Deborah Sykes

 

Deborah Sykes has been a member of First Baptist Church for over 25 years.  She is a retired federal government accountant.  Deborah serves as a Deaconess of FBC, assistant financial secretary, and is on the Finance Committee.  She has served as the FBC assistant financial secretary, treasurer of the Deaconess Ministry and Women’s Ministry.  Is the current treasurer of the Ivy Foundation of Greater Prince William County.  She has served as the treasurer of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omicron Chi Omega Chapter.

Catherine Nickens

 

Sister Nickens is a long-time member of First Baptist Church.  She has held the position as Financial Secretary for many years. In addition, she has served on several other ministries within the church. Sister Nickens was a professional Administrative Accountant/Auditor prior to retirement.  She retired from IBM after 40 years of dedicated service.

Cynthia Ragland

 

I am Cynthia Ragland and the current First Baptist Church Clerk. I am seeking re-election for 2022. I have been an active member of FBC since 1980. I have served as Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Director, Co-Chair of the 140th Church Anniversary, and as Youth Leader for the Angelic Youth Group. I also currently serve as President of the Marshall D. Williams Ministry, Secretary of the Area Health and Wellness Ministry and a member of the Women’s Ministry. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as Church Clerk.

Carl Powell

My name is Carl Powell, I am currently and have previously served as a Trustee at First Baptist Church of Manassas. I have also served as a member of FBC Human Resource dept, a member of the Men’s chorus and the Drama Ministry. I currently work for an agency that provides medical and residential services for individuals with Autism and Intellectual disabilities. I believe it is a calling to serve, and that I would continue to be a benefit to the Trustee ministry based on my experience as a current and past

Udon Cheek

 

My name is Udon Cheek and I have been a member of First Baptist Church for over 23 years. During most of this time, I have served as a trustee and have been in the Men’s Choir. I was a Police Officer for the United States Park Police for 28 years and for the last 13 years of my tour, I was assigned to the Detective Branch. For the next 16 years I was a member of the National Institute of Health, making Police Lieutenant before retirement.

During my time as a trustee, I have been responsible for the background checks on persons coming in contact with the youth of First Baptist. I have also been a member of the security team of FBC. Of late, I have been involved with the replacing of the signs in the front and rear of the church. I have also taken the lead on getting a company to paint the old sanctuary stairs, doors, and walls.

I have enjoyed my time serving as a trustee and wish to continue.

Robert “Bob” Benson

 

Robert “Bob” Benson has been a member of First Baptist Church (FBC) since 1988. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of FBC Trustee ministry. Bob has been a member of the Trustee ministry for the past nine years where he served two terms as Chairman. Bob has led or been part of key Church projects as Trustee such as renovation of the historical and main sanctuaries, Marshall D William Hall, and classroom. He served in other ministries such as Men Choir, Men Ministry, Emergency Assistance Ministry and taught biblical studies (Old & New Testament Survey courses). He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA. Bob has 42 years of engineering and business management experience with Lockheed Martin. He is married to Patricia Benson, and they have a son (Godfrey Benson) and daughter (Padricka Horton) and nine grandchildren.

With the Church blessings, Bob would like to continue his service as FBC Trustee while ensuring good stewardship of the Church finances, property, and compliance with any legal requirements.      

Curtis Bedford

I would like to thank First Baptist Church of Manassas for considering me for a leadership position within the church. If elected I am committed to performing the duties to the best of my abilities.

I was born and raised in Fitzgerald, GA. My parents were sharecroppers and we lived on a farm. I’m no stranger to hard labor as I worked in the fields alongside my parents. Being the eldest of seven children; I took on extra responsibilities, helping raise my siblings, and household tasks. My mother instilled the value of God in our family. As a teenager I was baptized and joined Friendship Baptist Church.

After graduation from high school, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corp for four years. I was a member of the Honor Guard where I represented the USMC and the United States at numerous high-profile events while stationed in Washington, D.C. The Marines taught me love for my country, discipline, respect, time management, determination, and attention to detail. 

After my military service, I began working for United Parcel Service (UPS).  The skills that I acquired in the USMC and UPS helped me develop traits to help personally relate to all kinds of people and different personalities. I drove for UPS for 30 years before retiring.

Darlene my wife of 33 years, my sons Curtis Jr, Corey, and I became members of First Baptist Church in 2005. I have involved myself in the following ministries: Men’s Ministries, Greeters Ministries, Security Team, Bowling Ministries, Homeless Overnight Chaperon, and Food giveaway every Tuesday.

In addition to serving as Assistant Church Clerk, she is also a member of the Culinary ministry, Greeter’s ministry and Women’s ministry.  She holds the position of Secretary for the Women’s ministry, Deaconess Ministry and the National Council of Negro Women.

Marion delights in serving the Lord as well as serving others.  Her favorite scripture is, Proverbs 3: 5-6…”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path”.

Diana Kelly

My name is Diana Kelly and I have been a member of First Baptist Church Manassas since 2012. I have served in the Nursery Ministry and Sunday School Ministry at First Baptist from 2015-2019.  My professional career has taken many turns. For seventeen years (1984-2001), I worked in Retail Management for both large Supermarket firms and other retail stores. Following my retail career, I moved into an office position with the Schwartz Center for Children (a non-profit organization for children with special needs), where for four years, I functioned as the Claims Manager for the children and families we serviced. Following the four years with the Center for Children, I was called to service my city a as an Executive Aide to the Mayor for the City of New Bedford, MA. I worked two plus years in the position with the mayor’s office until my move to VA in 2008. In my current position, I serve as an IT Security Specialist ensuring compliance on information systems under my purview. 

Gregory Robinson

 

I’ve been a member of First Baptist Church (FBC) for more than 30 years, the proud father of three adult daughters (Adrea, Briana, Shanice), and even prouder grandfather of three grandsons (Carter, Isaac, Isaiah). I live in Manassas with my beautiful wife, Cynthia, of 39 years. I was born and raised in Danville, VA; and I’m a graduate of Virginia Union University, Howard University, and Averett University.

I recently retired from NASA after 33 years of engineering, program and project management, and senior executive leadership.  I’ve managed small projects less than one million dollars and as large as the $10B James Webb Space Telescope program.  I’ve led small teams, a research and development center of 3,200 employees, and very large multi-national teams.  These endeavors included contract management, project formulation and execution, building coalitions, business acumen, collaboration with local, state, and federal communities and stakeholders.  I’ve given numerous STEM talks to schools (kindergarten through graduate students), associations, FBC Men’s Ministry, Eagle Scout graduations, etc.

 

I’m an active participate in the FBC Men’s Ministry and Sunday School.

 

I thank you for the opportunity to apply all my God given talents, professional skills, and life experiences to the position of an FBC Trustee to continue “moving the kingdom forward”!

 

*BS degree in business/accounting
*39+ years accounting experience
*Present or past treasurer of 6 non-profit or professional organizations
*19+ year with local volunteer fire department (17 years as treasurer)

Aaron Burrell, Treasurer

Aaron Burrell has a BS degree in Physics from Virginia State University (VSU). He has been employed for over 40 years as a Senior Emission Security (EMSEC) Engineer, performing Engineering, Program Management and Budget services for several large government contracts.  He has served as First Baptist Church Treasurer for over 40 years, managing Church Financial accounts and performing Payroll and Budget services.