OUR STAFF
Our full time and part time YCI staff members work hard to develop relationships that aid in the advancement of the Kingdom of God.
FULL TIME STAFF MEMBERS
The Lord has given me an unquenchable passion for helping students develop strong relationships with Jesus at an early age so they follow Christ and make disciples. My work as Youth Commission Executive Director has afforded me the opportunity to lead a movement that aligns with my passion.
Although I grew up in strong Christian family, my personal relationship with Christ did not start developing on my own until my freshman year at Wake Forest University. Transferring to the University of Southern California, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. During my time in California, I worked as a reporter for a local television and radio station before the Lord called me to return to my hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Tanner married the love of her life, Thomas Girdwood, in 2017 and God has blessed them with their daughter, India Margaret “Maggie", son, Thomas “Mays” and daughter, Bella Grace. As she seeks to lead a ministry that reaches millions of young people, it is her desire for everyone to know Jesus as Lord and Savior and experience the joy of God's unconditional love.
TANNER KEITH GIRDWOOD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Having come to Christ late in my high school career I have seen firsthand the vital role that local student ministries, and student pastors play in the spiritual lives of the next generation. Having spent the last 7 years in the student ministry trenches, I have seen students demonstrate incredible leadership and desire to make Jesus known to their peers and in their schools.
I am blessed to be part of Youth Commission and their mission to empower students to be ambassadors on their campuses. My deepest desire is to see student leaders raised up to lead in the local church and in their schools to see Kingdom growth. In my downtime, I love spending time with my wife, Kathy, and two kids, Milo and Eden. I love exploring Charlotte, eating good food, hiking, working in my workshop or garden, and reading a good book.
TROY THORNBURG
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
I firmly believe God has called me to equip young people for the purpose and plan He has for their lives. My life was radically changed and transformed after encountering Jesus at a youth retreat in middle school, and ever since that moment He has provided me with opportunities to serve His people.
I had the privilege of serving as both a worship leader and youth pastor in my church, and I am excited about serving as the Director of Ministry Development for YCI. In tandem with my previous ministry experience, I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lee University with a B.S. in Ministry Leadership. In addition, I am licensed and ordained as a minister in the Foursquare church.
Danielle, my wife, is my best friend and better half. We welcomed our daughter, Evangeline, into the world in 2021, and we're excited to see what God has in store for the future. The best is yet to come!
EBEN EDDY
DIRECTOR OF MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT
OLIVIA AUDETTE
YORK COUNTY, SC AREA DIRECTOR
Ian montalto
NORTH CHARLOTTE AREA DIRECTOR
STUDENT MINISTRY ARCHITECTS (SMA)
Born and raised in Michigan, Lucas has always felt a pull towards leading and equipping the next generation. That calling has allowed him to work in student ministry in both the rural church and the mega church in Michigan and Minnesota, garnishing over 9 years of experience leading students. Lucas believes that now more than ever students need faithful leaders to pour into and teach them, that’s why he is excited to join the SMA team and partner with local churches to provide healthy student ministries and healthy student ministry leaders.
Lucas is married to his beautiful wife Josie and they have a 1-year-old daughter, Cleo. In his spare time, he loves to read, watch (good) movies, work out, and do fun stuff outside!
LUCAS WILLIAMS
SMA MULTISITE DIRECTOR
LOGAN MCELROY
SMA MULTISITE DIRECTOR
RYAN GRAVES
ROWAN & UNION COUNTY COORDINATOR
PART TIME STAFF MEMBERS
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GREATER CHARLOTTE MARKET
KAYLA CHERRY
Office Manger
MATHEW HARGETT
Community Club Coordinator
KELLY NGUYEN
Creative Coordinator
upstate, sc MARKET
SARAH COGSWELL
Upstate, SC Area Coordinator
WEST VIRGINIA MARKET
KATIE TENANT
West Virgina Area Coordinator
STUDENT MINISTRY ARCHITECTS (SMA)
CAITLYN BOLAND
SMA Administrator
KIRSTEN WARD
SMA Associate
RYAN MALOUFF
SMA Associate
