Leadership Nominees
The following individuals have agreed to serve as an elder, deacon, youth deacon, foundation trustee, and members of the nominating committee. We are grateful for their commitment and dedication to Pinnacle Presbyterian Church:
Elders
BRUCE BENDER earned a B.S. in Geology from The College of William and Mary. A few years later he met Merry Cole, and they were married in 1982. They lived in several places, including Singapore and Bahrain. In 1996 they moved from Miami to Scottsdale with their three sons when the insurance division he managed relocated here. They were active members of Mountain View Presbyterian for many years, especially in youth ministry. In 2002 they started their own consulting and marketing business, which they closed upon retiring in 2025. Bruce and Merry Cole joined Pinnacle Presbyterian in 2016 and quickly became involved, particularly with youth programs. This includes mentoring confirmands, supporting youth mission trips, serving as high school youth leaders, participating in pilgrimages, and engaging in the church’s community outreach.
DEBBIE BURDICK grew up northwest of Chicago, Illinois, moving to Arizona with her family from Decatur, Illinois, in 1995. The Burdicks were regular attendees at Pinnacle Presbyterian since 2016, officially becoming members in 2024. Debbi serves as an usher for worship and concerts and has co-presented a class on Faith and Education. She has a Bachelor’s Degree (Western IL University), two Master’s Degrees (Eastern IL University and University of Illinois), and a Doctorate from ASU. She spent 47 years in public education, starting as a teacher in Illinois and retiring as the Superintendent of the Cave Creek Unified School District. She has served as an Adjunct Professor at Millikin University, ASU, and GCU. Debbi and her husband, Gary, have three adult children and one grandson.
JANET CHRISTOPH was born and raised in western Pennsylvania as a Presbyterian. She has a BS in Computer Science/Business from Aurora University, Aurora, Illinois. Janet and her husband, Chuck, moved to Arizona in 1990 where they raised their son and daughter. Janet was employed by Mountain View Presbyterian in Scottsdale for 13 years as Director of Children’s Ministries and as the Jr. High Youth Director until she and Chuck relocated to Northern Virginia in 2006. Janet was a substitute teacher for Loudoun County School District in Virginia for six years. In 2014 Chuck retired, and they moved to Fountain Hills, Arizona. Janet substituted in the Scottsdale Unified School District for four years until retiring in 2018. She enjoys volunteering in community mission opportunities, traveling, walking, baking, and spending time with their seven grandchildren. She and Chuck have been members of Pinnacle Presbyterian since May 2016. Janet has served as a Deacon and volunteered in the Jr. High Youth program while at Pinnacle Presbyterian.
SUSAN MATURA grew up in Duxbury, Mass., and met her husband, Jeff, at Carleton College in Minnesota. They moved to Scottsdale more than 25 years ago, and have been connected to Pinnacle since their three kids (Christopher, 22; Timothy, 20; Julia, 17) attended the Pinnacle Preschool. Susan has served as an Elder for the past three years and previously served on the Nominating Committee, the Preschool Board, and the Stewardship Committee. Susan is a member of the Sing for Life choir, SAGE & Friends, and the Women’s Book Club. Outside of church, Susan is a part-time substitute instructional assistant (para-educator) in self-contained special education programs and is an active volunteer in her children’s schools.
BEN WHITE has been a member of PPC for four years and has served as Treasurer of the PPC Foundation for three years. He is currently the Director of Corporate Audit for Cubic Corporation. Previously, Ben had a long career in Big 4 public accounting and corporate audit, culminating in roles as head of internal audit and internal controls at Systemax and Black and Decker, respectively. Ben is a licensed CPA with an MBA in Finance from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU and a BS in Finance from Illinois State University. Ben currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife, Michele, and daughter Sarah, who have been attending Pinnacle Presbyterian Church since December 2021.
Deacons
JACK BENDER is originally from Pittsburgh. However, Jack and his family lived in Long Island, NY, and Carmel, IN, before moving to Scottsdale in 2005. A PPC member since 2005, Jack has served as an elder as well as participating on the PPC Personnel committee, and as an usher since 2007. Jack and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 41 years with two children, Erica and Dylan, and a grandson, Jacob. Jack graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and earned an MBA from Grand Canyon University. Jack currently works for USI Insurance Services as Senior Vice President in Employee Benefits.
