes formerly served as the Director of Orchestras at Kennesaw Mountain High School where he retired the faculty in May of 2023. Prior to his arrival at Kennesaw Mountain High School, he served as Assistant Professor in The School of Music at Western Carolina University from 2011-2020. Previous to his university teaching, he served as the founding Director of Bands at Kennesaw Mountain High School from 2000-2011 where his program received national and international accolades. As a 32-year veteran music educator, Mr. Starnes taught in the Dekalb and Cobb County School Districts serving Dunwoody High School, McCleskey Middle School, Hightower Trail Middle School, Pope High School, and Kennesaw Mountain High School. As a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mr. Starnes graduated from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1988. His wife, Rhea Jeanne Starnes, is a practicing architect and employed by CDH Partners in Vinings. His daughter, Hannah, resides in Royal Oak, Michigan. Mr. Starnes and his wife have been proud residents of Acworth since 2003. |
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Ivy Pirl
Resident Pianist Ivy is a graduate of Harrison High School and studied piano at Florida State University. She is an accomplished musician and teacher as well as a mother of three. She works as a freelance accompanist and enriches the musical life of every aspect of Acworth UMC. Ivy, her husband Aaron and their three sweet little people, Sebastian, Eva and Juniper reside in the Atlanta area. |
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Matthew Martin
NextGen Director Matthew has served in a variety of youth, pastoral, and worship leader roles in his career. He grew up in Florida as a United Methodist Pastor’s kid and calls Panama City home. He has served in churches in Savannah and Augusta. He loves his family, Jesus, music, Star Wars, spaghetti, Pokemon Go, and apricot preserves. He is married to Mandy and they have three children. Judah is 3, Harrison is 18 months and Charlie Jane was born in September! |
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Kim Swank
NextGen Asst. Director for Elementary Students Kim Swank who is our NextGen Assistant Director for Elementary Students. Kim has a background in elementary education and is a NextGen small group leader, the Angel Tree coordinator, and you'll find her at the Food Pantry on Tuesday mornings. She has a heart for children and missions. Kim and her husband Ryan have two children, Mallory & Logan who are active in NextGen. |
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Erica Duckwall
NextGen Assistant Director for Preschool & Nursery Erica Duckwall wears many hats at Acworth UMC. She has a background in early childhood education. She is a lead teacher at the Acworth UMC Preschool, is the Director of Preschool Club & Camp 4340 Summer Camps, and the Assistant Director for Preschool & Nursery Children. She and her husband George have 4 children. Jack, Lucy, Joanna, and Millie who are active in NextGen. |
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Christine Cartwright
Preschool Director Prior to coming to Acworth UMC, Christine taught 4 year old preschool, kindergarten, first, and second grade. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Early Childhood Education and completed her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education at Piedmont University. She and her husband, Brian have been blessed with two daughters, Ansley and Abigail. Christine leads the preeminent preschool in the area, having been awarded "Best Preschool" by Around Acworth magazine for the past 18 years. |
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Lacey Anderson
Director of Administration & Communications Lacey Anderson is our Director of Administration & Communications. She's passionate about photography and design. She helps with the Middle School Girls Small Group and sings in the Choir. She and her husband Jon have two daughters Liliana and Camille. Lacey previously served in communications roles at churches in Anderson, SC and Tuscaloosa, AL and has 20 years of experience in communications for not-for-profits. |
