Our Staff
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
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.
Misty has over 25 years in ministry and is bringing a breath of fresh wind to our mission of reaching students with the Gospel.
Operations Director
Sarah Leonard
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!
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!
Middle & High School Coordinator
Mindy Wallace
Mindy has been married to her husband TJ for 12 years and they have two kids, Zeek and Covee. She has served in various ministry roles and she's passionate about the Gospel being shared to all people.
She loves reading, thrifting, and spending time with her family. She is excited to see the mission of First Priority expanded to bring the hope of Jesus to all students.
She loves reading, thrifting, and spending time with her family. She is excited to see the mission of First Priority expanded to bring the hope of Jesus to all students.
Office Manager
Kylie West
Kylie got involved in First Priority starting in fifth grade. She was involved all throughout high school as a student leader, an FP Johnston County intern, and now Marketing Intern. She is passionate about the mission reaching students with the Gospel.
She currently lives in Raleigh attending North Carolina State University, amjoring in Communications with a minor in Nonprofit Studies. In her free time she loves to run, read, grab coffee, and make crafts.
She currently lives in Raleigh attending North Carolina State University, amjoring in Communications with a minor in Nonprofit Studies. In her free time she loves to run, read, grab coffee, and make crafts.
Marketing Intern
Jade Hill
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!
Elementary Coordinator
Gabe King
Gabe got involved in First Priority with the Student Leadership Team in 2024. He is passionate about First Priority, because of the shares passion for reaching students with the gospel.
He is currently a sophomore in high school and loves to workout.
Ministry Intern
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
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.
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.
Vice President
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.
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.
Treasurer
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!
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!
Board Member
Branda Watford
I am a mother of one son and grandmother of 2 grandsons. I’m passionate about the Gospel being shared with others for the building and edifying of the Kingdom of God. I am also passionate about serving others as well as prayer; because prayer is one of the key foundations to life and living the experiences of God’s Word and promises.
I’ve served in Church Ministry over 30 years in various roles; Church Administrator, Bible School Teacher, Conference Coordinator/Planner, Minister, Elder, Church Service Coordinator, Intercessory Prayer and Altar Ministry. Hobbies would include the enjoyment of fishing, traveling, reading and sharing talks/experiences around the Word of God.
I’ve served in Church Ministry over 30 years in various roles; Church Administrator, Bible School Teacher, Conference Coordinator/Planner, Minister, Elder, Church Service Coordinator, Intercessory Prayer and Altar Ministry. Hobbies would include the enjoyment of fishing, traveling, reading and sharing talks/experiences around the Word of God.
Board Member
Darrella Cavenaugh
My family and I are originally from Richlands, NC. We moved to Johnston County over 30 years ago. In 2020 we moved to Wilson County. We have 5 children,11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. They are my world.
I have worked in the Johnston County School System, I was the owner of a Family Child Care Home and worked for the Partnership for Children of Johnston County. Nurturing and teaching children has been my life's purpose. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization that will give children a foundation in Christ, and that they will be saved in His name makes my heart happy for them and is our purpose as Christians.
I have worked in the Johnston County School System, I was the owner of a Family Child Care Home and worked for the Partnership for Children of Johnston County. Nurturing and teaching children has been my life's purpose. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization that will give children a foundation in Christ, and that they will be saved in His name makes my heart happy for them and is our purpose as Christians.
Board Member
Ardarion Richardson
I have a lovely wife, Shalonda, and four beautiful children. Before joining the board, I was encouraged by the stories of children having the hope and promise of Jesus Christ. I joined the board in 2023 after talking with board members and seeing my son come home week after week, telling me firsthand how he was a part of the ministry, showing love and compassion, and providing guidance that would have a positive, everlasting impact on their lives.
I enjoy spending time with family, various outdoor activities, and serving others. My family and I are grateful to all the staff, volunteers, and donors for their work in this ministry.
Board Member
John Gill
My wife and I Pam have 5 kids between us! We live in Knightdale, NC. I have run a small business for the last 30 years in eastern NC.
Pam is a retired wake county school teacher who now teaches Pre K at a local church. I joined the board August 2025.
I would like to see the next generation of students learn to follow Jesus at a younger age than myself. They have such a great opportunity to grow their faith and relationship with Christ and avoid so many struggles that I did not avoid. They can learn to walk with the Lord daily and to share their faith through the support of First Priority in their schools. I would like to see First Priority grow and be available to schools across eastern NC. I hope that by prayer and being part of the First Priority board I can help First Priority reach more students for Christ.
Board Member