Jesse Garner recently retired after 17 years as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, and is very much looking forward to devoting more time to working in the community. He believes that college campuses are one of the most important mission fields of the church, and is excited about helping with the work of the Christian Association at Penn. Jesse is also the new Board Chair of the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia. In his free time, he very much enjoys fishing, and cooking and expects to be doing a great deal more of both now.
Jeffrey Rowland is the Executive Director of Human Resources, Staff and Labor Relations at the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Rowland is an avid sports fan, loves to cook, and travel. He and his wife Tracy have five children Justin, Jason, Courtney, Morgan, and Mackenzie. Besides serving as a Board Member on Penn’s Christian Association Mr. Rowland also is an Elder at Oxford Presbyterian Church, serves as an HR Committee Member for the Maternity Care Coalition, and is Vice Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Omega Lambda Chapter. Jeff is excited to be part of the Christian Association Board because it allows him to assist in providing an outlet for students who want to continue to grow in Christ.
Lanese came to the University of Pennsylvania in 2000 and has worked as the Executive Assistant to the University CIO since 2005. She is excited about joining the CA Board of Directors because it will allow her to interact and engage with a portion of the Penn student population. When not on campus, Lanese is a member of the ministerial team at Christ of Calvary Covenant Church Ministries International, volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House and enjoys quality time spent with family and friends.
Scott Sprunger (C'16) just graduated with an MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He's excited to serve the Christian Association, which shaped his call to ministry and deeply impacted his life. He also plays the ukulele.
Reverend Carla Jones Brown is the Pastor/Head of Staff at Arch Street Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. She is excited about working with the Christian Association at Penn! Before accepting a call to full-time ministry, she served as both a high school English teacher and also as an adjunct professor. She is interested in fostering the spiritual and academic lives of young adults. She enjoys cooking, baking and sharing meals with her friends...and with the CA!
I am a former Dean, Head Master and Instructor, as well as retired business manager. I am active today as a player and organizer for an LGBTQ soccer club, an officer in my church and Commissioner for my denomination. I believe in the enabling power of education strengthened by faith and charity.
Bio Coming Soon
Interested in joining our student board? We'd love to have you!