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
Mindy Wallace
Mindy and her husband, TJ, have served in various ministry roles for more than 15 years. She is excited to see the mission of First Priority expanded to bring the Hope of Christ to all people.
She is a busy mother of 2 and enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
She is a busy mother of 2 and enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
Office Manager
Kylie Piccilli
Kylie has served in several student ministry roles and has been involved in First Priority since middle school. She is passionate about using her creativity to share the Gospel with students.
She graduated from NC State University with a degree in communication and nonprofit studies. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband, read, and do crafts.
She graduated from NC State University with a degree in communication and nonprofit studies. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband, read, and do crafts.
Communications Coordinator
Emily Dixon
Emily is passionate about the next generation knowing Jesus personally, having served in various roles working with children in her professional and personal life.
In her free time, she is working toward her BS in Developmental Psychology from Liberty University, loves to spend time outside, cooking for others, and doing life with those around her.
Elementary Coordinator
Middle + High School Coordinator
Ryan McDaniel
Ryan is a Clayton, North Carolina native with 10 years of experience serving in the local church. Throughout his time in ministry, he has served in both student and children’s ministry, as well as a Campus Coach with First Priority. Ryan believes that schools are one of the greatest mission fields in America and is passionate about equipping students to live out their faith and make an impact on their campuses.
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
Bella Fish
Bella got involved in First Priority in 2022 when she was called back to Christ in Middle School as a student leader. Since then she has participated in SLT and has served as a student leader in high school. Bella is passionate about FP because she believes that it is a powerful tool God can use to call students back to Him. She currently attends Clayton High School as a Junior, and in her freetime enjoys reading and crocheting.
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
Ardarion Richardson
Ardarion and his wife, Shalonda, have four beautiful children. Before joining the board, he was encouraged by the stories of children having the hope and promise of Jesus Christ. He 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.
Ardarion enjoys spending time with family, various outdoor activities, and serving others. His family is grateful to all the staff, volunteers, and donors for their work in this ministry.
Board Member
Chad Cochran
Chad is an Air Force veteran whose military service brought him to Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he met his wife, Jennifer. They have called Johnston County home for the past 24 years and have two daughters, one who plays college basketball and another who plays high school volleyball and is active in both her school and church.
Chad and his family are active members of Hocutt Baptist Church, where he serves as Chairman of Deacons. He has been involved with First Priority for several years through volunteering and financial support of the ministry.
Chad believes strongly in the mission of First Priority and its work in Johnston County. He believes today's students are tomorrow's leaders, and that our future needs leaders who know Christ and aren't afraid to live out and share their faith.
Board Member