Our People

We’re proud of the diverse talents, life experiences, and passions that our volunteer and staff leadership bring to FIRST UNITED every day.

Their dedication is what drives forward our mission of seeking a just society through ministry, housing, advocacy, and community service.

Leadership

Amanda Burrows

Interim Executive Director

The Rev. Jennifer Goddard-Sheppard

Interim Spiritual Care Director

Natalie Gobis Cutayne

Director of Human Resources

Keely Hale

Director of Community Services

Katie Koncan

Director of Development and Communications

Rob Vandermey

Senior Director of Finance and Administration

Dr. Sarah Marsden

Director of Systems Change and Legal

The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne

Executive Director (on leave through Oct. 31, 2025)

Dr. Cheryl Bear

Director of Community Ministry (Currently on leave)

Board Of Directors

Our Society is governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of representatives from the United Church of Canada, as well as committed community volunteers with expertise in the legal, financial, and management sectors.

Dr. Heather F. Clarke

Chair

The Rev Dr. Brian Thorpe

Vice-Chair

David Walkem

Secretary

Dave Munroe

Treasurer

Jacob Black-Lock

Scott Griffin

Jeremy Hermanson

Elizabeth Kerklaan

Paul Mitchell-Banks

Lauren Telford

Aaron Wilson

Treena Duncan

Non-voting board member

In compliance with its Bylaws, First United discloses the details of payments for products or services made to board members or companies in which board members have an interest. First United’s bylaws prohibit any payment for products or services made to board members or companies in which board members have an interest. First United’s finance policies allow for board members to have access to reimbursement of reasonable expenses related to the governance and oversight of First United; in the past fiscal year no reimbursements have been claimed.