Staff

Rich Darr, Lead Pastor
rsdarr@earthlink.net
Dr. Rich Darr serves as the Lead Pastor for the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge. He came to Park Ridge in July 2009 after nine years as the Pastor of the Minooka United Methodist Church, located near Joliet, Illinois. Born in Akron, Ohio, Pastor Rich grew up in Mali, West Africa, where his parents served as missionaries. He earned his Master of Divinity degree at Trinity Seminary in 1983 and then studied in the Garrett Evangelical Theology Seminary/Northwestern University PhD program from 1983-1985. He completed his Doctorate of Theology at the Boston University School of Theology in 2005.

Carol Hill, Associate Pastor
carol@parkridgeumc.org
Rev. Carol Hill came to the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge as the Associate Pastor in July 2009. She graduated from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity and received her Bachelor of the Arts degree from Vanderbilt University.  Pastor Carol also serves as the Youth Coordinator for the Chicago Northwestern District of the United Methodist Church.  The daughter of a United Methodist pastor, Carol is the seventh generation of pastors in her family.  She brings great passion and enthusiasm for the church and ministry to our world.

Rev. Bob Campbell, Extension Ministry

Bob Campbell, ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, participates in the life of this congregation by offering leadership and guidance in Adult Education and Spiritual Formation.  Bob has served many churches, and has a special gift for Pastoral Counseling.  Bob also has a conference appointment as the Co-Director of the Willow Wellness Center in Park Ridge.  Bob graduated with an Masters of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1995 and has a Psy.D. from Adler School of Professional Psychology.

Susan Laurie, Parish Coordinator office@parkridgeumc.org
Sue Laurie is the welcoming face of our church, greeting everyone who calls or stops by during the week.  Sue joined our staff team in January 2011, bringing a myriad of experiences that have helped shape the church office and the broader church itself.  Sue has her Masters of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, was formerly a math teacher, and worked for the Reconciling Ministries Network.

Caroline Uhlig, Music Minister for Chapel Worship
cwvine@sbcglobal.net
Caroline Uhlig is our talented musician for our early morning chapel service.  Caroline teaches private piano lessons to students of all ages throughout the week, participates as a member of UMW, as well as being the choir director and music minister at First Baptist Church of Park Ridge. Caroline also is an active accompanist and pianist for musicals.  Caroline’s sense of humor and zest for life make worship all the more lively!

Matthew Granger, Music Minister for Traditional Worship
matthewjgranger@gmail.com
Matt Granger is another of our talented musicians, leading the Sanctuary Choir and providing musical direction for our Traditional Worship service at 10:30 am.  Matt graduated with a Bachelors of Music Education at Millikin University and received his Masters of Music degree from the University of Illinois. Matt is an accomplished musician in his own right, leading the choirs of Lockport Township High School full-time and has taught courses at University of Illinois.

Brett Zumsteg, Organist
brett.zumsteg@smiths.com
Brett Zumsteg provides the glorious music from the organ at our traditional worship service as well as occasional organ concerts.  Brett received his doctorate from Northwestern University and has performed many recitals on the famed Tabernacle organ in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1986, Dr. Zumsteg became a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists, the highest certificate that organization offers. He has taught at Boy’s Town, Brigham Young University and Northern Michigan University and is currently accompanist for the Lake Forest College Concert Choir, and the vocal students at the college.  Dr. Zumsteg is also a published composer, and the Sanctuary choir has sung some of his choral arrangements for the services at the church.

Kathy McIntyre, Church Accountant
kathrynmci@aol.com

Adrian Hill, Church Custodian
H_3_K@yahoo.com
Adrian Hill provides upkeep of the facilities at First UMC.  Adrian is currently studying at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary to receive his Masters of Theological Studies in May 2012.  Adrian grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and attended Vanderbilt University for his undergraduate studies in History.  Adrian brings his love for the church to his care of the building, making sure all are comfortable in this space.