Leadership & Staff
Pastoral Staff
Dr. David Cagle
Interim Pastor
pastor@firstprez.com
Dr. David Cagle joined us as Interim Pastor in July 2026. A Knoxville, Tennessee native, he was raised by parents whose lives modeled Christian values of grace, humility, compassion, and steadfast love. A proud University of Tennessee graduate (and enthusiastic Vols fan), David began seminary at Columbia Theological Seminary at age 32, where he also met his wife. He later served congregations in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, including 12 years as Head of Staff in Kingsport. After 22 years of installed ministry, David felt called to transitional work. Over the past eight years, he has guided congregations in Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania through seasons of change.
David and his wife have two adult children—a son and a daughter.
pastor@firstprez.com
Dr. David Cagle joined us as Interim Pastor in July 2026. A Knoxville, Tennessee native, he was raised by parents whose lives modeled Christian values of grace, humility, compassion, and steadfast love. A proud University of Tennessee graduate (and enthusiastic Vols fan), David began seminary at Columbia Theological Seminary at age 32, where he also met his wife. He later served congregations in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee, including 12 years as Head of Staff in Kingsport. After 22 years of installed ministry, David felt called to transitional work. Over the past eight years, he has guided congregations in Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania through seasons of change.
David and his wife have two adult children—a son and a daughter.
Rev. Chris Carson
Program & Support Staff
Dr. Marcia Mervin
Director of Music Ministry & Organist
marcia@firstprez.com
Marcia became the Director of Music Ministry at FPC in 2012. She has served the Lord in church music since 1975, when she took her first organist position while still in high school. Since that first church in Michigan, she has served in various churches where the Lord has led: from Pennsylvania to Georgia, Oregon to The Netherlands, and Michigan to North Carolina.
Marcia directs FPC’s adult choirs, children’s choir, handbell groups and church orchestra in addition to accompanying the worship services on the organ. In addition to making music at the church, she has toured with members of the Celebration Choir to Carnegie Hall (2013,2017,2022) and Italy (2019) as they joined in singing with mass choirs.
Marcia earned a BA (music/philosophy/religion) from Spring Arbor University and graduate degrees (MM, DMA) in Church Music (organ performance) from the University of Michigan School of Music. She is married to Rev. Marvin Mervin, who is currently serving as pastor at Faison Presbyterian Church. Between them, they have 5 adult children and 7 grandchildren.
marcia@firstprez.com
Marcia became the Director of Music Ministry at FPC in 2012. She has served the Lord in church music since 1975, when she took her first organist position while still in high school. Since that first church in Michigan, she has served in various churches where the Lord has led: from Pennsylvania to Georgia, Oregon to The Netherlands, and Michigan to North Carolina.
Marcia directs FPC’s adult choirs, children’s choir, handbell groups and church orchestra in addition to accompanying the worship services on the organ. In addition to making music at the church, she has toured with members of the Celebration Choir to Carnegie Hall (2013,2017,2022) and Italy (2019) as they joined in singing with mass choirs.
Marcia earned a BA (music/philosophy/religion) from Spring Arbor University and graduate degrees (MM, DMA) in Church Music (organ performance) from the University of Michigan School of Music. She is married to Rev. Marvin Mervin, who is currently serving as pastor at Faison Presbyterian Church. Between them, they have 5 adult children and 7 grandchildren.
Jess Jones
Director of Youth Ministry & Interim Director of Children's Ministry
youth@firstprez.com
Jess Jones originally joined the First Presbyterian Church staff in 2023, as the Christian Education Assistant. In August 2024, she accepted the role of Director of Youth Ministry. Before coming to First Presbyterian she worked as a private nanny and tutor for 12 years. Jess has a degree from Liberty University in Education with an emphasis in Special Education. She is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science and a certification in Youth Discipleship. Jess enjoys dance, reading, and spending time outdoors with her husband and their pets.
youth@firstprez.com
Jess Jones originally joined the First Presbyterian Church staff in 2023, as the Christian Education Assistant. In August 2024, she accepted the role of Director of Youth Ministry. Before coming to First Presbyterian she worked as a private nanny and tutor for 12 years. Jess has a degree from Liberty University in Education with an emphasis in Special Education. She is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science and a certification in Youth Discipleship. Jess enjoys dance, reading, and spending time outdoors with her husband and their pets.
