Staff & Leadership

We have a passion for people, our city and our world. Our culture and leadership is characterized by worship, the love of God, and a genuine call to ministry. These core values have been shaped by our rich history of great co-workers and energy; always pressing forward in our call to love God and love others.

  • REV. KAREN EASTER-BAYNE

    Lead Pastor

    As Lead Pastor, Karen serves as the spiritual leader of FUMC, preaching and teaching the good news of Jesus Christ, leading the staff team and laity to carry out the mission of the church and share Christ’s love with the community and world, connecting with new people, and providing pastoral care.  Pastor Karen grew up in Asheville.  She earned a BA degree and Master of Regional Planning degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, and her MDiv degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.  She and her husband Nick Bayne have three adult children and two grandchildren.  Pastor Karen enjoys hearing people’s stories and sharing how our own stories are part of God’s great story of love and hope.


    Contact: Karen@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3528


  • Rev. Jeremy Morris

    Associate Pastor

    Jeremy serves as Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Missions. He and his wife Laura live in Black Mountain, NC. Jeremy attended Pfeiffer University where he majored in Religion and received his M.Div from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He has a passion for forming disciples of Jesus Christ and equipping the church to serve the needs of a diverse and changing society.  Jeremy and Laura have one daughter, Juniper. In their free time can be found riding mountain bikes, running the occasional ultra marathon, or walking their rescue dogs, Blake and Colby around the mountains of WNC.


    Contact: Jeremy@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3530

  • REV. ALICE LOVING DEAL

    ASSOCIATE PASTOR

    Ally serves as Associate Pastor of Congregational Care. She and her husband, Bob, live in Flat Rock, NC, having retired in this area after serving churches as a member of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the UMC. Ally is a native of Washington, DC. She earned a B.A. degree from the University of Colorado and her M.Div. degree from the Divinity School, Duke University. Ally has a heart for sharing God’s love and offering pastoral care, especially to those who are ill or vulnerable. Ally and Bob have an adult son and two grandchildren. Ally enjoys the beauty of the good creation in these Blue Ridge mountains, and spending time with her and Bob’s rescue dogs, Faith, Grace, Hope, and Joy.


    Contact: ally@hvlfumc.org; 828-435-3536

  • Michael Stephen Brannon

    Director Of Music

    Beginning a career at the age of eight may seem strange, but that is just what Michael did. He started piano at the age of seven.  Took his first organ lesson at the age of eight, played in church the following Sunday and has been on the bench for 50 years. As the Director of Music, he coordinates the music for traditional Sunday worship services and other special worship services, including leadership and direction of choral and instrumental groups. Michael also provides organ, piano or harpsichord accompaniments for traditional Sunday worship services. He and his husband, Dennis live in Tryon with their two Shih Tzu's Ming-Ho and Manchu. Skylar, their granddaughter, is the love of their life.


    Contact: Michael@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3527

  • Drew Morton

    Director of youth and young adult ministries

    Drew, his wife Morgan, and their daughter Rylee live in Hendersonville. Drew oversees our OneYouth ministry for students in 6th-12th grades and our Young Adult ministry. Drew found his passion for ministry with children, youth, college students and young adults when he joined the staff of Camp Tekoa. He worked for Tekoa for a number of years and is still involved as a volunteer. Drew also brings his experience as the Director of Youth Ministry at Etowah UMC, and he brings business, organizational and supervisory experience in his work as Guest Services Manager at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. 


    Contact: Drew@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3538

  • Brianne Deusa

    Director Of Children's and Family Ministry

    Brianne implements curriculum and programming from birth through fifth grade, while mainly overseeing nursery through preschool programming. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Science from Messiah University. Since 2015 she has worked in Children’s Ministry and church administration in the Wesleyan Church in both the Chesapeake and Northeast Districts. Brianne moved with her husband, Tyler, and their son, Pierce, to Hendersonville in 2021. 


    Contact: Brianne@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3542

  • robert doughty

    church administrator

    As Church Administrator, Bob provides managerial support to all church staff and committee functions.  He grew up in eastern North Carolina and graduated from University of South Florida with a BA in Business. Bob worked 34 years at Hughes Aircraft and Raytheon, directing various Radar Systems Manufacturing Operations.  He is an avid golfer and sports fan of UNC and UGA sports teams.  Bob is married to Maggi, a retired executive assistant at Raytheon.  They are the proud parents of three Siamese rescue cats. 


    Contact: Bob@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3528

  • Heather Westin

    FINANCIAL MANAGER

    As the Financial Manager, Heather oversees all financial transactions for the church. She is a native to Hendersonville, having attended East Henderson High School and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a BS in Business Administration. Heather enjoys the outdoors and can be found camping, hiking, or snowboarding in her free time. She is also an avid reader and lover of great food and meaningful conversation. Her family consist of her husband, Devon and daughter Sophie. She also acts as a faithful servant to her dog Charlie and two cats, Jaguar and Chloe.


