Leadership & Staff

Ken Thomas is the President of Connect Ministries, where he’s been serving since 2006. Passionate about helping churches reach new people with the Gospel, KT enjoys working every day to equip church leaders to do that effectively. Originally from Tifton, GA, KT holds a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Georgia and a Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Education from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. KT and his wife of 30 years, Norma, have three children: Nate, Anna, and Blake. Together, KT and Norma lead a newly married small group at Watkinsville First Baptist Church.

Gabe Norris is the Vice President of Connect Ministries, established in 2006 as a non-profit helping thousands of churches meet hundreds of thousands of new people. On a daily basis, he loves to encourage, equip, and inspire individuals, organizations, and teams to fulfill their God-given potential. Since 1997, God has used Gabe to multiply Christ-centered servant leaders through camps, conferences, workshops, and training events worldwide.  From his early days at YMCA Camps, he has provided intentional leadership to Crosspoint Sports Camp, Centri-Kid, Student Life for Kids, WinShape Camps for Communities, and Connect Camps. A native of Spartanburg, SC, Gabe graduated from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and Beeson Divinity School at Samford University. He and his wife, Allyson, have 3 daughters—Neely, Ansley Jane, and Audrey—along with their dog, Charcoal.

Nate Thomas is the Manager of Marketing and Development at Connect Ministries, where he’s worked since 2020. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a BBA in Marketing and an MBA from Mississippi State University, Nate grew up attending a church plant and has seen firsthand the impact of Connect’s work to reach thousands of new families. Nate married his high school sweetheart, Julia, who also works in marketing at UGA, in 2021. Together, they attend Watkinsville First Baptist Church and enjoy exploring Athens restaurants, cheering on the Dawgs, and traveling the country.

Katlyn Durrence is the Marketing Communications Coordinator at Connect Ministries, where she has worked since 2020. With a deep passion for enhancing church outreach strategies, Katlyn thrives on leveraging marketing and communication strategies to create impactful first impressions in today’s digital age. She believes that a church’s online presence is often the first encounter for newcomers, shaping their perceptions before they set foot on church property.

Additionally, Katlyn serves as the Communications Director for 5 Points Church, a local church plant in Athens, GA. Originally from Coastal Georgia and a graduate of the University of Georgia, she enjoys traveling, photography, a good cup of coffee, walks with friends, and, of course, watching Georgia football.

Adam Schwarzenbach is the Church Recruiting Coordinator at Connect Ministries, where he has worked since 2022. He is extremely passionate about encouraging and equipping leaders as they fulfill the Lord’s personal calling on their lives, ultimately expanding the Kingdom. Adam attends Beech Haven Church, serving as a Life Group Leader, on the college committee, and teaching college bible study once a month. Originally from Bishop, GA, he is married to Kaitlyn, who works at UGA and is a wedding florist. Adam enjoys pickleball, computer engineering—in which he holds a BS from the University of Georgia in—and spending time with their energetic 8-year-old pointer, Pepper.

Anna Juliao is the Host Development Coordinator at Connect Ministries, where she has served since 2021. She is passionate about fostering life-giving relationships and deeply believes that connecting churches with new people creates opportunities for meaningful encounters with and life transformation in Jesus. Originally from Atlanta, GA, she holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia and is known for her humor, intentionality, and encouragement. Anna also leads the Hospitality Team at 5 Points Church, a local church plant in the Athens area. In her free time, Anna enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with people. 

Anne Hopkins is the Director of Advancement at Connect Ministries, where she has worked since 2023. She is passionate about helping churches meet new people because as a preacher’s daughter, she saw firsthand the challenges pastors and churches faced in reaching their community. She knows the importance of being able to support ministry leaders in their work to share their Gospel and see the Great Commission be fulfilled. Originally from Dillon, SC, Anne attends Athens First UMC, where she helped start a Sunday School class that now includes over 31 couples. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications from the College of Charleston and has worked in the fundraising/event world since graduation. Anne and her husband, Hunter, have three children—Harrison, Millie, and Mary Gardner—along with their beloved Goldendoodle, Dottie. She enjoys antiquing, room design, floral arrangements, and her favorite nerd hobby—needlepoint… but most importantly, she enjoys people!

Anna Kiser is the Lead Creative Specialist at Connect Ministries, where she loves helping churches see that remarkable is possible—and that it can help them meet new people. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Truett McConnell University and a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi State University, equipping her with the skills to blend creativity and strategy effectively. Originally from Oconee County, GA, she attends Watkinsville First Baptist Church and leads an 11th-grade girls’ discipleship group (which is one of her favorite things!). Anna married her husband, Russell, in August 2024. Anna is passionate about bringing energy and fresh ideas to everything she does, especially when it comes to helping churches meet new people.

Avery Hutzell is the Creative Design Specialist at Connect Ministries, where she loves using her skills to support the local church and has worked since 2021. Growing up, joining a church changed the trajectory of her family’s life, and she’s passionate about being part of a mission that helps others experience that same kind of life-giving, biblical community. She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Georgia. Avery and her husband, Zach, recently got married and have a puppy named Willy. Outside of work, they run Hutzell Creative Co., a creative agency specializing in photography, videography, and design. Whether she’s behind a camera, a computer, or serving at North Avenue Church, Avery loves using creativity to connect with people and help connect people to the local church.

Graham Holliday is the Creative Video Specialist at Connect Ministries, where he has worked since 2024. He holds a Bachelor’s in Film Production from Liberty University and enjoys seeing churches fired up about trying new things to reach their communities. Originally from Tupelo, MS, he now attends Riverhills Church, where he serves in student ministry. Graham loves pushing himself outside his comfort zone, whether through writing and making films, reading non-fiction, or attempting to recreate restaurant meals at home. His ideal Saturday includes writing at a coffee shop, suffering through a trail run, impulse-buying groceries, and working on film projects before unwinding in a hammock on Sunday. Through storytelling and creativity, Graham loves using his passion for filmmaking to help churches meet new people.

Natalie Jones is the Lead Staff Specialist at Connect Ministries. She began her journey with Connect Ministries as part of the Connect Development Program on the Staff Team from 2021 to 2023 before transitioning to a full-time role in 2024. She is passionate about seeing the Lord move in communities close to her heart and loves being part of such impactful work. Natalie attends Watkinsville First Baptist Church, where her husband, Lanier, serves as a Children’s Ministry Director. Originally from Lawrenceville, GA, Natalie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Georgia. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, trying new coffee shops, working out, and perfecting her cooking skills. Fun fact: she was part of the Redcoat Band when the University of Georgia won the national championship in 2021!

Drake Hutzell is the Business Operations Coordinator at Connect Ministries, having joined the team in 2017 as part of the Connect Race Crew. After seeing how Connect helped his church meet new people and develop leaders, Drake was eager to contribute to furthering the impact and mission of Connect Ministries. He attends Watkinsville First Baptist Church, where he serves in kids’ and youth ministries and is part of a small group of young married couples. A Dacula, Georgia, native, Drake earned a BBA in Finance from the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Rachel, got married in 2023, and they just celebrated the birth of their first child! Outside of work, Drake enjoys gardening, hunting, grilling, and spending time with their two Boykin Spaniels, Murphy and Ranger.

Jared Smith is the Supply Chain Specialist at Connect Ministries, where he has worked since 2021. He is originally from Loganville, GA, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of Georgia. Passionate about seeing lives transformed by the gospel, Jared attends North Avenue Church and serves as a Sunday School Teacher.