Deanna had the privilege of growing up at First Baptist Dallas and graduated from Baylor University with a major in Math Education. She is passionate to use her education background by encouraging children to know, love and serve Jesus. Deanna and her husband, Forrest, have one daughter.
Executive Team
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Dr. Robert Jeffress
Senior Pastor
Dr. Robert Jeffress is Senior Pastor of the 16,000-member First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas and a Fox News Contributor. He is also an adjunct professor at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Dr. Jeffress has made more than 4,000 guest appearances on various radio and television programs and regularly appears on major mainstream media outlets such as Fox News Channel’s “Fox and Friends,” “Hannity,” “Fox News @ Night,” “Varney & Co.,” and HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher.”
Dr. Jeffress is Bible teacher and host of a daily radio program, PATHWAY TO VICTORY, heard nationwide on over 1,000 stations in major markets such as Dallas-Fort Worth, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Seattle.
Dr. Jeffress hosts a daily television program, PATHWAY TO VICTORY, that can be seen Monday through Friday on the Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN) and every Saturday and Sunday on TBN as well as daily on the Hillsong Channel and Sundays on Daystar. PATHWAY TO VICTORY is the highest-rated ministry program on TBN. Dr. Jeffress’ television broadcast reaches 195 countries and is on 11,295 cable and satellite systems throughout the world.
Dr. Jeffress is the author of 30 books including NOT ALL ROADS LEAD TO HEAVEN; A PLACE CALLED HEAVEN: 10 Surprising Truths About Your Eternal Home; COURAGEOUS: 10 Strategies for Thriving in a Hostile World; INVINCIBLE: Conquering the Mountains That Separate You From the Blessed Life; and his newest book released October 2022, 18 MINUTES WITH JESUS: Straight Talk From the Savior About the Things That Matter Most.
Dr. Jeffress led the congregation in the completion of a $135 million re-creation of its downtown campus. The project is the largest in modern church history and serves as a “spiritual oasis” covering six blocks of downtown Dallas.
Dr. Jeffress graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a D.Min., a Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a B.S. degree from Baylor University. In May 2010, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree from Dallas Baptist University. In June 2011, Dr. Jeffress received the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Dr. Jeffress and his wife Amy have two daughters and three grandchildren.
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Ben Lovvorn
Executive Pastor
Ben serves by leading and overseeing the ministries and operations of First Baptist Dallas as the Executive Pastor. He has served in full-time ministry for more than a decade and is passionate about building the church of Jesus Christ and equipping the saints for the work of ministry. Ben earned a Juris Doctorate from Baylor University and a B.B.A. from Hardin-Simmons University. He and his wife, Parris, have four boys and one girl.
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Ryland Whitehorn
Executive Pastor of Ministries
Ryland believes the church should be the center of our community, operating as a New Testament church to serve as “home” for thousands of people. Ryland and his wife, Renea, have two married daughters, Shea and Kelsi, and four grandchildren.
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Dr. Tyler Brinson
Minister of Music & Worship
Dr. Brinson is a Dove Award-winning worship leader who is passionate about leading and inspiring people to worship God in spirit and truth. Tyler believes corporate worship should be a rehearsal for heaven—all voices and generations praising and worshiping Jesus together. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Business from Lee University, his Master of Music from Baylor University, and his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Church Music from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Tyler and his wife, Diana, have been married since 2015. They are proud parents of their daughter, Savannah, and son, Parker.
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Guy Shafer
Associate Executive Pastor
Guy Shafer is an integrator for our ministries and operations, helping the church accomplish its mission strategically and effectively. He is also the champion and leader of the Stewardship Ministry at First Dallas. Guy has served in full-time ministry for more than 40 years. Married in 1985, he and Mary have two children and seven grandchildren, all living in the DFW area.