    Contact: Heather@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3529

  • TYLER DEUSA

    coMMUNICATIONS & IT DIRECTOR

    Tyler and his family come to us after pastoring a church in New Jersey.  He has been serving in ministry along with his wife since they met at a kids camp (as counselors not campers). Tyler loves spending time with his family hiking, biking, and playing board games. He and his wife Brianne have a son named Pierce who insists that he is Batman, and a dog  Avie who also insists on being Batman. Outside of his family and playing Batman, Tyler finds joy in helping others share their story. 


    Contact: tyler@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3539

  • SHERRY LINDSEY

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

    Sherry does everything from managing the church  calendar, working on copiers and phonelines to setting up for most events held at FUMC.  Sherry has been on staff for thirteen years.  She was born in Asheville and has lived in Henderson County her whole life.  She is a breast cancer survivor and participates in local awareness events.  She is married to Keith and has one son,  Caleb.  


    Contact: Sherry@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3531

  • ERIN HOLBERT

    DIRECTOR WEEKDAY SCHOOL

    Erin Holbert is our Weekday School Director. Erin started at the Weekday School as a Lead Teacher. Erin believes that children are a gift from God. Her mission is to give children the support to create their own relationship with God. Erin has worked in early childhood for over 20 years. She has worked in both the classroom and in administration. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Birth Through Kindergarten with a teaching license from Western Carolina. She has an Early Childhood Degree from Blue Ridge Community College with an Early Childhood Administration level III and Graduate work from Western Carolina University in Special Education. Erin lives with her husband Josh and three children Cameron, Brooke and Quinn in Mills River and enjoys the small-town friendly feel of Hendersonville.  


    Contact: Erin@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3532

  • SADIE CRUM

    ASSISTANT DIRECTOR WEEKDAY SCHOOL

    Sadie Crum is our Weekday School Assistant Director and Lead Teacher.  Sadie has been with FUMC for five years as the Lead Teacher in the Transitional Kindergarten Class.  Sadie was born in South Florida, but moved to the mountains of WNC in 2010.  She has always known that she wanted a career in education.  In addition to being a camp counselor and camp director, she has worked as a teacher in public, charter, and private schools both in Florida and North Carolina in kindergarten, first and second grade classrooms.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University, and obtained a teaching license in Florida and North Carolina.  In addition, Sadie furthered her studies in order to be certified to teach ESL learners kindergarten through 12th grade.   Sadie lives in Hendersonville with her husband, Sage, and her three children Lily, Josie, and Roddy.  She loves being outside, getting her hands in the dirt, and having adventures with her family. 


    Contact: Sadie@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3531

  • JOHN WATTERSON

    FACILITY MANAGER

    John oversees the Facilities Department and is responsible for all housekeeping, building maintenance and landscaping.  Following his service in the US Air Force, John spent the last 30 years as the Plant Operations Director for several retirement communities and a 9 – 12th grade boarding school.  A former rock climbing instructor, John now prefers  ballroom dancing and cruiser bike riding with his wife Janice.  They have two beautiful adult daughters, Desiree and Candis.  


    Contact: John@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3533

  • WAYNE MONROE

    SECURITY OFFICER

    Wayne is responsible for the general security of all people in the church.  He provides security through entry control, observation, security camera monitoring and periodic security rounds of church property.  Wayne retired from the Burke County Transportation Authority as Fleet Manager and Scheduling Supervisor.  He has an Associates Degree in Business Administration.  He currently resides in Old Fort with his wife, Susan.  They have three adult children and two grandchildren.  Wayne enjoys NASCAR racing and major league baseball.


    Contact: Wayne@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3535

  • COE RAULERSON

    FOOD SERVICE MANAGER

    As the Food Service Manager, Colleen oversees all kitchen operations including creating menus and preparing meals for the Table and Curbside Café as well as many other special events.  Colleen hails from San Diego, California and now lives in Hendersonville with her husband, Michael and son, Finn. She enjoys kayaking, off-grid living, homesteading, and playing in the forest where they live with their two dogs. 


    Contact: Coe@hvlfumc.org;  828.435.3541

  • JASON GARDNER

    AUDIO/VISUAL TECHNICIAN

    Jason's responsibilities include directing, overseeing, planning, implementing and running the various equipment involved in our worship service audio and video production. He has worked professionally in the audio/visual field for 25+ years and has the necessary experience and expertise to run this important department effectively. Born and raised near Atlanta, GA, Jason obtained a degree in the applied science of electronics.   He has lived in Hendersonville since 1999.  Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, as well as 'tinkering' with anything that needs to be repaired. 


    Contact: Jason@jlprosound.com  828.692.5705