Officers & Board

Kathy Johnson has been attending the AVC for the past 12 years. During this time, she has served one 3-year term on the board, served as the head of Hospitality for 3 years, and served on the Pastor Search Committee. She is in her third year of co-chairing the successful Arts & Crafts Show fundraiser. Kathy also serves on the A/V Team as a Zoom co-host.

The Eastern Zone Sales manager for Continental Mills, Kathy has worked there for 12 years and in the CPG industry for 36 years. Her brands at CM are Ghirardelli brownies and Krusteaz baking mixes, which make many appearances at church functions.

Kathy writes, “The Annisquam Village church has become very meaningful to me and I want to contribute to helping it continue to grow and thrive for both our current community and for future generations.”

Fun fact: Kathy has traveled to all 50 states!

In addition to serving as Treasurer, Al sits on the Advisory Committee and the Finance Committee.

Al states that “I’m fortunate to participate in a community that sustains and expands my spiritual growth, supports our neighbors and offers me the opportunity to commune with thoughtful, kind and generous people who are living examples for me to emulate.”

John has been coming to Annisquam Village Church since he lived in the house across the street in the early 90’s. He loves the community focus of the church and the church’s welcome to people of all spiritual backgrounds.

My husband and I joined the AVC shortly after moving to Gloucester from Salem in 2015. How could we not? The building is just across the street! AVC’s non-doctrinal services and the opportunity to meet our new neighbors made joining an easy decision—one that we have not regretted.

I look forward to serving as Clerk and feel confident that a forty-some-year stint in the publishing industry has laid the groundwork for success in the role. Having just retired as Interim Clerk, my husband has thoughtfully handed off his quill to me.

Clare Byrne grew up in Wenham MA and spent summers with her family in Annisquam. She recently moved with her husband Michael to Annisquam 4 years ago. 

Clare has three grown children that spend much of their time on the water in Annisquam. 

Clare has worked in education for 20 years. Teaching and working in development and fundraising. She has held several board leadership roles at Glen Urquhart School and Pingree School.  

Clare has sat on the AVC Stewardship Committee and currently volunteers for Care Dimensions in Danvers visiting with Hospice patients. Clare feels passionately about service to others and volunteering her time.

Nancy Guselli is serving as a Board member of the Annisquam Village Church. She is on the Personnel and Creation Care Committees. Previously, she served as the Board Chair for two terms.

Nancy appreciates that AVC is a Christian church that embraces the wisdom found in other faith traditions, and that we are committed to the stewardship of Mother Earth. She finds Rev. Sue Koehler- Arsenault to be an inspirational spiritual guide and leader for our changing times.

Tom Mannle has lived in Gloucester on Wheeler’s Point, Bennett Street, and now Lanesville for more than 25 years. He first started coming in the 1950s in the summer to his Grandparent’s house on Wingaersheek Beach.

In their first period of residence in the 1980s Tom and Ann were parishioners at Sacred Heart Church. Two of his sisters were married at AVC. Encouraged by Jaye Whittier, Tom and Ann started attending Zoom worship in the early pandemic, and found a community as comforting and welcoming as their beloved Sacred Heart used to be. Tom became a member in November 2020 and currently serves on the Finance committee.

Professionally, Tom has been an independent health care consultant for over 20 years; his main clients have been the health care components of the Federal Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Tom has been on the Board of the Cape Ann Symphony for a dozen years, serving also as a past President and currently Treasurer.

Tom is a proud member of the West Point Class of 1971 and served as Class President for 10 years. He’s also been an active US Rowing Referee for 24 seasons, and is looking forward to warm weather and chasing races once again.

Mary Jane moved to Gloucester 36 years ago. She has lived in Annisquam for the last 8 years. She writes, “I was initially attracted to Rev. Sue’s background working with the most vulnerable people in our communities and instantly attached to AVC’s message of inclusivity and social justice. I became a member this past year and serve on the D, E, I Team.”

For over 40 years, Mary Jane served as the chief fundraiser for four different organizations and then became a consultant. Since retiring, her primary efforts have been directed toward the Grace Center in Gloucester, a day resource center for the underserved. She was president of the Grace Center board from its inception through its merger with LifeBridge, with whom she now serves as board Vice President.

Mary Jane was married for 56 years to John McGlennon and has been a widow for 6 years. She says, “My fabulous 3 daughters live (very!) near and far and with their families provide me with my greatest joys.”

MJ welcomes the opportunity to support the mission of the Church and perhaps help to bring it deeper into the greater Gloucester community.  “I am honored to be nominated. Thank you.”

Bud Ris has attended the Annisquam Village Church for many years, first as a summer resident starting in the early eighties, then as a more regular participant when he and his wife, Peg, bought a home in Annisquam in 2015. They have been active in many Church and Village activities, ranging from the Wax Works to the Annisquam Farmers Market. What he appreciates most about the AVC is the role it serves in bringing the community together.

Bud has a long history working with non-profits, having served on many boards and as CEO of the Union of Concerned Scientists and the New England Aquarium.

Bud is currently Chair of Boston Harbor Now, a trustee at the Boston Society of Architects, and a Senior Advisor to the Boston Green Ribbon Commission. Much of his professional work in these roles has focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

In Annisquam, Bud has been delighted to share his expertise on climate change with the AVC Creation Care Committee and various public forums on sea level rise.

Jim O’Neill first came in contact with the AVC community on Zoom when the pandemic hit. “I have been impressed with the church’s concern about climate issues, racial issues, and the lgbtqi acceptance. I find the services transformative, inspiring and engaging. I love the way Rev. Sue harmonizes faith, culture and everyday life in her sermons.

I live in Lawrence and retired from teaching Religious Studies last June at Central Catholic High School after 44 years. Currently I am director of the Marist House in Lawrence where we host people while they volunteer at the Lazarus House Ministry.”