Our Staff

Senior Pastor

Pastor Chris Webb grew up in Tampa, Florida as a pastor’s kid and spent his summers hiking the mountains of NC and having fun at Myrtle Beach. He attended and graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne college with BA in Communication. Pastor Webb earned his Master of Divinity at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, SC.

He was a prison chaplain for one summer, began his ministry in Gainesville, FL, and served as the Chairman of the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod Youth Committee for 5 years. Pastor Webb served as the campus pastor of the Lenoir-Rhyne Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville for 6 years and also serves as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserves.

In addition to parish ministry, Pastor Webb enjoys vegetable gardening, fishing, hiking, Red Sox baseball and rooting for the Florida Gators during football and basketball season. Pastor Webb loves to preach, teach, and dream up creative ideas for ministry. He is passionate about making disciples, ecumenical partnerships, strategic planning, and working together for positive change in our community.

He met his lovely wife at Camp Lutheridge where they both served as counselors and area directors. They are the proud parents of two adult children.

Associate Pastor

Pastor Hannah Norem joined our staff June 3, 2024 as the Associate Pastor, focusing primarily on the ministries in the first third of life, outreach, and faith formation. A native of Houston, Texas, Hannah grew up the granddaughter of two Lutheran pastors and wanted to be a Supreme Court Justice from the age of seven (ask her to show you the picture!) but only began to discover her sense of vocation in college. She attended the "Lenoir-Rhyne of the Upper Midwest," Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she majored in government, religion, and French and was a member of the university-wide honors program. After a transformational summer as an intern at a Lutheran church in Vancouver, Washington, Pastor Hannah discerned that God was calling her into a vocation that combined law and Gospel.

Upon graduating from Augustana, she served as an intern with ELCA World Hunger at the Churchwide office in Chicago, Illinois. For seminary and law school, Pastor Hannah thought that surely there were places in the world where you don't have to drive in snowstorms in April so began the Juris Doctor/Master of Divinity program at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem (go Deacs!). Five long years later, she graduated in May 2023, passed the North Carolina Bar Exam in August 2023, and completed internship at Augsburg Lutheran Church in Winston-Salem and the North Carolina Synod office in Salisbury in March 2024.

Outside of church, Pastor Hannah loves to cheer on all Houston and Wake Forest sports teams, spending time in the mountains, traveling to new places, trying to learn how to read for fun again, and baking lots of cookies. She is passionate about creating authentic community, hearing people's stories, and accompanying people along the path of discipleship that God calls us all on.

Director of Staff and Parish Administration

Melissa Cashmore brings strength and experience to Holy Trinity as a former Operations Manager and Administrator, with expertise in financial management, human resources, and training. She is a strong leader with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Melissa is also working on her Master of Business Administration.

Melissa is the mother of six, which means she's a master of multitasking and negotiation (especially when it comes to bedtime and broccoli). After her husband, William, retired from the Marine Corps, they settled down in Hickory to raise their family. Melissa and William are avid sports fans, frequently found cheering on Hickory FC and the Carolina Panthers. When they aren't at games, they love hiking and exploring the beautiful landscapes of western North Carolina.

Financial Administrator

Communications & Content Coordinator

Denise Moose

Denise began her work as our Financial Administrator in March 2015. Denise brings a wealth of financial administration experience after 22 years at The Catawba Women’s Center.

Communications & Content Coordinator

Jennifer Moretz

Jennifer joined Holy Trinity in 2018 and has been a dedicated volunteer in many ministries. She enjoys playing handbells with the Trinity Ringers—so if you hear a cheerful chime, it might just be her! After 23 years at Hanesbrands, Inc., Jennifer now serves as our Communications Coordinator, where her creativity shines. A proud NC State grad, she’s always ready to rally the Wolfpack and keep us all in the loop

Volunteer Ministry Coordinator

Communications & Content Coordinator

Volunteer Ministry Coordinator

Carol Dickson

Carol is a lifelong member of Holy Trinity and joined the staff in October 2021 to support the volunteer ministries of the congregation. A proud graduate of App State, Carol might cheer for the Mountaineers, but thanks to her husband’s unrelenting passion for Georgia football, you'll often hear her enthusiastically shouting 'Go Dawgs!'—even if her heart is still in the High Country

Deacon for Senior Adult Discipleship

Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Mitzi Budde

A lifelong learner and teacher, Deacon Mitzi brings deep faith and rich experience to Holy Trinity. She served for decades as a professor and librarian, most recently at Virginia Theological Seminary, and now embraces her call as a deacon in the ELCA.

With a Doctor of Ministry in Ecumenism & Reconciliation and a passion for worship, teaching, and service, she has led Bible studies, preached, and even guided faith discussions in a detention center. She also played a key role in Lutheran-Episcopal relations.

