meet the pastor nominating committee
Jill Fandrich, Co-chair
Jill has been a member of Westminster for over 40 years, and has served as Elder, Deacon, Clerk of Session, and a variety of other volunteer roles, including communications coordinator (newsletter, website, social media, etc), church school teacher, tech team, and Ministry Team annual member. Jill is retired from the Cayuga County Courts Law Library; she and her husband Mark raised three children at Westminster.
Audrey McNally, Co-chair
Audrey is a lifelong member of Westminster; she grew up in "old Westminster" which merged with Second Presbyterian in 1968. She sings in the choir, teaches church school, rings handbells, decorates the chancel, volunteers in the community and at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, and does just about everything that needs done. Audrey is a retired public school teacher with boundless energy.
Brian Teucke, Corresponding Secretary
Brian Teucke is a native of New Jersey, Army veteran, and now, a union representative with SEIU Local 200United. He's passionate about serving in church, a variety of social justice issues, and trail running. In his spare time, he plays drums in an Irish band, and is most proud of his family- including his wife Ashley, son Ruairí, and dogs Jeb and Ramseur.
Sarah Trapani, Recording Secretary
Sarah is a lifelong member of Westminster, who lives in Syracuse and works in the Office of the President at Upstate Medical University. Sarah is active in children's ministries and mission projects.
Amy Sargent
Amy works as a Divisional Director for Liberty Resources, connecting people with resources in healthcare, behavioral health, and supportive services. Amy has years of experience as a direct care professional and administrator. She lives in Auburn with her husband and two children, and is passionate about Westminster's inclusive culture and its focus on helping people on the fringe.
Eli Hernandez
Dr Eliezer Hernandez is the president of the local NAACP, a longtime member of the Auburn School Board, and a recognized leader in the Auburn community. He and his family joined Westminster in 2022, attracted to it because of its emphasis on social justice and its willingness to take bold stands in the community.
Thomas Fessenden
Thomas is an Application Engineer at Xylem. He is a Ruling Elder, currently serving on Session, and is a member of the Property Committee. Thomas, Catherine, and their young son Clarence are also active in Christian Education ministries.
George Fay Jr
George joined Westminster in 2022 with his partner Donna. George is an Air Force veteran and is retired from a career in electronics and training at several companies, as well as being an EMT and security guard. George is a member of the Property Committee.
Lilyana Thornton
Lilyana recently became a member of Westminster through confirmation. Lily is a sophomore at Union Springs High School, an active Girl Scout, and a creative artist and musician. A lifelong member of the church. Lily currently sings in the church choir.
Jill has been a member of Westminster for over 40 years, and has served as Elder, Deacon, Clerk of Session, and a variety of other volunteer roles, including communications coordinator (newsletter, website, social media, etc), church school teacher, tech team, and Ministry Team annual member. Jill is retired from the Cayuga County Courts Law Library; she and her husband Mark raised three children at Westminster.
Audrey McNally, Co-chair
Audrey is a lifelong member of Westminster; she grew up in "old Westminster" which merged with Second Presbyterian in 1968. She sings in the choir, teaches church school, rings handbells, decorates the chancel, volunteers in the community and at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, and does just about everything that needs done. Audrey is a retired public school teacher with boundless energy.
Brian Teucke, Corresponding Secretary
Brian Teucke is a native of New Jersey, Army veteran, and now, a union representative with SEIU Local 200United. He's passionate about serving in church, a variety of social justice issues, and trail running. In his spare time, he plays drums in an Irish band, and is most proud of his family- including his wife Ashley, son Ruairí, and dogs Jeb and Ramseur.
Sarah Trapani, Recording Secretary
Sarah is a lifelong member of Westminster, who lives in Syracuse and works in the Office of the President at Upstate Medical University. Sarah is active in children's ministries and mission projects.
Amy Sargent
Amy works as a Divisional Director for Liberty Resources, connecting people with resources in healthcare, behavioral health, and supportive services. Amy has years of experience as a direct care professional and administrator. She lives in Auburn with her husband and two children, and is passionate about Westminster's inclusive culture and its focus on helping people on the fringe.
Eli Hernandez
Dr Eliezer Hernandez is the president of the local NAACP, a longtime member of the Auburn School Board, and a recognized leader in the Auburn community. He and his family joined Westminster in 2022, attracted to it because of its emphasis on social justice and its willingness to take bold stands in the community.
Thomas Fessenden
Thomas is an Application Engineer at Xylem. He is a Ruling Elder, currently serving on Session, and is a member of the Property Committee. Thomas, Catherine, and their young son Clarence are also active in Christian Education ministries.
George Fay Jr
George joined Westminster in 2022 with his partner Donna. George is an Air Force veteran and is retired from a career in electronics and training at several companies, as well as being an EMT and security guard. George is a member of the Property Committee.
Lilyana Thornton
Lilyana recently became a member of Westminster through confirmation. Lily is a sophomore at Union Springs High School, an active Girl Scout, and a creative artist and musician. A lifelong member of the church. Lily currently sings in the church choir.