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Nate Curtis
Executive Director of Communications and Broadcast
Nate is a natural fit to lead our broadcast and communications ministries because he believes media is a powerful, efficient way to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the entire world. When he’s not spending time with his wife, Lindsey, he’s likely on the golf course or pursuing his other hobby, photography.
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Jill Sullivan
Executive Director of Administration and Operations
Jill considers it a gift to use her experience in accounting and business administration to serve the Lord and support the ministry of First Dallas. Each day it is an honor to lead the operations team to steward well what the Lord has entrusted to First Dallas. She is blessed with an amazing husband, John.
She looks to 1 Peter 4:10-11 as a daily reminder of her calling to serve. “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God… whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
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Alan Lynch
Minister of Pastoral Care & Counseling
Alan has served full-time on the staff of First Baptist Church of Dallas since May of 1987. He has a passion for ministering to and assisting the body of Christ in experiencing God’s fullest blessings. He is passionate about the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, and he is passionate about his family. Alan and his wife, Janna, have three adult married children and six grandchildren.
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Sherryn Cates
Director of Finance and Accounting
Sherryn serves with infectious enthusiasm, implementing and maintaining best business practices as part of First Dallas’s commitment to excellent stewardship. Sherryn and her husband, Ross, have a son, daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren.
Life Stage
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Sean Beach
Associate Minister of Education
Sean has a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is currently writing his dissertation for a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Liberty University. Sean and his wife, Katie, have been married for nine years and they have three girls, Caroline (7), Madison (5), and Emily (2).
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Shelly Taylor
Director of Preschool & Children
Shelly received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Christian Education. She is passionate about serving in preschool and children’s ministry as these are the years when boys and girls are introduced to Jesus Christ for the very first time. She is married to her husband, Tye, and has three children and four grandchildren.
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Ashley Gross
Director of Preteens
Ashley is passionate about seeing children come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Her favorite part of children and preteen ministry is when boys and girls discover God is the one true God! She graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Studies and a Master’s Degree in Children’s Ministry. She and her husband, Kris, are proud parents of their daughter, Avery, and two dogs, Murphy and Asher.
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Noelle Donaldson
Curriculum Coordinator
An avid traveler (particularly by ship!), Noelle is passionate about Home Education and desires for each child to progress at their own pace. Noelle and her husband, Gordon, have three children.
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Ryan Sadler
Minister to Students
Placing emphasis on making sure teenagers are spiritually equipped for college, Ryan fosters an environment where teenagers want to bring their friends and feel safe sharing their doubts and questions. Ryan is married to his junior-high sweetheart, Julia, and they love and adore their three children
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Thad Taylor
Associate Minister to High School Students
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Davin Hutchinson
Associate Student Minister of Worship
Davin is passionate about leading students in responding to God’s grace. He is married to Brooke who is originally from the Bahamas and together they have twin boys.
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Daira Traynor
Girl’s Ministry Associate
Daira Avery Traynor, well known for her abundant joy, is the Girl’s Minister at First Baptist Dallas. She is passionate about helping the next generation of seventh through twelfth-grade girls discover their true identity in Christ. Daira graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, receiving a degree in Commercial Music. Daira is a proud Texan who resides with her amazingly funny husband, Sean Traynor, and their dog, Boots.
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Jay Sedwick
College & Career Minister
Jay is a fourth-generation church member at First Baptist Dallas. He and his family have attended the church for over 100 years. Jay graduated from Baylor University, where he played football and positively influenced those around him. Jay actively prayed for and shared his faith with members of the team and the coaching staff. He is married to Hannah Sedwick, who works at the church in the Communications Department. Jay is currently pursuing his ThM degree at Dallas Theological Seminary.
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Julia Jeffress Sadler
Director of Next Generation Ministries
Julia is passionate about reaching Generation Z and Millennials for Christ! After over a decade in student ministry and many years as a professional counselor, Julia now develops content and special ministries to impact teens, college-age, singles, and young moms. Julia is also the director of our community outreach groups and the author of the new book, Pray Big Things. She is married to her junior-high sweetheart, Ryan, and is the mother of miracle triplets!
