SYNOD STAFF
SYNOD LEADER/STATED CLERK
Mitch Miller, Teaching Elder Mitch Miller was elected as the Synod Leader/Stated Clerk in February 2024, having previously served as Synod Moderator in 2020 and Coordinating Team Chair in 2021 and 2022. Mitch earned his BS in Education/History from Millersville University in 1987, and his MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia in 1995. Mitch has served on a number of synod and presbytery committees since his ordination in 1987, including areas of Christian Education, Youth Ministry, New Church Development, Congregational Support, and most recently, COM. He has served on both the Synod of the Sun Presbyterian Foundation and the Indian Nations Presbytery Foundation boards. Mitch and his wife Leigh have been married since 1995 and have two grown children, Nathan and Emma. He enjoys history, story-telling, folklore, whittling, balloon twisting, and the majesty of the great outdoors.
SYNOD CONSULTANT
Steve Shive, Teaching Elder Steve Shive comes to the Synod from serving as the Interim General Presbyter of Grace Presbytery. Steve received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Auburn University, Masters of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary and D.Min from Union Presbyterian Seminary. Steve has been in Presbytery leadership as a Transitional and General Presbyter for over 12 years. He also has certification as an Associate Certified Coach from the International Coaching Federation. Steve is married to Doris and have raised two adopted children.
DIRECTOR, PARTNERSHIP FOR DISASTER RECOVERY
Kathy Lee-Cornell, Teaching Elder is a pastor and licensed social worker who has served congregations and nonprofit ministries across Texas. Kathy has previously chaired the Advisory Committee for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and served as the site coordinator for the Young Adult Volunteer Program in the Presbytery of South Louisiana. Kathy is married to another PC(USA) pastor, and together they are raising two sons and an elderly dog.
COMMUNICATION AND ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR
Thomas Riggs joined the synod staff in February 2018 from First Presbyterian Church in Grapevine, Texas, where he served as Director of Communications and Director of Youth Ministries. Tom is a 30+ year veteran of church work in the Lutheran, Episcopal and Presbyterian churches. Tom has served at Camp Gilmont, Mo Ranch and various Presbyterian youth events. He also served as an Administrative Assistant at Grace Presbytery. Tom is an avid fan of the Texas Rangers and Arsenal Football Club.
COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACTOR
Lindsay Freeman-McCarthy, Ruling Elder and Deacon is a 12th generation Presbyterian and daughter to two Presbyterian ministers. After moving to the Netherlands, she once again became active in the life of the church when coming on board with the Synod. Lindsay assists with CSP, building websites, mass e-mails, and creating beautiful social media.
