Our Team

  • Rachel Gardiner, Executive Director

    Rachel has served as the Director of FP Johnston County since 2019. Prior to joining us, she taught high school English where she served as Teacher Sponsor for the FP club on campus.

    She loves speaking and teaching, developing this generation’s leaders, visiting local churches, building the organization to see a legacy after she’s gone, and sharing the Gospel with whoever she meets.

  • Misty Ranes, Associate Director

    She is passionate about the Gospel, full of wisdom, and hard working. She is a mom of 2 and actively involved in her church.

    Misty has over 25 years in ministry and is bringing a breath of fresh wind to our mission of reaching students with the Gospel.

  • Jessica Barbour, Administrator

    Jessica is our new Administrator for the First Priority Team. She started with FP in 2016, serving as a parent volunteer at her daughter Noël’s elementary and middle school for several years. She transitioned onto the FP Team as our Administrator in 2023!

    Jessica and her family actively serve at their church in various ministries. Jessica also enjoys spending time with her family, friends, pets and loves helping others!

  • Garrett Hale, Associate Director

    Garrett is so excited to join the First Priority team! He is as the first student leader for First Priority in North Carolina - so it feels very full circle having him on staff!

    He has a wonderful wife, Ashlynn, and a sweet daughter, Christina, and a son on the way. He is passionate about helping people follow Jesus and serving the Kingdom of God with other disciples of Jesus.

  • Sarah Leonard, Ministry Director

    Sarah is so excited to be joining the FP team! For the past 7 years, she served in leading Family and Youth Ministry at her local church. Sarah brings experience connecting the church and home while sharing the Gospel with all ages of student, parents, and volunteers.

    Sarah loves spending time with her husband and two boys, traveling, and seeking thrills at amusement parks. She also enjoys reading, cross stitching and watching movies!

  • Jade Hill, Elementary Curriculum Writer

    Jade is so excited to be a part of First Priority! She has a degree in Christian Leadership and Church Ministries. She has served both on staff and as a volunteer in local churches in various roles. She has a passion for teaching kids the gospel and giving them a strong foundation for their faith as they grow up!

    Her husband Chris is a local Youth and Children’s Pastor and Jade serves alongside him. They have a beautiful daughter Ellarie! Jade loves reading, writing, apologetics, and serving the local church and community!

  • Kensie Keele, Communication & Marketing Manager

    Kensie started her journey with First Priority as a student in attendance at her high school club, which made a huge impact in her walk with Jesus. She then became a Student Leader, Intern, and now the Communications Manager for FP Johnston County!

    Kensie lives in New York City and is so blessed that she can work for First Priority from miles away. She has a passion for people, loves making new connections, and uses her creativity in many forms.

  • Mary Neidert, Prayer Coordinator

    Mary is a new and vital part of the FP Team. She serves in the volunteer role of Prayer Coordinator - using her gifts to build a strong foundation of prayer around this ministry, our volunteers, student leaders, and clubs.

    She is a mom of one and “Mema” to 3. She’s resided in North Carolina since 2019 and is passionate about prayer, sharing God’s truth, and using her gifts to serve others.

    She has 23 years serving in Church Ministry and is currently serving as a Sunday School Kindergarten teacher, small group leader, and leader of prayer/outreach ministries. She is also a diehard Buffalo Bills fan!

Board of Directors

  • Phil McDuff, Board President

    Phil McDuff helped launched First Priority in Johnston County in 2014 and has served as Board President for almost 10 years.

    He is passionate about the Gospel, building this ministry to succeed for generations, and the Great Commission. He is a father of 5 whom have all served in First Priority!

  • Chad Narron, Vice President

    Chad has served on the board for First Priority Johnston County since 2017. He plays a big role in reaching this generation with the hope of Christ through his duties as VP and his generous support.

    He is a father of 2 who have both served as leaders in First Priority, and recognizes the opportunity we have to impact this generation with the Gospel.

  • Walt Watson

    Walt has been a member of our First Priority board for 3 years. He owns his own business and is a father to 4 incredible kids.

    He believes in giving students practical tools and leadership skills to impact their campus with the Gospel. His wife, Kristina, serves on our volunteer team and is a huge part of our ministry!

  • Jennifer Manning, Secretary

    Jennifer is a homeschool mom with two children Hannah age 12 and Henry age 9. She is passionate about spreading the Gospel and actively participates in short term mission trips through GraceWorks Alaska.

    She is an active member of her church and loves the beach, reading, and crafting!

  • Dustin Styons, Treasurer

    Dustin joined the board of First Priority of Johnston County in 2022. He is the father of two sons and brings valuable experience in finance and strategic planning that will help FP carry out its mission to see "the hope of Christ in every student."

  • Ardarion Richardson

  • Don Byrd

    Don joined the board of First Priority Johnston County in 2024 and is passionate about seeing the Gospel proclaimed.

    He was born and raised in Johnston County and attended Johnston County Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Don and his wife, Megan, enjoy being a part of their local church and seek to impact young people with the hope that is only found in Jesus Christ.