Leadership

Rev. Dr. Dino Rustin
Pastor
Dino was called to First Presbyterian Church in 2014 as Lead Pastor. He originally hails from the west coast, being born and raised in San Diego, CA. Dino has been serving in full-time ministry since 1999 and has been ordained since 2009, having completed his Master of Divinity degree at Azusa Pacific University and Fuller Theological Seminary. Since joining First Pres, he has completed his Doctorate of Ministry in Church Leadership at Fuller.
Dino and his wife, Jennifer, have been married since the spring of 2018. Between the two of them, they have four beautiful daughters who keep them very busy playing soccer and swimming in the pool. In their spare time, Dino & Jennifer love going to the beach, watching sports, and taking bike rides together around the neighborhood. Jennifer is a Bradenton native and an equestrian jumper who loves to ride her horse a few times a week. Dino likes to run for exercise, and he plays a variety of instruments with the opportunity to perform locally at times.
They are thrilled to be a part of a church that is growing and thriving, with a great sense of call to serve Jesus from the heart of downtown!
Our Team And Leadership
First Presbyterian Church is led collaboratively by a team of called leaders who work together to ensure we are doing our best to “cultivate hearts for Jesus from the heart of Downtown.” We believe that all ministry (ordained and lay ministry) is a calling that comes from God, who empowers each of us to unique service according to our gifts and personalities. By working together, we maximize the potential of these gifts for Kingdom-building effort!
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Staff members

Dwayne Smith
Operations and Technology Director

Waylon Slabach
Children and Young Families Director

Denise Baez
Nursery Worker

Ted Hayes
Director of Music / Organist

Mikayla Bonnema
Children's Ministry Assistant

Sherry Doles
Nursery Worker

Diane Varnadore
Pianist

Doreen Hawkins
Financial Admin / Connect Groups Director

Doug Mulhollen
Director of Emerging Worship
Session members

Mike Asher
Family Ministry

Kathy Flynn
Personnel and Congregational Care

Barbara Dittmann
Family Ministry

Ralph Garrison
Personnel and Connections

Maggie Rieniets
Worship & Music

Paul Marziani
Facilities

Mary Jean Edwards
First Impressions

Carole McKay
Missions

Theresa Dahlquist
Clerk of Session