Vona grew up in Western Kentucky and moved to Tennessee as a young adult. A former Paramedic, Vona served as the Director of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Williamson County and experienced first-hand the growth of this community.  She has extensive work in Organizational Management with healthcare, business and faith organizations.  She had no idea that serving in the church and community would ultimately lead her to a call for full-time ministry, but God tapped her on the shoulder and she said, “yes.”  Whether locally or globally, her heart is stretched between the sanctuary and the streets.

As an ordained pastor, Vona has served in various pastoral roles with Franklin First UMC, Bethlehem UMC, as Chaplain of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee and her current role with us, as Senior Associate Pastor. She provides pastoral leadership for our Historic Sanctuary on 5^th Avenue and leads our mission ministries locally and globally.

Vona holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC; Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt; Master of Organizational Management from Trevecca University and an Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic Technology from Vols State Community College.

She enjoys hiking, being outdoors, time with friends and family, learning Spanish and the adventure of faith. She has a great dog, Oreo, who often joins her in work and play.