SHARON BURRY is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to Arizona along with her husband in 2020. They discovered the church via the website and have been attending for about four years, becoming members in 2025. Sharon and her husband have been impressed by the ministry and the music and have attended many of the concerts. They have also participated in some SAGE events, and she has been to some of the weekly Yoga classes. Her educational background includes a BS in Management Science and an MBA, both from Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania. During her career she was employed in various roles in Strategic Planning, Information Technology, and Project Management for large companies in the Energy, Financial, and Health Care sectors. She retired in 2020 after moving to Arizona. She has been married to her husband, Dave, for 40+ years. Most of the rest of their family resides in Pennsylvania.
AUDREY BUSH She is honored to serve as the Youth Deacon for the 2026–2027 year. She is currently a junior at Cactus Shadows High School, where she is involved in academics and extracurricular activities. She enjoys playing on the varsity tennis team, as well as riding and showing Arabian horses. Outside of school, she loves traveling, hiking, and spending time helping whenever she can. She is very excited for the opportunity to serve her church community as a Youth Deacon. She looks forward to getting more involved, meeting new people, and helping support our youth and church in any way she can. She is thankful for this opportunity. She is truly grateful and excited for the year ahead.
LESLEY BUSH She and her family have been members of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church for more than 22 years. Pinnacle has been their church home as they raised their three children: Addison (22), Andrew (18), and Audrey (17), and they are deeply grateful for the faith formation, fellowship, and meaningful programs that have supported their family through the years. Outside of church, they enjoy spending time outdoors together, including hiking with their dogs, Ollie and Beckett, kayaking, paddleboarding, and traveling to new places. They also share a love of horses and have enjoyed showing their Arabians: Weston, Winnie, and Cruz. Attending sporting events, especially football, and cheering on their children through their various sports have been some of the highlights of their years as parents. She is thankful for the relationships they have built at Pinnacle Presbyterian and look forward to continuing to serve and connect with our church community as a deacon.
TOM FITCH grew up in Flint, Michigan. He went to the University of Kansas as an undergraduate, to medical school in Michigan, for a residency in Internal Medicine, and to the Mayo Clinic for fellowships in Medical Oncology and Hematology. Tom achieved board certification in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine. He spent his career with the Mayo Clinic, moving to Arizona in 1988. Tom and his wife, Janis, have 3 daughters, each married with two children and living in Kansas City, Eugene, and Minneapolis. Tom and Janis joined Pinnacle Presbyterian Church in 2015. He loves God, his family (Janis is in very close competition with God), reading, the outdoors, traveling, and having meals and wine at his home with his family and friends.
JUNE HANSON is a retired CPA and Adjunct Accounting Instructor. She has worked in finance and forensic auditing for over 30 years. She and her husband live in Cave Creek with five rescue cats. They are both avid hikers and volunteers at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and animal welfare groups. June is a native Phoenician but has lived in both Texas and Oregon. She has been a member of Pinnacle for about eight years.
LILA KLEINKOPF spent her childhood on small ranches in Montana and Idaho and attended the University of Idaho, where she met her husband. They moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, where their daughter, Julie, was born. Ten years later, her husband was hired by Motorola in Phoenix. With a university nearby, Lila enrolled at ASU and completed her degree in Home Economics Education. They were transferred to Austin and later back to Phoenix. During those years, Lila taught high school Career and Technical Education (CTE), Culinary Arts, and Home Economics in Texas and Arizona. The final years of her career in education were at the AZ Department of Education as the State Supervisor of Family and Consumer Sciences (formerly Home Economics) CTE programs in Arizona high schools and community colleges. When Lila moved to Scottsdale, she joined Pinnacle Presbyterian Church in 2004. She has served on the Mission and Property Committees, was previously a deacon, and enjoys the Women’s Bible Study group and volunteering at Andre House.
