OUR LEADERSHIP
The staff team at The River Community Church is deeply committed and wholeheartedly devoted to furthering God’s Kingdom. United by our mission—Loving God, Loving People, Impacting the World—each team member brings unique gifts and life stories, faithfully serving to share His love and grace through every ministry, service, and interaction.
We take the call to advance the Gospel seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Joy, laughter, and authenticity are woven into our DNA as a team. Together, we are committed to helping people experience the transformative power of Christ in every season of life.
LEAD PASTOR
Steve Tiebout is the husband to the most patient woman in the world and father of six awesome kids. He and his wife Melissa moved to Cookeville in 2001 to start The River and love seeing God change people's lives. Steve has a deep passion for church planting and raising up leaders. These days, one of his favorite titles is Papa T—a name proudly given to him by his grandson. When he’s not pastoring, Steve enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, and cheering on his kids in their various adventures.
PASTORS & DIRECTORS
Meet our team! Click on each photo to glimpse the heart behind the role.
TJ OVERSTREET
Executive Pastor
CARISA TURNER
Admin & Communications Director
DEAN McKENZIE
Marriage & Life Group Pastor
HEATHER McAFEE
Missions & Outreach Director
MELONIE WAGNER
Women’s Ministry Director
PAUL STOUDER
Equipping Pastor
ETHAN BOHANNON
Worship Pastor
ETHAN WOODS
Creative Director
ALEX FISHER
Next Gen Pastor
JIM FOX
High School Pastor
LOGAN STALEY
College & Young Adult Pastor
NATHAN STRONG
Children’s Pastor
MINISTRY LEADERS & TEAM MEMBERS
CINDY WILSON
Lead Pastor’s Assistant & Prayer Ministry Coordinator
ASHTON BROWN
River Worship Associate
LINWOOD HEIRONIMUS
Reception, 55+ Ministry Coordinator, & Care Ministry Pastor
CJ KILGORE
River Kids Associate
LUCAS PAYNE
Executive Administrative Assistant
ALLIE MACK GASPARD
Missions Ministry Assistant
ERIKA BLAIR
Pre-School Ministry Coordinator
MAKAYLA FISHER
River Kids Childcare Assistant
LAURA RICCI
River Kids Programming Assistant
CHRIS TURNER
Next Gen Ministry Assistant
MISTY MEADOWS
River Kids Ministry Assistant
MEKENZI HARVEL
Middle School Ministry Coordinator
BRYANNA LEMANSKI
Facilities
TRACIE SIMMONS
Hospitality Coordinator
LISA CRATES
Hospitality Assistant
JAMES PATTON
Facilities Supervisor & Restored Ministries Coordinator
ELDER TEAM
David Burnett, Travis Giffey, TJ Overstreet, Tony Patoto, & Steve Tiebout
TRCC MINISTRY INTERNS
Admin & Facilities
Jakeb Davis
Connections
Mary Grace Dancy
Creative
Ashton Greenwood
Sam Luke
The Gathering
Caleb Salyer
Elizabeth Rainwater
Kerri Cain
Rebekah Reed
Impact
Rashelle Hurtado
River Kids
Brooklyn Harvel
Leah Tiebout
River Students
Ava Kemp
Emma Miller
Ethan Putnam
Eziah Easter
Samuel Correll
River Worship
Jackson Huff
Lily McWilliams