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Kevin Batista
Minister to Single Adults & Missions
Kevin’s parents were church planters overseas, and from an early age, he saw the life-changing impact that the Church has worldwide. He believes that the Church can help people discover and use their unique gifts to impact eternity. Outside of work, Kevin loves hanging out with family & friends at the movies, games, or concerts. He is also a frustrated guitar player. He and his wife, Kim, have three great kids.
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Barry Ford
Minister to Young Married Adults
Barry is passionate about helping couples in all seasons of life have extraordinary marriages, healthy families, and Christ-like homes. Barry and his wife, Ellen, are the proud parents of twins.
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Jeff Adams
Minister to Median Adults
Jeff loves the Sunday School environment at First Baptist Dallas because it is through Sunday School that a big church becomes small and people find community. Jeff and Sheri have adult children. In their spare time, Jeff and Sheri enjoy walking our dogs and cooking dinner for friends in our home.
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Jim Haines
Minister to Senior Adults
Jim is passionate about working with adults 60 and older because they are the best! He is encouraged by their energy and hearts for the Lord and reaching others for Christ. When Jim isn’t working, he enjoys being with his family—preferably at the beach! He also enjoys musical theater, the symphony, golf, and the gun range. Jim is married to his wife, Nan, and they have four adult children, a son-in-law, and a daughter-in-law.
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Pam Brewer
Director of Women’s Ministry
Pam is passionate about representing the women of the church and equipping them for ministry to one another, encouraging them in their own discipleship to expand for the kingdom of God. She and her husband, David, have two children, Ben and Natalie, and four grandsons.
Music
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Dr. Tyler Brinson
Minister of Music & Worship
Dr. Brinson is a Dove Award-winning worship leader who is passionate about leading and inspiring people to worship God in spirit and truth. Tyler believes corporate worship should be a rehearsal for heaven—all voices and generations praising and worshiping Jesus together. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Business from Lee University, his Master of Music from Baylor University, and his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Church Music from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Tyler and his wife, Diana, have been married since 2015. They are proud parents of their daughter, Savannah, and son, Parker.
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Jarrod Blackstock
Associate Minister of Worship
Jarrod enjoys using his musical talents and training to serve the Lord and has been married to his wife Donna since 2006. They are the parents of one son.
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Joe Hardin
Associate Minister of Instrumental Music
With a background in college teaching and Music Ministry, Joe is very passionate about how instrumental ensembles draw God’s people together in corporate worship and therefore recognizes the opportunity for instrumentalists to use their gifts to glorify God and edify the church. Joe and his wife, Paige, have three sons.
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Kathy Gilliland
Director of Kids Worship Arts
Kathy is passionate about using her gifts as an experienced music educator and her love for worship to instill in our children a desire to know God and hide His Word in their hearts through song. Kathy and her husband, Chris, both grew up at First Dallas and are honored to serve the generations to come. Kathy and Chris have one daughter, Madilynn.
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Lindsey Perkin
Preschool Music Associate
Lindsey Perkin had the privilege of growing up at First Baptist Dallas and then attended Hardin-Simmons University to major in Music Education. Lindsey uses her education background to lead preschoolers in age-appropriate songs and activities to teach them about Jesus and show them what it means to worship. Lindsey and her husband Heath, have two sons, Jack and Luke.
Care & Support
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Alan Lynch
Minister of Pastoral Care & Counseling
Alan has served full-time on the staff of First Baptist Church of Dallas since May of 1987. He has a passion for ministering to and assisting the body of Christ in experiencing God’s fullest blessings. He is passionate about the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, and he is passionate about his family. Alan and his wife, Janna, have three adult married children and six grandchildren.
