Meet Your Leadership Board

As we get into the swing of 2026, we want to show our appreciation for those who serve on our Leadership Board, as they work to guide our congregation and prepare us for a hopeful future. The Board's work has been tremendously important, and can be seen, not only in the communications we send out, but in the work we have seen done around the church in the last half of 2025. The board works diligently on behalf of the congregation, so please know we are each available, as well as the pastor, to answer your questions to the best of our ability. And we encourage members of the congregation to attend our board meetings, which are normally held on the third Monday of each month at 6 pm.

Carol Altom has been a member of FUMC since 1973! She and her husband, Gil, have been actively involved serving in all areas of the church. Carol worked on UMW projects such as the Sack Lunch, Salad Bar, and food for families at funerals. Her activity goes beyond service to include: Worship committee, Administrative Council, nominating, and faithful attendance for many years!

The newsletter did not print a name with this next board member's bio: "For those who may not know me, I have been a member of FUMC Kaufman for 38 years. Over that time, I have served in many capacities, including on various boards, and I was blessed to serve on staff as Director of Music for 27 years. I strive to support my church family in any way I can, wherever my gifts are needed. A little about me personally: I have been married to my husband, Marshall, for more than 49 years. We are the proud parents of three wonderful children, two wonderful sons-in-law, and one wonderful daughter-in-law (they are all my kids!), and we are blessed with six grandchildren. God has truly blessed me with a full and busy life as a grandma — the best job ever! I am honored to have been asked to serve on the FUMC Kaufman Board. I accepted this position because I love this church and my church family deeply. I am committed to serving faithfully and to always doing what best supports the needs of our congregation and our church."

Another bio also ran without a printed name: "I started my spiritual life at First Christian Church and from 3rd grade on at Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Houston. I began attending FUMC-Kaufman somewhere around the summer of 1996. I joined FUMC-K after many discussions with John Gondol regarding the differences and similarities between the DoC and Methodism. I was the High School Youth Sunday school teacher for nearly 20 years before COVID finally dropped attendance to zero. I have also substituted in the Agape class as needed. I enjoy being an usher/greeter on Sundays and help through the Methodist Men. I have served our church as a board member on several committees over the years and participate in many of our ministries. I have some tremendous friends here. I also love any and all Bible studies. I worked 20+ years in the wholesale floral industry in both Houston and Dallas, including many business trips to China and across the US. I've been a professional computer programmer and systems analyst since 1978, mostly for wholesale companies. I officially retired in 2020, but I'm busier now than I was then. I love puzzles and history endlessly fascinates me. I dabble in many things and have mastered none of them. (Although I am a 3rd degree black belt in judo.)"

And a third bio ran without a printed name: "Shortly after moving to the Kaufman area in the late 80's, my wife, Cynthia, and I joined FUMC. I am blessed to be retired from two different careers which were equally satisfying. My first career was as a mechanical machine designer and the second in radiology working at several of the nearby hospitals. We enjoy traveling, scuba diving and spending time with our extended family. I am looking forward to serving on the leadership board and working with the other members to guide the church's various ministries."

Bobby Aga: "I have enjoyed serving FUMC Kaufman since moving here in 1994 with my wife, Carole, who grew up in this church. I am retired and was previously with the YMCA of Dallas as well as the insurance industry. The YMCA involved physical training, Indian Guides, youth sports, running summer camp and finally Director of Southeast YMCA of Dallas. I became an insurance agent in Garland and, when we moved to Kaufman, joined with RHSR insurance until retiring. I've served this church through many leadership roles in Methodist Men, Trustee Chair, SPR Chair, ERT Leader, and Conference Training for ERT, Administrative Board Chair, Agape Class Teacher, Lay Leader, Lay Member to the Conference, Sunshine Gang, and most recently Lay Speaker, temporarily serving Rosser UMC. Through Methodist Men, we started our ERT program that helped many areas in Texas and Louisiana recover from fires, floods, tornados, and storms. As Conference Trainer, I helped other churches establish their ERT teams. As Trustee Chair, we built a new parsonage, converted the old parsonage into church offices and classroom space and purchased the Creagor Home which was converted into our Adult Center for choir rehearsal and meeting spaces. Carole and I stay busy as retirees through involvement in the church we love, time spent with our five children and eight grandchildren, traveling, and being with cherished friends."

Carol Cooper: "Before leaving the workforce in 2023, my 40+ year professional career was spent in music management and telecommunications project management. I believe God led me to Kaufman FUMC several years ago and to this church family."

Randy Johnson: "Hi! I'm Randy Johnson, husband to Marci (who was baptized and confirmed into this Church). Our oldest son is Andrew, who is married to Paige, and Jake is our youngest, both were baptized at FUMC Kaufman. I'm a CPA with 30+ years of experience and currently work for National Carriers."

Robert Yowell: "My name is Robert Yowell. My wife Tana and I have lived in Combine about 28 years and have attended Kaufman UMC for about 7 years. We have 3 grown children all living out of state and 5 grandchildren. I retired from the Dallas Police Department after 33 years of service. I am a Master Bee keeper, Master Gardener and breed Beef Master cattle. I also am Chairman of the Appraisal Review Board at the Kaufman County Appraisal District."

Teresa Pottorff: "I'm honored to serve on the FUMC Kaufman Leadership Board. Professionally, I work as a senior HR leader with a focus on talent and organizational development and executive coaching. I'm excited to be able to bring my 25+ years of experience with strategic planning and people-centered leadership to support our church's mission. I've been part of FUMC Kaufman since the mid 2000's and from 2016-2019 served as the Staff Parish Relations (SPR) Chair. I love this church because of its strong sense of community and resiliency. Outside of work, I enjoy RV camping, working out, riding motorcycles and spending quality time with my husband and family and friends. My faith journey is rooted in the belief in growing through service and connection, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our church's growth and impact."