Clergy, Staff & Leadership
The staff and leadership here at ODEC is comprised of men and women who love, care, and pray for every single person in the church. If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out by email, or call our church office to speak with them.
Mike Ginder
Ecclesiastical Officer
Mike Ginder is our Ecclesiastical Officer while we are in transition, after the retirement of our rector of 20 years on 31 December 2024.
Mike has served as Senior Warden for the past year, as well as organizing our past two Vacation Bible School events. He and his wife, Annamarie, joined Old Donation in 2017, immediately getting involved. They have a young son, Braden, whom everyone loves. Mike has the organized can-do personality to lead us during this time.
Gretchen Hood
Director of Administration & Communications
Our Director of Administration & Communications has served over a decade on the Old Donation Staff. In that
time Gretchen's responsibilities have grown to include not just administration, but
also all graphics design, digital communications, and our robust virtual
evangelism. She is the central person to coordinate nearly all activities
at Old Donation, and the key non-clergy leader to contact for use of ODEC
facilities or to get your club, group, commission message out to the
congregation. Our Parish Director is the one to contact
if you want to get something done. Gretchen is knowledgeable in church liturgy and practice as she is a cradle Episcopalian, and
her family includes an Episcopal priest.
➡️ During transition, Gretchen is your point of contact for all pastoral needs and concerns. You can leave a voice mail: 757-497-0563, email her, or text 757-816-1965 and she will take care of the situation.
Fred Poteet
Priest Associate for Pastoral Care
Fred studied at Virginia Theological Seminary, Oxford University, and St. Georges College, Jerusalem, and was ordained at Old Donation in 2005. He pastored the parishes of St. John's, Portsmouth and St. Stephen's, Norfolk, and served on the Bishop’s staff of Southern Virginia and Colorado. He rejoined the Old Donation team as Priest Associate in 2014.
Fred and his wife, Mary, have lived in Virginia Beach since 1973. They have two sons: Brian who lives in Denver, and Scott, who lives in San Diego, and are grandparents of three remarkable namesakes: Josh, Leah and Hannah. Prior to ordained ministry, Fred headed a communications company he founded in 1979.
Bethanny Sammons
Youth & Family Minister
Bethanny joined our team in April 2024, and is beyond excited to be our Youth & Family Minister! She grew up in small town USA, Arlington, Ohio. Bethanny has nearly 11 years of experience teaching and working with children from infancy through high school. In 2018, Bethanny graduated with a BA of Education from The University of Findlay. In 2020 she married her absolute best friend, Dillon, and they have two beautiful children, Denny (3), and Charlie (1). Our Youth Ministry is vibrant with Bethanny!
Zach Moats
Organist & Choirmaster
Zach is well-known in Hampton Roads for his work on piano, keyboards, and musical production. Zach Moats earned a degree from Christopher Newport in classical piano performance with a second focus in jazz. He has many awards and accolades for his playing and has performed all over the world. He previously served as the musician for Denbigh Christian Church in Newport News in addition to his work in performing and recording.
Contact Zach!
Leslie Fenter
Gathering Musician Leader
Leslie graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and from ODU with a masters in Music Education. She is both The Gathering Band Leader/keyboard player, and since 1997, the music teacher for our Day School. At Catholic High School she directs a Chorus of 30+ students. Leslie shucks raw oysters for our Annual Oyster Roast, occasionally sings for our 8am service and for baseball games at Harbor Park. Confirmed at Old Donation in 1989, she is mother to adult sons, Jake and Ted, and wife to John.
Administrative Staff
Veronica Kloth
Parish Secretary
We are heartbroken that Veronica died unexpectedly on 5 January. We will miss her on our team. If you need support, please contact Janet Castro.
Veronica joined our team in 2023, catching on quickly to our needs. She is in charge of building all of our bulletins, and all ordering for ODEC. She has strong attention to detail, and doesn't like to be idle. Veronica grew up in Brazil, and has lived all over the world, including Germany and England. She is a fun addition to our team and we are thankful for her.
Janet Castro
Administrative Assistant
Janet was born and raised in Hawaii. She joined the Navy, met her husband while in the Navy, and is a mother of three. Music is a big part of her life, serving in the music ministry in a church or Navy. Janet graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance. We are thrilled to have Janet join us to handle administrative tasks in the parish office, as well as singing in the Gathering Band and playing in the Random Acts band.
Terri Piston
Senior Bookkeeper
Terri is a vital member of our accounting team and even more vital member of the parish. Terri assists with various aspects of our accounting, including payables and online giving. She and her husband, Doug, have four children in college and beyond. Terri regularly worships in the Gathering and has been involved with just about every possible youth fundraiser to support our programs.
Marti Jones
Assistant Bookkeeper
Marti has been at Old Donation for years, so she knows all the ins and outs. She and her husband, Mike, are involved with our outreach programs, and Marti sang in the choir for years. Marti worked in accounting and after retirement wanted a little bit to do, so joined our team as the assistant bookkeeper. We are happy for her knowledge and fun-loving spirit!
Matt Improta
Facilities Manager
Matthew grew up as a member of the parish and has become a faithful, valuable part of the church staff. He is an Eagle Scout that continues to support his troop as an Assistant Scoutmaster. He has worked several part time jobs, participated in Army National Guard, and graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University. Matthew has a passion for cooking, camping, and loves to travel whenever he can. Matt came on board with us full-time in June 2021 and we couldn't be happier!
