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 and 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.

Lindsey Lowrance is the Marketing Communications Specialist at Connect Ministries, where she has worked since 2023. Her Connect story began in 2021 as a Connect Camps crew member at her home church, where she saw firsthand how Connect helps churches meet new people and became passionate about helping the local church.

Today, Lindsey loves getting to be a friend to the church, building relationships with leaders across the country, and helping them discover how Connect can serve their local church.

A first honors graduate of the University of Georgia, Lindsey holds bachelor’s degrees in Public Relations and Sociology. She attends Watkinsville First Baptist Church, where she teaches in kids ministry and supports the media team. Originally from Calhoun, GA, Lindsey loves playing pickleball, finding a new coffee shop, cheering on the Dawgs, and cooking good meals with friends.

Adam Schwarzenbach is the Church Recruiting Coordinator at Connect Ministries, where he has worked since 2022. He previously served on the Staff Recruiting Team and 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 where he serves as a Life Group Leader. Originally from Bishop, GA, he is married to Kaitlyn, who works at UGA and is a wedding florist. Adam enjoys grilling, woodworking, computer engineering—in which he holds a BS from the University of Georgia in—and spending time with their energetic dogs, Pepper and Basil. Adam is currently pursuing an MDIV from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Anna Juliao is the Host Development Coordinator at Connect Ministries, where she has been serving since 2021. She has a big heart for people, a genuine love for the local church, and a passion for helping churches meet new people in their communities. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Anna is a proud University of Georgia graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree. She brings humor, energy, and intentionality to everything she does and especially loves encouraging people to see what God could do through their gifts and ideas. Outside of Connect, Anna serves on the Hospitality, Young Adults, and Kids Teams at 5 Points Church, a local church plant in Athens. She loves traveling, reading, finding a good restaurant, cheering on her people, and saying yes to an adventure whenever she can.

Calina Jordan is the Connect Marketing Coordinator at Connect Ministries and serves churches by helping them create clear marketing and communication strategies. With many years of experience in the marketing world, she joined the team in January 2026 and now combines her expertise with her passion for the local church to serve churches across the country and helping them meet new people! Originally from Hull, GA, she attends Grace Fellowship Church, alongside her husband, Jeremiah, who is her high school sweetheart. They live with their two dogs, Gus and Ollie Mo, along with a lively flock of chickens and roosters. Outside of work, she enjoys hosting friends and family, gardening, traveling, coaching volleyball, and spending time outdoors.

Anne Hopkins serves as Director of Advancement at Connect Ministries, where she partners with churches, donors, and community leaders to help expand the reach of the Gospel. Since joining Connect Ministries in 2023, she has focused on connecting people’s passions and generosity with Connect’s mission, believing that everyone has a unique role to play in building God’s Kingdom.

With a background in communications, fundraising, and events, Anne enjoys building meaningful relationships that strengthen ministry and create lasting impact. She is passionate about equipping churches to connect with new people and helping supporters invest in work that changes lives for Christ. She resides in the Athens area with her husband and three children.

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 creatively try new things to reach their communities. Originally from Tupelo, MS, he and his wife Maddie are a part of Bethlehem Church, where they serve 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 with Maddie at home. Through storytelling and creativity, Graham loves using his passion for filmmaking to help churches meet new people.

Natalie Godwin 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 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 his family and 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, alongside his wife Carren, who together serve as Sunday School teachers.

Ella Newsome is the Program Operations Specialist at Connect Ministries, where she has worked since 2026. Growing up, the local church was key to shaping her faith and knowledge of the Bible. Today, she is passionate about supporting local churches as they help more families connect with the Gospel and the heart of Christ. Originally from Dublin, GA, Ella holds a BS in Mathematics from the University of Georgia and attends Prince Avenue Baptist Church, where she serves in kids and women’s ministry. Outside of work, Ella loves cheering on UGA Gymnastics, reading, trying new Athens restaurants, and grabbing coffee before a walk through Five Points.