Deacon Mitzi loves sharing stories, sparking conversations, and reminding us that faith is always an open book!

Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Katie Bencken

Katie joined the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church staff in 2024. With an undergraduate degree in music and currently completing her Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary, she brings a rich background as a worship director, hospital and hospice chaplain, and youth minister in her home state of Nebraska. When she’s not working, you’ll find her playing clarinet with the Charlotte Concert Band or being kept on her toes by her two Portuguese Water Dogs, Paco (7) and mischievous puppy Bulleit.

Faith Formation Coordinator

Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Faith Formation Coordinator

Caitlan Killian

Caitlan Killian is a life-long Lutheran from Belmont, NC. She made her way to Holy Trinity by way of Lenoir-Rhyne. (Go Bears!) Caitlan has a Bachelors in Elementary Education from LR and Masters in STEAM Education from Clemson University. After 10 years of classroom teaching, Caitlan joined the church staff to help organize and manage Faith Formation programs. She enjoys a beautiful life of creativity and service, encouraging others to see and celebrate God’s goodness! You can find Caitlan blogging, podcasting, baking, playing her french horn, and enjoying life with her sweet husband, Andrew.

Director of Worship and Music Ministry

Karen Shuford

Karen joined the staff of Holy Trinity in 2016 after many years of serving as a volunteer. She has taught music in elementary, middle school, high school, and college.

Organist

Director of Worship and Music Ministry

David Lail

David has been organist at Holy Trinity since 1994. He plays for both Sunday morning worship services, funerals, and all special services. Additionally, he directs the Chapel Choir and Luther Choir.

Director of Handbells and Instrumental Music

Kimberly Vegter

Kimberly has been a member of Holy Trinity for 19 years. In that time she has been heavily involved in music ministry. She has played with Trinity Ringers, has served as the co-director of many choirs, and has performed as an instrumental soloist.

Director of Contempoary Worship

Director of Handbells and Instrumental Music

Kate Lawhorn

Kate is a vibrant and dedicated worship leader, music educator, and creative force in ministry. She obtained her Bachelor of Choral Music Education from The Baptist College of Florida in 2018 and is currently advancing her studies with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. In her spare time, she lends her talents to the Hickory Choral Society, where she not only performs but also serves on the Board of Directors, enriching her community through her love of music and ministry.

Preschool Director

Preschool Chapel Dog

Preschool Director

Lori Trimm

Lori has been a teacher at Holy Trinity Preschool since 2007 and co-director alongside Kristy since 2017. A member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, she’s passionate about early childhood education and loves guiding young minds.

Originally from Ormond Beach, FL, Lori moved to Hickory in 2001. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her running, hiking, traveling, or spending time with family, friends, and her dog Charlie.

Preschool Director

Preschool Chapel Dog

Preschool Director

Kristy Edens

Kristy has been part of Holy Trinity Preschool for 16 years, starting in the one-year room and now co-director and lead teacher in the three-year room. Both of her sons attended HTLC, making it a special place for her family.

She’s known for tearing up at every Christmas pageant and discovered her love for a 10:30 snack thanks to the job! Kristy recently tackled the Beehive Trail at Acadia National Park. Though the preschoolers think she can sing, it’s her love for family, friends, and teaching that really shines.

Preschool Chapel Dog

Charlie The Chapel Dog

Our stuffed animal enthusiast, treat connoisseur, and creek romping champ—always ready for cuddles and adventures at preschool!

Early Worship Curator

Hospitality Coordinator

Kathy Starnes

Kathy is the first to arrive on Sunday mornings, making sure the church is open and ready to welcome worshipers. As head usher for the 8:30 service, she is always there with a warm smile and helping hands. Out of her generosity, Kathy keeps the staff kitchen stocked with treats and always makes sure the team feels appreciated with heartfelt thank-you cards.

Hospitality Coordinator

Nancy Wilfong

Since 1996, Nancy has been the creative force behind the beautiful floral arrangements, table settings, and decorations at Holy Trinity’s events. Whether it's a reception, social gathering, or church meeting, Nancy ensures every detail is perfect—from tablecloths to serving pieces. With her sharp eye and boundless energy, she brings warmth and charm to every occasion, making our spaces feel extra special.

Building Stewards

Hospitality Coordinator

Building Stewards

Wayne Mitchell, Facilities Manager

Crystal Kirby, Custodian

Wayne keeps our church building and property in top shape, handling everything from cleaning to repairs and event setups. He’s been part of Holy Trinity since 2000, after 29 years on the road as a truck driver.

Crystal helps care for our church building, ensuring it's clean and welcoming. On Sundays, she’s also a friendly face in the Nursery and steps in to help with the preschool when needed.