Paula Hancock
Executive Director, McKinley Foundation
paula@mckinleycu.org
217-344-0297 x 103
Paula joined the McKinley staff in 2016 with nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit management. Originally from Tuscola, Paula comes to Champaign by way of Chicago where she lived for 24 years. Paula graduated from the University of Illinois with a BA in English Literature and later earned a master of education degree from Loyola University of Chicago. She loves to travel, having summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2012, and is the proud mother of Millie, the cutest miniature dachshund ever!
Rev. Laura Sherwood
Interim Pastor, McKinley Church
pastorlaura@mckinleycu.org
217-344-0297 x 105
Rev. Laura Sherwood has served as an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) since 2000, with a Master of Divinity of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary. As a transitional pastor, Laura has walked with congregations through seasons of change in rural, small town, urban, and campus settings across Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Since 2013 she has served on the faculty of PC(USA) for interim/transitional ministry education.
Laura joined McKinley Memorial Presbyterian Church in May 2026 as Interim Pastor on a 15-month contract. In addition to being pastor to the Church community, she will aid the congregation in its search for a new permanent pastor. Her ministry is grounded in deep listening—to a congregation’s history, context, and the Spirit’s leading—and she brings a collaborative, hope-filled approach as McKinley discerns its next chapter.
Laura was born in Portland, Oregon, and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she studied political science in college. Her studies led to an academic exchange in Ukraine, where she met her partner, Constantine (“Kostia”). In addition to traveling and meeting new people, Laura loves dark roast coffee, a good star-filled sky, reading forensic murder mysteries, and is learning the joys of birdwatching.
Dr. Alonza Lawrence
Music Director, McKinley Church
alonza@mckinleychurch.org
217-344-0297
Alonza joined the McKinley staff in 2022. He is an Assistant Professor of Voice in the University of Illinois School of Music. Alonza has extensive experience as a vocal performer and director of wide ranging choral music genres. At the University of Illinois his teaching includes emphasis in classical voice, musical theater, opera, gospel, Afrocentric voice, and piano performance. A focus of Dr. Lawrence’s academic work is bringing the tradition of gospel music, with its impact on American history and culture, into the mainstream of music education and awareness. Alonza plans music for McKinley church services and directs the McKinley church choir.
Marc McConney
General Manager, Presby Hall
marc@presbyhall.com
217-344-0102
Marc obtained his PhD in educational psychology at the University of Illinois. He is also a graduate of the University of Chicago, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences. Marc has been the general manager of Presby Hall since it opened in 2008. In addition, he is an Adjunct Professor at the City College of Chicago and The Chicago School for Professional Psychology. He also teaches classes at Parkland College in Champaign, and, on occasion, for the University of Illinois. He is an avid chess player.
Sara McHenry
Director of Faith Formation & Christian Life, McKinley Church
sara@mckinleycu.org
217-344-0297 x 108
Sara joined the church staff in July of 2019 as the Director of Christian Education. She has a BA in Spanish from Saint Louis University and a Masters in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Illinois. Originally from Urbana, Sara grew up at McKinley Church and is now happy to be raising her two children at McKinley with her husband Kenton. In her spare time she loves to travel, spend time outdoors, and read.
Emily McKown
Director of Campus Ministry, McKinley Foundation
emily@mckinleycu.org
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Emily joined McKinley in 2025 with ten-plus years of experience working with youth and young adults. Her spirit is fueled by the creative energy of young folks. As a lifelong musician, Emily thrives on collaboration and on a ‘yes-and’ approach to creating community. She whole-heartedly believes that theology matters; the ways in which we see God and the world around us shape our experience and behavior, and we shape the world right back. Emily’s theology hinges on love; she feels a sacred calling to justice work in the world and aims to live out the words from Dr. Cornell West: “Justice is what love looks like in public.”
Emily is (remotely) pursuing her Master of Divinity in Interreligious Chaplaincy, alongside a Master of Arts in Arts and Theology, at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in Minneapolis and expects to complete both programs in May 2026.
Jennifer Wetzel
Business Manager, McKinley Foundation
jennifer@mckinleycu.org
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Jennifer joined the Foundation staff in October of 2016. Originally from Philo (the “Center of the Universe”), Jennifer currently lives in St. Joseph with her husband and three children. A domestic engineer for 10 years, Jennifer has moved on to bookkeeping and office management. For fun, she likes reading all sorts of literature. And when the weather cooperates, she enjoys being outside.
Andrew Woodruff
Organist, McKinley Church
Andrew has been the McKinley Church’s organist since 2022. He holds degrees in both organ performance and organ technology. Andrew is employed by Buzard Organ Builders of Urbana, creators of pipe organs found in churches and concert halls across the country. His work includes building organs and servicing instruments on site as well as rebuilding and restoration projects. Andrew plays McKinley Church’s pipe organ for Sunday services.