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Pamela R. Greene
Pathways Counseling Center Director
Pamela R. Greene is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with over 20 years of experience in counseling individuals, couples, and children. Her expertise is abuse issues, depression and anxiety, premarital/marital, and play therapy. Pam also oversees DivorceCare, GriefShare, and several other support groups as the Director of Pathways Counseling Center. Her professional associations include the American Association of Christian Counselors, Christian Counselors of Texas, and the local chapter of C. A. P. S.
Pam and her late husband have three grown children who all serve in helping professions. She enjoys healthy cooking, speed walking, and traveling.
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Anna Schaefer
Prison Ministry Coordinator
Anna is passionate about prison ministry and life recovery because one can visibly see God working and changing lives. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Amberton University and is certified through Light University as a Mental Health Coach with a specialization in Life Recovery. She has three children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
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John Cullen
Pastoral Care Associate
John ministers to those who are hurting, either through illness or loss. He is passionate about helping men, women, and couples work through life’s issues, and ultimately leading the lost to Christ. John and his wife, Debe, have one son, Jake.
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Cheryl Calvin
Homebound/Care ministry
Coming from a large, multigenerational family, Cheryl has a heart for ministering to the elderly, the homebound, the hurting, and those dealing with financial difficulties. She enjoys gardening and playing guitar.
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Jephte Fanor
Pastoral Care Associate
In addition to all the Pastoral Care duties, Jephte is passionate about strengthening marriages through our Marriage Mentoring program and supporting those who need to follow the Lord in believer’s baptism. Jephte and his wife, Marie, have two daughters.
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Blake Lander
Pastoral Care Associate
Blake serves within the Pastoral Ministries Department serving the needs of the people of First Dallas, walking with them during times of triumph and trials. Blake is married to Shelley and they have two sons who keep them busy with sports, life, and having fun together.
Special Ministries
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Dr. Humberto Gonzalez
Minister en Español
El Dr. Humberto González tiene una pasión por conectar con la gente y ver cómo Dios transformar sus vidas. Él estará desarrollando el ministerio que ayudará nuestra iglesia First Dallas para alcanzar a la primera, segunda y tercera generación de hispanos a nivel local y global. Él cuenta con títulos en Ingeniería Civil de la Universidad Panamericana en México, una Maestría en Divinidades de Moody Theological Seminary en Chicago, y un Doctorado en Ministerio de Dallas Theological Seminary. Está casado con Sarah, una violonchelista que se graduó en Wheaton College. El Dr. González y Sarah tienen cinco hijos. Además de enseñar, le gusta la música, viajar, practicar deportes, la lectura y escritura.
Dr. Humberto Gonzalez has a passion for connecting with people and seeing God transform their lives. He is developing the ministry that will help First Dallas reach the first, second, and third generations of Hispanics locally and globally. He has degrees in Civil Engineering from Universidad Panamericana in Mexico, a Master of Divinity from Moody Theological Seminary in Chicago, and a Doctorate in Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is married to Sarah, a cellist who graduated from Wheaton College. Dr. Gonzalez and Sarah have five children. Besides teaching, he likes music, traveling, sports, reading, and writing.
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Ron Cresswell
Associate Executive Pastor, Special Projects
After serving in the Tennessee Air National Guard and working for a telephone company in Chattanooga, Ron Cresswell joined the First Baptist Church Staff in 1985 as the Church Electrician. 20 years later, in 2005, he became the Minister of Facility Management, and in 2023, he became Associate Executive Pastor, Special Projects. In his spare time, he has completed two degrees from Criswell College, B.A.B.S. and M.A. in Ministry, and he is passionate about evangelism and outreach. He and his late wife, Pam, have two sons and six granddaughters.
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Andrew Bobo
Associate Executive Pastor, Practical Theology
Andrew became a member at First Baptist Dallas in 2012 and has been on staff full-time since 2020. He serves as teacher of the Credo Sunday School class. Andrew has received a Master of Theology in historical theology from Dallas Theological Seminary and Master of Public Service Administration from the Bush School of Government at Texas A&M University. He is currently working toward a PhD in political philosophy in the Institute of Philosophic Studies program at the University of Dallas. Andrew and his wife Ana have four children.
