Elder Class of 2024

JAY KENNERLY
Jay and Carole, his wife of 56 years have two children Pamela and Christian and three granddaughters. Jay earned his B.A. in journalism/advertising from SIU where he also did graduate work in Mass Communications Research and Methodology.  Jay served in the US Navy earning the rank of Lieutenant.  He worked for Horace Mann Educators Corp as Advertising Manager and Assistant Vice President before becoming self employed in 1977 working in publishing, as an independent contractor and serving as an adjunct instructor at U of I Springfield in their Marketing Department.  Jay has published two articles in his field.  Along with singing in the choir, Jay has served as an elder and deacon at Westminster.  
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TIM KLUGE
Tim is a retired engineer, previously employed for 32 years with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency working in water pollution control and eight years as Technical Director for the Sanitary District of Decatur.  He and his wife, Priscilla, an artist and educator, have been married 46 years.  Their daughter Elizabeth and her husband Mark are both teachers and live in Springfield, and their son Matthew is an architect living in Champaign  Tim especially enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and bicycling. 
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DAVE LEONATTI
Dave and his wife Valerie have two daughters, Alana and Lauren.  Dave received his architectural degree from the University of Illinois and is Principal and Owner of Melotte Morse Leonatti Parker Architect Firm in Springfield.  He has served as an elder, deacon, chaired the APNC, and provided leadership on numerous Youth Mission Trips.   
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MICHAEL MORTHLAND
Michael and his wife Kate have one son Walter.  Michael earned his law degree at SIU and is Chief Of Staff at Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.  His undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois is in music and he plays the bassoon.  He grew up at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Decator where he and Kate were married. He enjoys music, hiking, cooking, eating, and volunteering with children.   He and Kate are volunteering with Compass for Kids.    
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CHRISTY POUND
Christy and her husband Karl were married at Westminster in 1998.  They have two sons, Avery and Bryce.  Christy earned her B.S. in Business Administration from Erskine College, Due West, S.C. and worked for the Illinois Commerce Commission for 18 years. She has worked for her family’s agricultural business since 2012 going fulltime in 2017.Christy serves on the Springfield High School Booster Board and is a member of PEO and the Ruth and Naomi Circle at Westminster.  

KAREN SHERRICK
Karen and her husband, Dr. Andy Sherrick, have two children, Jack and Annie.  Karen earned her B.S. degree in Education from Texas A&M and also earned a M.Ed in Reading.  Karen served as a classroom teacher for 10 years before becoming an Orton Gillingham trained dyslexia tutor and serving for three years in this capacity.  Karen joined Westminster’s staff as our Director for Children’s Ministry in February of 2018 and is Currently pursuing Certified Christian Educator Certificate.  Her interests include travel, cooking, reading, and fitness.  

ELEANOR VANDEVENTER
Eleanor and her husband Lyle have four children between them and five grandchildren.  Eleanor earned her B.A. at the University of Illinois and her Master’s degree in Reading at Illinois State University. She recently retired as a Reading Specialist at Pawnee School District.  Eleanor is active in Elizabeth Circle, Bible Study. St. Andrew’s Sisters, and of course, the Westminster Choir where she has nourished our spirits with her beautiful soprano voice for years. She and Lyle recently downsized and moved to Springfield.   

SARAH ZERFAS
Sara is married to Bob and they have two children: Danielle and Jack.  She joined Westminster in 1999 and has served as a Deacon, preconfirmation teacher, confirmation mentor, mentor in Youth Group and adult leader on one mission trip. Sarah earned her B.A. in Political Science at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. She has worked at the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and IBM Corporation. For the past 28 years she served as an Agency Liaison at Central Management Services and Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology.  Within the community Sarah is a Past Board Member of Springfield High School Boosters and Springfield Art Association.  She is also active in Kings Daughters and Junior League.  She enjoys cooking, reading. and snow skiing.