Meet our staff
Emily Knoth
Pastor/Head of Staff
Rev. Emily Knoth has served as the pastor of First Presbyterian Church since 2024. Before her first call here at First Pres, she graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with her M.Div and MACEF.
Emily strives to bring a joyful and welcoming spirit to everything she does. She is passionate about helping people find a place where they truly belong. Church is her favorite place to be. She always has her nose in a book, loves talking to strangers, and never turns down an ice cream cone.
Emily originally hails from the Buckeye state, but is learning to love Kansas. She lives in Wichita with her wife- Rev. Maddy Bishop-Knoth, and their two dogs- Wrigley, and Rufus.
Haley Blackwell
Director of Church Ministries
Haley Blackwell joined the staff at First Pres in March of 2026.She brings a warm heart and a deep passion for people to her role as Director of Church Ministries. Ordained in the Baptist tradition, she holds a BA in Religion, Philosophy, and Christian Spiritual Formation from Friends University and a M. Div from Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University.
Outside of the church, Haley loves cooking on her Blackstone griddle and spending time with her husband Austin, their two-year-old son Finn, and their rat terrier Scout. You can often find the Blackwell family at the zoo or out exploring on a Saturday morning!
Sherri Miller
Office and Facilities Manager
Sherri Miller has served as our Office and Facilities Manager for the past five years. Known for her warm spirit, attention to detail, and welcoming presence, Sherri helps keep the daily life of the church running smoothly while making everyone feel at home. Whether assisting visitors, supporting staff, or caring for our church spaces, she brings kindness and hospitality to all she does. Outside of church, Sherri enjoys spending time with her dogs and her soon-to-be spouse.
Louis Franco
Head of Security
Louis Franco "Franco" serves as our Head of Security and has been part of our church community in various roles for the past 10 years. Before joining our team, Franco served for 30 years as a police officer with the Wichita Police Department, bringing decades of experience, care, and dedication to keeping others safe. Born in Italy, Franco enjoys spending time grilling and helping create a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors.
Gary Huffman
Organist
Gary has served as Associate Organist and Organist of First Presbyterian Church since 1988.He started playing the piano at age 4 while taking lessons from his mother.His love of the organ began while in high school. He began his formal training while in college.He has served as Dean and Treasurer of the Wichita Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Calvin
Church Cat
Calvin is the resident Church Cat of FPC and he knows it. This sleek black cat has called our church grounds home for as long as he has seen fit, and he graciously allows the rest of us to share the space with him. Equal parts attitude and Holy Spirit, Calvin moves through the property on his own terms and his own schedule. Though he may not always come when called, there is no doubt that he is exactly where he is supposed to be. We think John Calvin himself would approve.