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.
Bob Randall
Rector
Bob has been rector of Old Donation since September 1, 2004, coming to us from the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast (Alabama). Bob's passion is shaping a community that understands God's vision and has the tools for making that become reality in their own lives and the lives outside of the Church. The Church needs to be making the world a better place. 20 years of business and engineering helped him understand regular people and real life.
He is a graduate of Virginia Seminary in Alexandria. Before that, he earned two engineering degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He and his wife, Chris, share a joyful spirit and a love for the people of Old Donation.
Bob and Chris have two grown married children, four granddaughters and two grandsons.
Lissie Rhoton
Associate Rector
Our Associate Rector, Lissie (pronounced “Lizzie,” just spelled with “s!”), and her
husband, Chris, grew up in north Georgia, and were in Texas since 2009 before coming to Virginia Beach. They have three cats: Riza, May, and Alphonse.
While in Texas, Lissie and Chris attended Truett Seminary at Baylor University
together and both received a Master of Divinity in Missions and World
Christianity. They joined the Episcopal Church in 2015, and Lissie entered discernment in 2018, receiving her Diploma of
Anglican Studies from Seminary of the Southwest in 2020. She then began a
two-year curacy program in the Diocese of Texas in the midst of the
pandemic.
Lissie has a deep love for the people of the church, and wants to demystify the Bible for the average parishioner and help people to connect their faith to their life in the world. Robust liturgy, deep study, and thoughtful preaching are all things she brings to further equip you on the journey you’re already taking with God.
Lissie joins us from Trinity
Episcopal Church in The Woodlands, TX, where she was set on a sure
foundation, and is excited to
join us at Old Donation.
Fred Poteet
Priest Associate
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 Associate Rector 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.
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.
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
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. We are thankful to have her on our team.
Gretchen has lived all over the world, moving with her husband, Jeff, a career officer in the Air Force, and their two sons.
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.
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!