Britni Nichol
Director of First School
firstschool@firstprez.com
Britni was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest near Portland, Oregon. She attended college in Idaho and did a brief internship with Walt Disney World. They are a military family who moved to Fayetteville nine and a half years ago. Britni has really grown to love this area and considers it home. Britni and her husband have four children. They have two boys and two girls, ages 12, 11, 8 and 6. They keep the family busy with after school activities like gymnastics and baseball. They like to stay active and enjoy being together.
firstschool@firstprez.com
Britni was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest near Portland, Oregon. She attended college in Idaho and did a brief internship with Walt Disney World. They are a military family who moved to Fayetteville nine and a half years ago. Britni has really grown to love this area and considers it home. Britni and her husband have four children. They have two boys and two girls, ages 12, 11, 8 and 6. They keep the family busy with after school activities like gymnastics and baseball. They like to stay active and enjoy being together.
Nichole Russ
Director of Communications
nichole@firstprez.com
Nichole is a Fayetteville native. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Management and Master’s in Business and Marketing. Nichole has over 25 years of experience in graphic design and marketing. She lives in the outskirts of Fayetteville with her family. Together, they love to stay busy: roller skating, playing volleyball, doing crafts, and tending to their homestead filled with chickens, ducks, a prolific vegetable garden, and a very sassy goat..
nichole@firstprez.com
Nichole is a Fayetteville native. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Management and Master’s in Business and Marketing. Nichole has over 25 years of experience in graphic design and marketing. She lives in the outskirts of Fayetteville with her family. Together, they love to stay busy: roller skating, playing volleyball, doing crafts, and tending to their homestead filled with chickens, ducks, a prolific vegetable garden, and a very sassy goat..
Nina McLaughlin
Anji Martinez
Office Manager
officemgr@firstprez.com
Anji, originally from New Orleans, has called Fayetteville, NC, home for 30 years and brings a strong background in community service, leadership, and professional expertise. Married to her best friend for 25 years, she is a proud mother and grandmother, with deep family values and a love for her three dogs. A former Army wife and Marine mom, Anji has dedicated much of her life to volunteer work and church leadership. She holds degrees in interior design, business, and cosmetology, reflecting her creativity and diverse skills. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, reading, cooking, and visiting history museums.
officemgr@firstprez.com
Anji, originally from New Orleans, has called Fayetteville, NC, home for 30 years and brings a strong background in community service, leadership, and professional expertise. Married to her best friend for 25 years, she is a proud mother and grandmother, with deep family values and a love for her three dogs. A former Army wife and Marine mom, Anji has dedicated much of her life to volunteer work and church leadership. She holds degrees in interior design, business, and cosmetology, reflecting her creativity and diverse skills. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, reading, cooking, and visiting history museums.
Wanda Ussery
Nursery Director
wanda@firstprez.com
Wanda has taught for over 26 years for NC Public Schools. She is now serving as the K-2 Curriculum Coordinator for Hoke County Schools. Wanda has taught in both Hoke and Cumberland County Schools. She has two beautiful grandsons, Stevie and JoVanni. She also has another grandson on the way! Wanda’s son Stephen and his wife Desiree live in Nutley, New Jersey. She loves to visit them as often as she can. Wanda says that she has been honored to serve as the nursery supervisor at First Presbyterian over 25 years. She loves her church family very much! She also enjoys reading, crafts, and playing with her Labrador, Ace!
wanda@firstprez.com
Wanda has taught for over 26 years for NC Public Schools. She is now serving as the K-2 Curriculum Coordinator for Hoke County Schools. Wanda has taught in both Hoke and Cumberland County Schools. She has two beautiful grandsons, Stevie and JoVanni. She also has another grandson on the way! Wanda’s son Stephen and his wife Desiree live in Nutley, New Jersey. She loves to visit them as often as she can. Wanda says that she has been honored to serve as the nursery supervisor at First Presbyterian over 25 years. She loves her church family very much! She also enjoys reading, crafts, and playing with her Labrador, Ace!
Elisabeth Pait
Administrative Assistant
adminasst@firstprez.com
Elisabeth comes from a military family and chose to settle in NC after meeting her husband while attending college at UNC Pembroke. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in Applied Gerontology. She taught at FTCC for several years and has management experience in the hospitality industry. Elisabeth has been married for 25 years and has two adult children. Her son Jonah recently graduated from Campbell University, and her daughter Miriam will soon graduate from UNC Greensboro. In her free time, she enjoys watching hockey, listening to music, reading, and learning new languages.
adminasst@firstprez.com
Elisabeth comes from a military family and chose to settle in NC after meeting her husband while attending college at UNC Pembroke. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in Applied Gerontology. She taught at FTCC for several years and has management experience in the hospitality industry. Elisabeth has been married for 25 years and has two adult children. Her son Jonah recently graduated from Campbell University, and her daughter Miriam will soon graduate from UNC Greensboro. In her free time, she enjoys watching hockey, listening to music, reading, and learning new languages.
