Staff Directory
General Questions?
To contact a staff member by phone, please call the church at (865) 525-7347 or use their Direct Dial Number listed below.
John C. Ross, Dean - Senior Pastor
865-521-2930
Chairs monthly Chapter meetings. Works with the Sr. and Jr. Wardens and staff to oversee administrative tasks. Celebrates, preaches and teaches in rotation with other clergy. Facilitates the Hospital Visiting Team and meets with St. John’s Friends’ team. Leads four weekly Bible studies, visits hospitals, nursing homes, and families. Has numerous “counseling” and spiritual direction sessions weekly.
Thom Rasnick, Sub-Dean - Associate Pastor
865-521-2931
Plans and conducts worship services (Sundays and weekdays). Coordinates and facilitates baptisms, weddings and funerals. Leads/teaches three Bible studies and Centering Prayer. Visits hospitals, nursing homes and families. Conducts counseling sessions as needed. Assists in administration of the Cathedral (Stewardship, Chapter meetings and other areas).
Chris Hackett, Canon - Associate Pastor
865-934-4816
Plans and conducts worship services (Sundays and weekdays). Leads/teaches Bible studies and Weekday services. Visits hospitals, nursing homes and families. Works closely with Family Ministry. Assists in administration of the Cathedral.
Jerry W. Askew, Deacon
(865) 313-2077
Provides spiritual direction. Preaches and teaches in rotation with other clergy. Works with community agencies and nonprofits.
Shay Boswell, Financial & Operations Administrator
865-934-4813
Oversight of the financial, administrative, and maintenance functions of the Cathedral. Financial responsibilities involve budgeting, financial reporting and procurement of goods. Administrative functions involve personnel management, communication and information management, office and maintenance supervision, facility use coordination and maintaining insurance and inventory records.
Jason Overall - Precentor, Director of Music
865-934-4824
Serves as director of St. John's Cathedral Choir. Serves as Organist for all services in the Cathedral and Chapel, including Sunday and weekday services, weddings and funerals. Orders and catalogs music for both choirs. Preparation of organ and choral music for services. Secures and nurtures scholarship singers. Prepares service sheets.
Eunjin “E.J.” Choi, Music Associate
865-525-7347
Assists the Director of Music with the music program.
Paul Ruff, Youth Ministries Coordinator
865-934-4820
Focuses on relational ministry that builds Christian community and promotes individual spiritual growth. Leads the youth Bible study groups, 8th grade confirmation program, events and missions, promotes Christian formation through meaningful relationships and experiences. Other responsibilities include supervising the Nursery staff, Video Ministries, and assisting with Children’s Ministry.
Madison Heinsohn, Assistant Youth Coordinator
The focus of the Assistant Youth Coordinator is to develop relationships with youth and parents through one on one interaction, in small groups, youth events and mission trips. The goal of these relationships is for them to foster an caring environment to promote personal growth and spiritual well-being.
Kerry Ruff, Director of Children’s Ministries
865-934-4809
Focuses on providing age appropriate worship and learning experiences that help nurture spirituality in children. Regular programming includes Sunday morning Gathering Time, SKiP church and Vacation Bible School. Also assists with youth programming and confirmation.
Donna Copeland, Financial Secretary
865-934-4814
Responsibilities include maintaining financial records for the Cathedral. Responsible for processing deposits, accounts payable, payroll and year- end reporting. Prepares financial reports and maintains general ledger accounts. Maintains pledging and giving records and prepares acknowledgements.
Melissa Sicard, Membership Administrator
865-934-4823
Serving St. John’s since 1997 with primary administrative responsibilities to include: Monthly scheduling of lay servers; funeral and wedding coordination (except scheduling); database maintenence; and historical record keeping. Serves as support staff to the clergy and to the parishioners.
Whitney Ross, Communications Coordinator
865-934-4815
Responsible for communicating our mission through social media and digital avenues to keep our people informed of ongoing events and to connect with the Knoxville community.
Kodey Gray, Facilities Manager
865- 934-4812
Responsible for assuring successful operation and function of the church's building and grounds in support of it's mission.
Aimee Smith, Facilities Housekeeping
(865) 525-7347
Provides housekeeping and general cleaning for the Cathedral.