Our staff is here for you. Anyone with a pastoral concern should feel free to contact one of our ministers.
Rev. Britt Cox – Associate Pastor
bcox@firstunitedoakpark.com 708-386-5215 (ext. 105)
Britt is a graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and Chicago Theological Seminary. Prior to seminary, she served in a variety of nonprofit settings, including work as a national organizer for Reconciling Ministries Network. During seminary she served at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church and Bethany Methodist Retirement Community. Britt is passionate about communities that take risks, ecumenical conversations, worship that honors authenticity, and story-sharing. Britt is a United Methodist by tradition, serving First United Church through a Methodist appointment. She loves all things foodie, photography, writing, bike riding, traveling, and her wonderful family.
Rev. Lydia Mulkey – Associate Pastor of Education
lmulkey@firstunitedoakpark.com 708-386-5215 (ext. 103)
Lydia began at First United in 2016 after serving United Church of Christ congregations in California. She received her master of divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion and has a passion for creating safe and healthy environments where people of all ages can learn the sacred stories that bind us together, find a sense of identity within those stories, and gather courage to write the next chapter. She loves to make music and has worked in church music and in music education. In her time off, you’ll find her with Ivy, her partner. They will likely be gathered around a table of friends, eating good food, telling stories, and playing board games.
Alicia Reese – Coordinator of Youth and Children’s Ministry
areese@firstunitedoakpark.com 708-386-5215 (ext. 104)
Alicia was born and raised in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and attended First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights. She received her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and her master of divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. She was nurtured by her home church and her wonderful experiences in youth group, which are what eventually led Alicia to discern her call to ministry in seminary. Alicia is passionate about working with youth and interfaith engagement. She is in the process of being ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is excited to be serving such a vibrant community of believers in the hope that you all will allow her to know your stories and accompany you on this journey of faith.
William Chin – Director of Music Ministries
bill@firstunitedoakpark.com 708-386-5215 (ext. 108)
William Chin has a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Bill is the Assistant Director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus and is the founder and artistic director of the Oriana Singers, a six-voice a cappella group that tours nationally and internationally and has performed with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago and at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois. He is Music Director of the Oak Park and River Forest Children’s Chorus, with whom he has recorded two CDs for GIA Publications. In addition, Bill directs the Symphony Chorus for the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest and is the conductor of the Anshe Emet Synagogue Choir in Chicago. Bill has been the Director of Music Ministries at First United Church of Oak Park since 2000.
Michael Surratt – Organist
msurratt@firstunitedoakpark.com
A native of North Carolina and a church organist since the age of 12, Michael Surratt holds a bachelor of music degree from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and a master of music degree from Northwestern University in organ performance. He also has done work toward earning a doctorate in organ at Northwestern and a master of divinity degree at Chicago Theological Seminary. In addition to serving as First United’s organist, Michael directs the handbell choir, which performs several times a year with the church’s five octaves of Malmark handbells.
Donna Montgomery – Church Administrator
donnam@firstunitedoakpark.com 708-386-5215 (ext. 102)
Donna holds a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University with an emphasis in finance/accounting in addition to graduate studies completed. She has a wealth of experience in nonprofit organizations of all sizes and has held various titles such as CFO, Accounting Manager, and Business Manager. Donna is married with four lovely kids. Her passion for life, love, and hope is best described in 2 Chronicles 7:14. She enjoys spontaneous excursions with close friends and family in addition to service through ministry/work … encouraging others to always seek the highest aptitude in life where God leads him/her and then to be prepared for the miracles that await.
Amanda Swanson – Administrative Assistant
office@firstunitedoakpark.com 708-386-5215 (ext. 100)
Although Amanda’s academic background reads journalism, her recent professional interests all have been with the church. Since 2010, she has cheerfully served church offices in Oswego, Illinois, and now First United. Outside of church office hours, you can find Amanda working on her small business in vintage glassware and china rental or planning her next great international travel adventure. She was particularly drawn to First United for its strong stances on social justice as well as global mission interests.
LynToya Pate – Financial Assistant
lpate@firstunitedoakpark.com 708-386-5212 (ext. 106)
LynToya received her associate’s degree with a concentration in accounting from Triton College, after which she transferred to Roosevelt University to complete her bachelor’s degree. After starting a family, she decided to put school on hold in order to spend time with and enjoy the kids growing up. LynToya is married to Christopher, and they have three princes: Cameron, Aiden, and Jensen; and one little princess, Addison. LynToya is back to completing her studies and is considering becoming a CPA. “I decided to come on board with First United after learning the wonderful things that this church does for the community, and especially after First United opened arms to my entire family years ago. It has always been a goal of mine to be part of an organization that transforms lives.”
Keith Liesse – Head Custodian
kliesse@firstunitedoakpark.com
Keith has been our Head Custodian since May 2015. He has worked for First United since 2013 and has assumed numerous building maintenance responsibilities while also working a full-time day job. DIY and maintenance comes naturally to Keith — if he comes across an unfamiliar task, he will read and watch instructional videos to learn. You’ll usually find Keith at First United from 4:30 until close of the building, though his responsibilities include weekends, early hours and after hours when necessary. Keith is dedicated to maintaining the church along with the other custodial staff members, Patrick Guinan and Jesus Santiago. He works closely with Building and Grounds to ensure all areas of concerns are addressed. Keith, his wife, and two children live in Berwyn and enjoy family trips to Six Flags throughout the summertime.