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Brent McFadden
Recreation Minister
Brent’s life calling involves helping others athletically and spiritually, so he loves using sports as a vehicle to reach people for Christ. Brent and his wife, Bethany, have been married since 2015 and are the proud parents of three little girls.
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Kevin Batista
Minister to Single Adults & Missions
Kevin’s parents were church planters overseas, and from an early age, he saw the life-changing impact that the Church has worldwide. He believes that the Church can help people discover and use their unique gifts to impact eternity. Outside of work, Kevin loves hanging out with family & friends at the movies, games, or concerts. He is also a frustrated guitar player. He and his wife, Kim, have three great kids.
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Ashton Luff
Lead Pastor of Silent Friends Chapel
Ashton Luff finds his greatest joy in seeing lives transformed by the power of the gospel. Following God’s calling after his salvation, Ashton now serves as the Lead Pastor of Silent Friends Chapel. Ashton and his wife, Megan, have been married for 16 years and have two daughters, ages 9 and 7. In June 2022, they welcomed an 18-year-old Deaf exchange student from Ukraine, who has become like their third daughter.
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John Bernard
Minister of Outreach and Connections
Motivated to help others plug into First Dallas, John connects visitors and new members to Sunday School, membership, and ministry. When he’s not spending time with his wife, Cheryl, their three daughters, or six grandchildren, John is likely officiating a local sports event or relaxing on a beach somewhere.
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Michael Clarke
Director of Pathway to Victory
Michael Clarke serves as the Director of Pathway to Victory. With a business acumen and a passion for ministry, Michael has held executive leadership roles in major international faith-based media organizations for over 25 years. He authored the best-selling Canada: Portraits of Faith and has owned and operated restaurants with McDonald’s and Dairy Queen.
Born in Canada, he has lived in Texas since 2000 where he and wife, Cindy, enjoy a very close relationship with their two adult children, their spouses, and their six grandchildren. Michael’s life verse is Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
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Abigail Miller
Director of Communications
Abigail is a graduate of Baylor University. She loves serving the Lord’s Kingdom every day through her work at First Dallas leading the Communications Team. She enjoys traveling the world, spending time with her family and friends, reading, and being in the outdoors.
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Emmanuel Pandula
Director of Online Ministry
Emmanuel Pandula, also known as Manny, is a passionate individual who has dedicated his life to serving others. He holds a Master’s in Computer Application and spent several years working in the IT sector before being called by God for full-time ministry. Manny followed his calling and made the decision to leave his successful career to pursue theological education in the United States.
Manny graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master’s in Divinity and a Master’s in Theology. His vision is to plant churches and support pastors’ children in India. His dedication to spreading the word of God and helping others is unwavering.
Aside from his work in ministry, Manny has a love for music, technology, traveling, and spending time with his family. Manny’s mother and siblings currently reside in India. His diverse interests reflect his well-rounded personality and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Manny’s passion for serving others and his deep-rooted faith make him a valuable member of any community he becomes a part of.
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Steve Reed
Minister of Worship Production
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Tracy Tuttle
Director of Facilities Management
Tracy Tuttle is a native to the Dallas area. He obtained his MBA, worked in commercial construction, and owned a couple of businesses before God led him to work in full-time ministry. In 2011 he joined First Baptist Dallas to assist with managing the new campus construction. After the project was complete, he felt called to work in missions at another church, helping build their mission program then he transitioned into leading in their facilities area. Little did he know during those years away God was preparing him to come back to First Dallas. Tracy has been married to Kathryn for 22 years, they have two amazing children.
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Debe Cullen
Wedding Coordinator
In addition to organizing the details of First Dallas’s most beautiful weddings, Debe enjoys helping couples prepare for marriage beyond their special day. Debe and her husband, John, have one son.
