Ronni Verboom, was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of a chemistry professor and talented homemaker. She and her husband, Gilles, met at the University of Minnesota, where she majored in French and he was a graduate student in Physical Chemistry. They have shared the adventure of life and faith, living in various states and three countries. They have four adult children and three grandsons. Ronni was called into ministry in her mid-thirties. With the support of her husband and family she graduated from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1987, and was ordained deacon that same year. She was ordained elder in 1989, and Baker Memorial is her fifth church. She loves the local church and is honored to be serving as Senior Pastor at Baker Memorial UMC.
	Bromleigh McCleneghan, Associate Pastor and Director of Christian Education, is a preacher’s kid, and was born and raised in the parsonages and congregations of the Northern Illinois Conference of the UMC.  She graduated from the University Professors Program at Boston University with a degree in “Public Theology and Social Criticism.”  After college, she went directly to graduate school, completing her Master of Divinity and Master of Public Policy degrees at the University of Chicago.  Bromleigh served as a solo pastor in suburban Chicago for three years before her ordination and appointment to Baker Memorial.  In addition to ministry, she loves to write; she serves as an editor for Fidelia’s Sisters and is a regular contributor to the blog of The Christian Century.  She and her husband Josh, a middle school math teacher, have two young daughters, Fiona and Calliope.
	Jim Best, Director of Youth Ministries has over ten years of youth ministry experience, and has served at Baker Memorial for the last three years.  Jim has planned retreats for multiple churches and is very active in discussions and planning with other youth leaders in the area.  Jim earned his Masters in Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in may 2006.  He is currently a certified candidate for ordination as a deacon in the United Methodist Church.
	Jeffrey Hunt directs the Chancel Choir, Chapel Choir and Baker Youth Choir in addition to overseeing the music program of the church.  He received music degrees from both Taylor University and Northwestern University.  Jeff also directs the St. Charles Singers and teaches at Elgin Community College.  He also maintains an active voice studio.  Jeff has 4 children; Mary, Oliver, Ian and Gavin and 2 stepchildren Cloe and Avery.  His wife Cheri has been active in helping with vacation bible school and directs art programs at Living Well Cancer Resource Center.  Jeff's mother Doris, brothers Steve, Greg and David and his sister Jennifer are all members of Baker Memorial United Methodist Church.
	Mark Edwards and his wife, Karin, live in Wheaton. Karin teaches in the music department at Wheaton College. Mark started playing the piano by ear at the age of two, copying his older sister's piano pieces. At the age of almost four, he enrolled as a piano student at Jordan College of Music in his home city, Indianapolis. At about age eight, Mark was given a chance to run his fingers over the mighty Pilcher pipe organ at First Baptist in Indianapolis. The sound captivated him forever. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Eastman School of Music, a Master of Music degree from Indiana University, and completed three years of postgraduate work at Indiana University. Significant positions he has held as church organist over the years have been: Heath Memorial Methodist in Indianapolis, Indiana; First Baptist Church in Bloomington. Indiana: North Shore Congregational Church in Fox Point, Wisconsin (11 years); and First United Methodist Church in LaGrange, Illinois. Mark plays the organ, piano and harpsichord.
	Jan McPeak, Director of Administrative Ministry, was born in Michigan, but spent most of her life in Illinois. She graduated from MacArthur High School in Decatur, Illinois where she was president of the Girls Athletic Association. Jan spent some time at Eastern Illinois University, but graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S. degree in physical education. Later, she received an MBA from Aurora University. Jan taught at Kaneland Middle School. She left education and has worked for Motorola, Pepsi, and W. W. Grainger. She is the most important 'catch’ made by her fisherman husband, Val McPeak. They have two sons, Scott and Andrew. Scott is married to Chris. Andrew is married to Anne. They also have a granddaughter, Allison. Jan and Val have been members of Baker Memorial Church for 29 years. Jan has taught Sunday School for both children and adults. She has served on various committees. Jan is approaches the job as a challenge. She strives to help recruit volunteers to be more engaged in the various aspects of congregational life.

Beth Bales is the newest member of the Baker staff, joining the church in August 2010 to fill the newly created spot of communications specialist. She has been a professional writer for more than 30 years and has been a newspaper copy reporter, copy editor and columnist (including a more than decade-long stint as Geneva community columnist at the Daily Herald); public relations and marketing account executive; marketing coordinator; and freelance writer. She is a Fox Valley native, having grown up in Aurora, and is a graduate of West Aurora High School and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She’s been an active volunteer for Geneva schools and also is involved in community theater (as a parent and volunteer, NOT a performer! she leaves that to her children). Beth lives in Geneva with her husband, Steve Olson, and their three daughters, Emma, 22; Torie, 20; and Anne, 17.