OUR LEADERSHIP
The staff team at The River Community Church is deeply committed and wholeheartedly devoted to furthering God’s Kingdom. United by our mission—Loving God, Loving People, Impacting the World—each team member brings unique gifts and life stories, faithfully serving to share His love and grace through every ministry, service, and interaction.
We take the call to advance the Gospel seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Joy, laughter, and authenticity are woven into our DNA as a team. Together, we are committed to helping people experience the transformative power of Christ in every season of life.
Lead Pastor
Steve Tiebout is the husband to the most patient woman in the world and father of six awesome kids. He and his wife Melissa moved to Cookeville in 2001 to start The River and love seeing God change people's lives. Steve has a deep passion for church planting and raising up leaders. These days, one of his favorite titles is Papa T—a name proudly given to him by his grandson. When he’s not pastoring, Steve enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, and cheering on his kids in their various adventures.
PASTORS & DIRECTORS
Meet our team! Click on each photo to glimpse the heart behind the role.
TJ OVERSTREET
Executive Pastor
CARISA TURNER
Admin & Communications Director
DEAN McKENZIE
Marriage & Life Group Pastor
HEATHER McAFEE
Missions & Outreach Director
MELONIE WAGNER
Women’s Ministry Director
PAUL STOUDER
Equipping Pastor
ETHAN BOHANNON
Worship Pastor
ETHAN WOODS
Creative Director
ALEX FISHER
Next Gen Pastor
JIM FOX
High School Pastor
NATHAN STRONG
Children’s Pastor
MINISTRY LEADERS & TEAM MEMBERS
CINDY WILSON
Lead Pastor’s Assistant & Prayer Ministry Coordinator
LINWOOD HEIRONIMUS
Reception, 55+ Ministry Coordinator, & Care Ministry Pastor
ERIKA BLAIR
Pre-School Ministry Coordinator
LAURA RICCI
River Kids Programming Assistant
MAKAYLA FISHER
River Kids Childcare Assistant
MISTY MEADOWS
River Kids Ministry Assistant
TRACIE SIMMONS
Hospitality Coordinator
DEVIN MCCRACKEN
Audio Engineer
JAMES PATTON
Facilities Supervisor and Restored Ministries Coordinator
BRYANNA LEMANSKI
Facilities
ELDER TEAM
David Burnett, Travis Giffey, TJ Overstreet, Tony Patoto, & Steve Tiebout
TRCC MINISTRY INTERNS
Mary Grace Dancy - Connections Intern
Ashton Brown - River Worship Intern
Sophie Koester - River Worship Intern
Sam Luke - Creative Intern
CJ Kilgore - Gathering Intern
Lucas Payne - Gathering Intern
Chris Turner - Gathering Intern
Chris Ricci - River Students Intern
Eziah Easter - River Students Intern
Samuel Correll - River Students Intern
Leah Tiebout - River Kids Intern