The Executive Pastor Nominating Committee (EPNC) was prayerfully selected in the fall of 2024 and ratified by the congregation on December 8, 2024. From the very beginning, prayer and Spirit-led discernment were our foremost priorities. We met with the Session and with Pastor Tim to understand the key leadership characteristics and vision for this critical role.
In April 2025, the EPNC engaged AGORA Search Group, with the search officially launching on May 27, 2025. AGORA's outreach reached thousands of curated contacts and was posted on the ECO job board. We sought a unique leader — someone who could walk in step with Tim as both a caring shepherd for staff and congregation, and a strong administrative leader capable of carrying the vision of First Pres forward.
After an extensive process spanning ten months and ten days — reviewing 75+ resumes, conducting more than 200 networking calls, and interviewing two finalists in person — the EPNC and Pastor Tim arrived at clear and joyful discernment: God had already placed the right person faithfully serving among us. It is with great confidence and unanimous conviction that we recommend Greg Hartnett as our next Executive Pastor.
Greg first came to First Pres in 2010–2012 to serve in youth ministry with our GreenHouse intern program. He returned in 2017 for a three-year pastoral residency including a term as Interim Discipleship Pastor. From 2020–2023, he served as Pastor of Evangelism and Young Adults, pioneering new ministry pathways and helping launch the Alpha program. Since 2023, he has served as Family Ministries Pastor, leading the largest-staffed department of our church and advancing our First Pres Forward initiatives with both vision and skill.
Greg also serves as Moderator of the Presbytery of the West, ECO, helping shape regional vision and denominational policy. His wife Ashley grew up at First Pres — together they bring deep roots, enduring love, and invaluable knowledge of our church culture. Greg's trusted relationship with Pastor Tim provides a strong foundation from which to lead, continuing the healthy trajectory of our ministry.
Under the Lord's direction, and with humility and love for our church, we look forward with joy to Greg Hartnett serving as our new Executive Pastor to the glory of God.