Our Pastors and Staff
St. Andrew's church council is working with Bishop Strickland to identify and call an interim pastor. Stay tuned.
Originally from Dubuque, IA, Haley attended college in the Quad Cities studying Communications and Marketing but what brought her to loving ministry was her work as a Youth Ministry Intern and Camp Manager - a camp close by in Tennessee. After college, she continued full-time work in ministry as a Youth Director in a large ELCA congregation in the Quad Cities.
Seeking to be closer to friends, Haley moved to the Midtown/Nashville area at the end of May with her puppy, Finley! Initially working remotely in marketing, Haley found her heart still hoped to find a ministry role and congregation to become home. This calling brought her to our community of Saint Andrew and her role as our new Director of Family Ministries.
When not working you can find her trying out different coffee shops in the area, reading books, or connecting with friends -- all with Finley in tow.
Dr. Brian Russell received his undergraduate degree in music education from MTSU and his Masters and Doctorate in conducting from Eastman School of Music. Dr. Russell is highly acclaimed clinician, conductor, and adjudicator throughout the southeast and midwest.
Brian is well known to St. Andrew having previously served as our music director and he looks forward to once again serving with Dr. Darryl Miller, our choristers, instrumentalists, and Pastors Pauline and Eric. “I am excited to return to Saint Andrew, a church I love and know well,” says Dr. Russell. “I am eager to work again with Pastors Eric and Pauline, Darryl, and all the fine people at Saint Andrew. I look forward to building on the expertise shared by my amazing colleagues Marsha Scheusner and Susan Kelly and can’t wait to sing and play with the choirs. Together we will continue to build something beautiful, collaborative, and pleasing to God.”
We are excited that Brian is returning to share his musical talent and expertise, love of music as an integral part of worship, and his beautiful voice with our congregation.
As an accompanist, conductor and concert organist, has performed in some of the most famous churches and halls in the world, including Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, St. Paul's Cathedral in London, and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City. In the summer of 2013, Darryl performed solo concerts at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, and was the first American to perform an organ concert at the Cathedral of Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais in Soissons, France.
Directly responsible for negotiating the acquisition of the Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ, Darryl Miller has served St. Andrew's Organist for nearly 20 years.
He was educated at Cedarville College, the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, Scarritt College, and Grand Canyon University. In addition to his earned bachelor and master's degrees, he was awarded an honorary degree in 1988 from Wessex Theological College in Wessex, England, for his “attainments in music and his contributions to the church.”
In his spare time, Darryl teaches part-time at Columbia State Community College, enjoys photography, and treasures spending time with his daughter, Annie, son-in-law, Luke, and the best grandchildren in the world, Noah and Willow.
Chandra Hoover comes to Saint Andrew with a varied background and skill set. Originally from Northwest Ohio and most recently from Jupiter, Florida, Chandra is a veteran, writer, event coordinator, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. Chandra served in the US Army as a Communications Specialist, honorably discharging with a rank of Specialist. She received a dual MBA in Digital Marketing and Human Resources from Lynn University in December 2021. Prior to her master’s work, Chandra received a Bachelor in Science in Fashion/Apparel Design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in June 2016 receiving the Highest Achievement Award and top honors.
Chandra has worked with the VA, as well as co-founded the design label “Chandra Todd” with spouse, Todd Hoover. In her spare time, Chandra enjoys working with veterans and conducting fashion shows as fundraisers for non-profits, as well as traveling and writing.
Chandra brings to her role as parish administrator, great energy, and enthusiasm, as well as an attention to detail, organizational skills, extensive IT knowledge and a deep desire to serve. She loves acquiring new skills and knows that the learning curve will be steep but is excited for the challenge and opportunity to join our ministry through Saint Andrew.
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Saint Andrew Lutheran Church