BETH KOCHHEISER and her husband, Kent, have been members at Pinnacle for about three years. Beth is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a lifetime Presbyterian. She graduated from Denison University and the University of Denver. Beth’s career and continuing volunteer activity have been in providing in-home, community-based services for older adults. At Pinnacle she has been involved with the Women’s Bible Study, Pastors’ Bible Study, and serving at Andre House and St. Mary’s Food Bank. Beth and Kent have been married for 20 years and were thrilled to celebrate their anniversary in October while on the Footsteps of Paul pilgrimage with Pinnacle friends.
KENT KOCHHEISER and his wife, Beth, have been members at Pinnacle for about three years. While Kent is a native of St. Louis, MO, he moved with his parents to Des Moines, IA, for the first time when he was 10 days old. Kent was raised in Des Moines and Milwaukee and graduated from Iowa State University before starting his insurance career in Phoenix in 1975. Subsequently, he was transferred to start an office in Southern California, where he remained for 23 years before his final transfer to Cincinnati, where he met his wife of 20 years, Beth. Kent has been retired since 2016, and Beth and Kent have been sharing their time between Cincinnati and Scottsdale ever since. Kent has been a Presbyterian since he met his wife and was active in their Cincinnati church until they transferred their memberships to Pinnacle. They have been involved in the Pastors’ Bible Study and other educational activities, as well as volunteering at Andre House and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
MARY KUENSTLER feels privileged to have been given the opportunity to serve the people of Pinnacle Presbyterian as a Deacon. She prays that the talents given to her from the Lord will serve well through the people of this congregation. She and her husband, Grant, worshipped at Pinnacle when they came to visit their daughter, Michelle Rogers, and her family, who are members of Pinnacle. She moved to Scottsdale in June 2022 to live near her family after the recent passing of her husband. She also has a son and wife with their two children living in the Dallas area. She moved here from Austin, Texas, where they lived for 37 years. Her family is originally from St. Louis. She graduated from the University of MO with a BS in Elementary Education. She taught 4th grade. Later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education. In Austin, she was an active member of Hope Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Deacon and an Elder, and was involved in many other activities there. She joined Pinnacle in December 2022. She lives in Rio Verde and is involved in activities in her community. With Pinnacle, she has joined the women’s Bible Study and has been involved in some other church activities here. She enjoys gardening, reading, traveling, and fitness activities.
BEV LEVENSON is originally from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area and has spent her career serving as a Registered Nurse, primarily in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Bev and her husband, Gary, are blessed with two adult children who both reside in California. Bev’s passion for service has led her to actively support her brothers and sisters who are less fortunate. At her previous church she was deeply involved in the Mission Committee and served as Board President of the county’s largest Food Bank where she helped transform it into a Choice Pantry, promoting dignity and empowerment for those served. Bev has been a member of Pinnacle for over a year and currently serves as a morning usher and volunteers during the concert series. She looks forward to continuing to serve with her faith community.
PAULETTE WHITE and her husband, Dr. Thomas White, moved permanently to Scottsdale from Evansville, Indiana, in 2004 and joined Pinnacle. She was ordained in 2012. Currently, she is a 10 am usher, Pinnacle Concert usher and supporter, and ASK ME volunteer. During her career as a Registered Physical Therapist, she held various positions, including supervisor, director, and adjunct faculty roles. She earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology from Birmingham Southern College and Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee. She earned a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Indiana. Paulette was married to Tom for 43 years. She has a close-knit family, which includes a stepson, grandchildren, and sisters who are spread across the United States.
Foundation Trustees
GEORGE BALL and his wife, Coleen, joined Pinnacle Presbyterian Church in 2020, having relocated from Southern California during that year, where they were members of San Marino Community Church (PCUSA) for over 20 years. They currently split their time between Scottsdale and Colorado where they are regular attendees at Eagle River Presbyterian Church in Avon. George first joined the PPC Foundation Board of Trustees in 2023 and currently serves as Vice President. His primary programmatic role involves leadership of the Foundation's annual scholarship program, which has seen significant growth over the past two years. George and Coleen have two adult daughters who reside in Pasadena, California.
