Co-President
Rev. Dr. Kevass J. Harding

Dellrose United Methodist Church

Rev. Dr. Harding graduated from Wichita Southeast High School and earned an Associate of Arts from Hutchinson Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Master of Divinity (cum laude) from Phillips Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Church Administration from United Theological Seminary. Rev. Dr. Harding served as Associate Pastor at Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Wichita before being appointed Lead Pastor at Dellrose United Methodist Church in 1998. Dellrose is a founding member of Justice Together.

Co-President
Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone

Ahavath Achim:
The Hebrew Congregation of Wichita

Rabbi Pepperstone was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2002, where he also studied Jewish Education. He has served in rabbinic and educational roles in Louisville, Cleveland, and Syracuse, including as Rabbi-in-Residence at Gross Schechter Day School and Rabbi of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas. A founding Co-President of Justice Together, he was among the first faith leaders to help build our multifaith justice ministry. He holds a BA in Linguistics and Hebrew from UC San Diego and continues training in nonprofit management, prayer leadership, and pastoral care.

1st Vice President
Rev. Dr. Pamela M. Hughes

St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church

Reverend Dr. Pamela “Pastor Pam” Hughes, a Los Angeles native, has served in ministry for over  35 years and was ordained an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church in 1997. She is the first female Pastor of Wichita’s historic St. Paul AME Church and currently serves as  President of the Greater Wichita Ministerial League. A founding Vice President of Justice Together, Pastor Pam is known for her dynamic leadership, commitment to social justice, and dedication to nurturing youth and community.  Pastor Pam holds  a BA in  Criminal Justice, Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Divinity. She serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Board of Examiners for the Midwest Annual Conference.

2nd Vice President
Reverend Andrew Beers

Resurrection Lutheran Church

Rev. Beers, originally from State College, Pennsylvania, grew up in Western North Carolina. He studied Visual Communications and Computer Science at Mars Hill College and earned his Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in History from Liberty University.
He has served as Minister at Prairie UU Fellowship, and is currently the Executive Director of Partners for Wichita and Pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.  Under his leadership, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is a founding member congregation of Justice Together, and Rev. Beers has served as an At-Large Executive Officer on the Justice Together inaugural Executive Committee.

Treasurer
Reverend Lance Carrithers

Retired Clergy
Great Plains Annual Conference

Rev. Lance Carrithers, a Kansas native, brings a rich history in ministry and deep understanding of his community in Derby and Sedgwick County. Having served in churches across Kansas, he has developed a keen sense of the diverse needs of congregations. He also serves as chair of the board  of trustees for the Kansas Methodist Foundation. Known for his compassionate leadership, Rev. Carrithers remains dedicated to fostering love, inclusion, and impactful ministry within the Christian community. Rev. Carrithers was pastor of Woodlawn United Methodist Church when it became a founding congregation of Justice Together, and he has served as our first Treasurer.

Secretary
Jason Russell

West Heights United Methodist Church

Bio coming soon.

At-Large Officer
The Reverend
Andy Houltberg

Breakthrough Club /
Episcopal Social Services

The Rev. Andy Houltberg brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofits and faith communities, serving individuals and families facing trauma, incarceration, substance abuse, and poverty. As CEO of Breakthrough (formerly Episcopal Social Services), he has expanded programs that provide hope, employment, financial stability, and community mental health support through the Clubhouse model. Fr. Andy served on the Sponsoring Committee for Justice Together and is a current member of the Justice Together personnel committee.

At-Large Officer
The Reverend
Andrew O’Connor

Saint Francis Ministries

The Reverend Andrew O’Connor is Executive Officer for Mission & Ministry at Saint Francis Ministries. In his senior leadership role, Fr. Andrew stewards the spiritual dimensions of a faith-based child and family services nonprofit rooted in the Episcopal tradition. He provides a pastoral presence on the executive leadership team and across the organization’s six-state footprint; is building relationships throughout the Episcopal Church and other denominations, and is developing new opportunities for collaboration with SFM that helps people put faith into action.

At-Large Officer
Rev. Dr. Karen Robu

Plymouth Congregational Church

The Rev. Dr. Karen Robu has served at Plymouth since April 2011. She earned her M.Div. and D.Min. from Phillips Theological Seminary. Before coming to Plymouth, Karen was Director of Children and Youth Ministries at University Congregational Church in Wichita for seven years. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Windsor. Karen continues to be active in local theater, performing and directing, and has taught courses in theater and religion at Wichita State University and Bethel College. Under her leadership, Plymouth Congregational is a founding member congregation of Justice Together. Rev. Dr. Robu is also a member of the Justice Together personnel committee.

At-Large Officer
Reverend Deann Smith

United Methodist Open Door

Rev. Deann Smith is Executive Director of United Methodist Open Door, serving since 2001 and leading efforts to provide food, clothing, and shelter to those in need. With expertise in nonprofit management, social services, strategic planning, and organizational development, she has guided the organization’s growth and fostered community engagement. Deann holds a Master’s from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor’s in Religion from Oklahoma City University. Rev. Smith is the chair of the Justice Together personnel committee, a member of the Justice Together Steering Committee on Homelessness, and served as a member of the Sponsoring Committee.