Hierald has a passion for stories hidden out of sight, which drives him to work collaboratively and creatively to bring those stories to light. He comes to Holden from Ithaca College, nurturing belonging and meaning-making as Director of Religious and Spiritual Life and Executive Director for Student Equity and Belonging. Assigned to the DC Metro Synod, he will soon be the newest rostered leader in the ELCA. Three words that describe Hierald? Intuitive, insightful innovator.

Ben Masters is a lover of stories and sacred song, and a pastor among those complicated, covenant people called Presbyterians. He comes to Holden with greetings from the farmers, wine-makers, and librarians beside beautiful Seneca Lake. He started baking sourdough bread long before lockdown, but the perfect pie crust still eludes him. Three words that describe Ben? Hopeful, humming homilist.