KATHY DECKER is a three-year member of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church. Originally from Texas, she grew up in a military family, moving more than 19 times across the U.S. and abroad. A graduate of Texas A&M University, she earned a B.S. in Engineering Sales and built a successful career as a technical sales representative with companies including Hubble, American Standard, and Johnson Controls, serving clients from NASA to Disney. She transitioned to nonprofit fundraising 11 years ago and currently serves as Associate VP of Events & Fundraising at HonorHealth Foundation, where she is passionate about mission-driven philanthropy. Kathy and husband, Greg, knew they had found a church home at Pinnacle Presbyterian after just one Sunday. They are proud parents to daughters Faith and Kelly and their Labrador, Scout.
SUNNY EDWARDS Originally from St. Louis, Sunny moved to Scottsdale, joined Pinnacle in 2020, and has been an active member ever since. Sunny holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the U of Missouri-St. Louis. She enjoyed a 23-year career in nonprofit management and retired with a heart for our underserved neighbors in need. Sunny has been a deacon, confirmation sponsor, and member of several committees, including emergency assistance, mission, and nominating. She is a regular usher for the PPC music program, homebound communion server, and is active with Andre House, SAGE, and small women's groups.
Nominating Committee
MARY GOLDTHWAITE and her husband, Chuck, moved to Arizona in 1998 from Wisconsin. They became members of Pinnacle that same year. Mary has served as an Elder and on the Board for the Fran Park Center for Faith and Life. With all the excellent opportunities for involvement offered by Pinnacle, she has volunteered for VBS, served on the Soul Food committee, enjoyed the hiking group, and been an Usher for over 20 years! She is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and attended Kansas University where she earned a B.S. in Education. Mary and Chuck have two children, six grandchildren, and a great-grandson, none of whom live in Arizona!
DAVID LEMOINE and his wife, Sherrie, discovered Pinnacle Presbyterian Church shortly after moving to Arizona in early 2016. They were drawn to the open and inviting nature of the congregation and joined in the fall of 2016. David retired from Hallmark Cards Inc. with more than 43 years of service. The first 30 years of his career were spent in a wide variety of management positions in product development and marketing. In 1999, David joined Hallmark International and moved to Shanghai, China, to serve as director for a new company Hallmark had established in China. Upon returning to the US, David was named International Product Development and Licensing Director, a role he continued until his retirement in 2012. David and Sherrie were members of Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas, for 30 years before moving to Arizona. David was an Elder, a member of the Board of Trustees, and served on an associate pastor search committee. David co-chaired the pastoral search committee that was charged with recruiting and hiring Senior Pastor - Erik Khoobyarian, and Family and Congregational Life Pastor - Leah Quarles.
JOAN PERKINS was born and raised in Bethel Park, PA, attended Mt Lebanon United Presbyterian Church and graduated from Muskingum University, a United Presbyterian-supported school located in New Concord, OH. From there to Penn State. While her husband, Tom, obtained his PhD, Joan received her "PhT …”putting hubby thru”!, serving as Assistant to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Development. Their three children were born in State College, PA. Over the following decades they lived in IN, NJ, NC, and in 1999, Scottsdale, AZ. Joan was invited to attend Pinnacle Presbyterian to experience the music and hear the organ. Not only was she mesmerized by the music and the Richard Fowkes organ, but discovered the minister was a Muskingum graduate! During her years at Pinnacle, Joan has volunteered at VBS, organized the rummage sale, and served as a mentor for a delightful teen confirmand. Currently, Joan is a pew organizer, “Ask Me” badge wearer, and gets to attend every Pinnacle Concert Series as an usher! Wednesdays are the best…Prayer Group followed by SAGE!
RENEE SCHENCK was born in Miami, Florida, and raised from age seven in Central Florida. Renee is a life-long Presbyterian and was ordained as an Elder in 1997. Her university education was spent at Auburn University in Alabama. She has a Bachelor of Science in International Business and took many undergraduate and graduate courses in Spanish. Renee began her career at age 41 after having been a stay-at-home mom of three children for 14 years. She just celebrated her 20th anniversary at Northern Arizona University, where she is a Lead Business Analyst for Human Resources. Renee has been a member of PPC since 2020. Her time at Pinnacle has included being a member of both the Sunday and Concert Usher Team groups, the ASK ME team, the WOVEN Bible Study group, and a mentor for a confirmand. She served as a deacon from 2022 to 2025 and was the Hospitality Coordinator for two of those years. Most recently, Renee has joined the Pinnacle Choir.