OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
The Executive Team consists of the Minister, the Director of Faith Formation, the Resources Manager, and two lay members selected by the team, who serve two-year terms. The team meets twice monthly to review Shared Ministry Agreements, and discuss capital projects, church finances, and other concerns. You can reach our Executive Team by email at office@oruuc.org.
Amanda Fishel
When my children, Patton and Arrow, expressed interest in attending church, it was important for my spouse, Jason, and I that we find a church that would support us in raising thoughtful, compassionate young people. We first came to ORUUC in 2015, and we’ve been attending ever since.
I have had numerous roles over the years, but the one I am most proud of is serving as a co-leader of our twice-annual rummage sale. I believe strongly in the positive impact that this ministry has on folks in the community as well as within our churchfill. I’ve also served as Secretary of the Board of Trustees and on the Interim Search Committee. Currently, I’m serving on the Caring Committee and the Executive Team, and I coordinate the Split the Plate program.
Our family has been in East Tennessee since 2008, but I grew up in a small town in northeast Ohio. I graduated from Coastal Carolina University in 2006 with a B.A. in History and a B.A. in Philosophy.
Outside of church, I homeschool my younger child; my older child graduated from High School and from Roane State Community College in May 2022. We care for a cat, two dogs, and about 20 chickens, plus a garden that succeeds in spite of my inexperience. I’m also passionate about family history.
Amanda served on the Executive Team from 2022 to 2024, then rejoined the team a year later, in 2025. Her current term ends in July 2027.
Anne Child
My parents, Helen and Hank McKown, were charter members of Oak Ridge Unitarian Church, so I grew up in the church. After graduating, my husband and I moved to Texas for 38 years. A few years ago, I decided to return to Oak Ridge to support family members. My older sister, Louise, was still a member of the church, so I started attending with her.
It didn't take long before the current minister approached me about leading the Memorial Garden Committee. I wasn't an official member yet, but I realized how much I was connected to this role. I like digging holes (usually for plants), and through life's experiences, I have learned the importance of planning your final resting place and the comfort that gives the family. It has been an honor to help families make that final act of care meaningful. I have also cooked for Stone Soup, picked up furniture for Ecumenical Storehouse, volunteered at the Rummage Sales, helped with church maintenance, and driven truckloads of Second Harvest food to the rural Morgan Scott Project.
I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Computer Science, and worked as a software engineer for 25 years. After retiring, my husband and I became Texas Master Naturalists in order to work on trails and dig up invasive plants. We also cared for cats and sterilized surgical instruments for the Trap, Neuter, Release program at the Austin Humane Society. Now I live with my sister in Oak Ridge, and advocate for the end poverty with RESULTS, a volunteer lobby organization.
Anne’s term on the Executive Team ends in July 2028.
Christine Rehder
Director of Youth Faith Formation
ORUUC’s mission is to serve with purpose and passion, and the work of the Executive Team is to give people the tools they need to make that happen. Together, we get the work done and it’s my pleasure to help make that happen.
