Our Ministry Staff
Rev. Dr. Ken Ray - Senior Minister
Ordained a United Methodist minister in 1975, Dr. Ken Ray has served in local churches for thirty years. He attended Young Harris and Lagrange colleges, and received a Master of Divinity degree in 1977 from Candler School of Theology. In 1994 he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.
He has served a variety of churches during his ministry, and has special interests in local church renewal and preaching. He has a passion for communicating the gospel in a positive and encouraging fashion, using common human experiences and humor to share the story of Jesus. He and his wife Debbie have three children: Chris, Marla, and Jonathan. He came to Sandy Springs UMC in June 2009, after serving Loganville First UMC for three years, preceded by seven years at Dallas First UMC. He invites you to become an active part of our great church. To email Ken, click here.
Rev. Blair Zant - Associate Minister
Blair joined the SSUMC family in June of 2010, following her commissioning as a Provisional Elder. She earned her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Music from the
In addition to serving Sandy Springs as an Associate Pastor, she is also the Pastor-in-charge of Sardis UMC in
Blair is particularly passionate about youth and young adult ministry, missions, and discipleship. She loves seeing lives transformed when individuals find a place of entry, engagement, and leadership in the community of faith through the local church. She welcomes the opportunity to help you find your place in a church home! To email Blair, click here.
Lara Ferguson-Director of Music and Communications
Lara came to us in March of 2011 to fill the role of music director and to launch a new communications ministry. She has earned a music degree from Brenau University and a Finance degree from East Tennessee State University. With over 10 years of work in both staff and volunteer music and communications positions, Lara brings a variety of experiences with groups of all ages, both large and small. Her goal is to reach out to the community through music and media, including as many different groups as possible along the way. Lara lives with her three sons in Buford, GA. To e-mail Lara, click here.
Candace Hirsch - Children's Director
Candace joined the SSUMC staff in the fall of 2011. She graduated from Candler School of Theology
with an MDiv in 2008 and has enjoyed serving as a summer camp chaplain and
children’s minister since then. She also
has a background in theater and loves using creative ways to explore faith and
scripture. Candace strives to help
children form a strong foundation in their faith, using music, art, science,
and more to explore the stories of our faith and our lives, to join in worship
and the ministries of the church, and to learn to serve people in need around
the world. She looks forward to meeting
you and your family and helping you find your place in the life of Sandy
Springs UMC.
Nancy Nadolski - Preschool Director
Nancy arrived as Preschool Director in 2003. Her talent, enthusiasm, and cooperative spirit have enhanced our Preschool as a caring, church outreach program. Nancy’s love of children and her commitment to enhance their spiritual growth are excellent. Nancy feels a close connection to our community as she has lived in Sandy Springs for 29 years. Nancy and her husband, Bob, have four children and one granddaughter. To email Nancy, click here.
Lisa Nagy - Director of Leisure Ministries
Lisa began her ministry at SSUMC in 2010. She has a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from Michigan State University. She has more than seven years of experience managing and leading recreational activities in Colorado, working with both local governments and non-profits. An accomplished athlete herself, Lisa is responsible for developing and directing programs such as basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, summer camps, and after school programs for children, as well as fitness and enrichment opportunities for adults of all ages. Lisa loves working with children of all ages and adults alike. To email Lisa, click here.
Woody Talley - Accompanist
Woodrow Wilson Talley has been a church musician for thirty-four years, taking his first church position at the age of seventeen. He has been with Sandy Springs United Methodist Church since 2001, serving as both director and accompanist. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Church Music from the University of Montevallo with Organ as the performing medium. He had an additional emphasis in baroque music, pre-baroque music, and early keyboard instruments. In addition to his SSUMC responsibilities, Woody is also a professional accompanist. Woody is married to the former Judy Bell; the couple has one daughter, Lauren, and lives in Dallas, Georgia.
Jennifer Wyant--Ministry Intern
Jay Butler--Youth Intern
Other Staff
| Keith Phillips | Facilities Director | |
| Fran Fuller | Preschool Administrator | |
| Ann Hladilek | Church Administrator | |
| Lynn Mitchell | Finance Secretary |
