REV. BRIAN HARROFF
PASTOR
Brian is a second-career pastor who was ordained in 2010. He and his wife Lisa have two daughters and one granddaughter. Brian is from the Central Ohio area and is an alumnus of The Ohio State University. Prior to entering the ministry full-time, he spent 18 years in documentation and training for AT&T – which became Lucent Technologies – which became Alcatel-Lucent. He also spent several years as a wastewater treatment consultant immediately following college.
Brian was raised Presbyterian. He was ordained as a deacon by the church in which he was raised. He was later ordained as a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church in which he raised his daughters. Brian served as a bi-vocational pastor to a small church from 2008 – 2014 (he began his tenure as a student pastor). He entered full-time ministry as a transitional pastor in 2014. Brian worked with two yoked churches in Portsmouth, Ohio. He did transitional work in several churches around Ohio.
Dr. Matthew Russel
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Dr. Matthew N. Russell earned his DMA in conducting from The Ohio State University and the BS and MM (choral/vocal music education and conducting) from The Pennsylvania State University. Currently, Dr. Russell serves as Associate Professor of Music and Music Education & Coordinator of Graduate Music Studies at Norfolk State University and Minister of Music at New Horizons Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, VA. His research interests include generative music learning and teaching, choral repertoire, and conducting pedagogy. Having conducted and taught choirs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia and serving as Music Director-Educator for the Chamber Singers of the Virginia Children’s Chorus program for six years, Dr. Russell is an active festival conductor and adjudicator. His guest conducting includes the 2025 VMEA/VCDA District 4 SATB Chorus, the 2024 VMEA/VCDA District 2 SATB Chorus, the 2024 Norfolk Public Schools All-City Middle School Chorus, the 2023 VEMEA All-Virginia Elementary Chorus, the 2022 PMEA District 4 Festival Chorus, the Alabama State University HS Honors Choir, and the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Choir. Dr. Russell has adjudicated choirs for the Busan International Choral Festival and Competition (South Korea), Festivals of Music, and VMEA/VCDA Districts 2, 4, and 11. Matthew is also active as an organist, pianist, singer, and collaborative artist and served on the Virginia Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association leadership team as newsletter editor and Southeastern Region Coordinator for several years.
Louise GORDON
SECRETARY
Louise comes to us with a rich background in financial management from a plethora of genres! In her second tour with us at Royster, Louise first worked with us from 1993-2001 as bookkeeper, and came back to us in 2019! We are so glad to have her here.
A lifetime Virginian, Louise grew up in Appomattox. She and her husband Herb have a son, John and his wife Jenny, and two grandchildren - twins - Jacob & Lydia! Louise graduated from James Madison University, and is an ordained elder in PCUSA.
In her spare time, Louise plays bridge for fun and frustration. She’ s a member of the American Contract Bridge League, and has attained the rank of Ruby Life Master! Through her bridge adventures, she has met many wonderful folks whom she calls friends!
Louise is happy to be back at Royster (and we’re happy to have her!). She enjoys the work and the people here very much.
JEFF SPIVEY
SEXTON
The incomparable Jeff Spivey has been caring for Royster Presbyterian since 8-8-88. Jeff is the go-to guy for facility access and room set-up. He is the friendly face of the congregation for our guest organizations. Jeff has successfully trained a mating pair of Bald Eagles to perch on the steeple cross. He can often be found photographing and videotaping their comings and goings. If you see Jeff out front of the church, look up toward heaven and you might see an eagle.
JILL KEIFER
CLERK OF SESSION
Jill has been with us at Royster since 1993. Previously, she held a leadership position within the United States Navy Medical Department, serving in their Naval School of Health Services. Jill is deeply involved in life at Royster, and we’re so grateful to have her among us.
When she’s not working, Jill enjoys reading, spending time in her garden, and watching her grandchildren grow!
