Presbytery Council

The role of the Presbytery Council is to provide leadership, guidance, and support for PEVA's life and witness, to care for the body as a whole and for its particular ministries. The Presbytery Council's responsibilities include oversight, coordination, planning, personnel, budget formation and making recommendations to PEVA for priorities, policies, and other matters as needed.


It shall be comprised of nine individuals elected by PEVA. Members shall include the Council Moderator (ordinarily the immediate past PEVA Moderator), Moderator of PEVA, Vice Moderator of PEVA, and six at large members to include both ministers and ruling elders, with at least one member reflecting the African American constituents of PEVA or other racial ethnic groups consistent with the principles of unity and diversity. The General Presbyter and Stated Clerk are ex-officio members without vote.

  • Council Members

    Elder Joyce Melvin-Jones (Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church), Council Moderator

    The Reverend Dr. Christina “Chris” Carrasco, PEVA Moderator

    The Reverend Dr. Garrett B. Bugg, Class of 2027, PEVA Vice-Moderator


    The Reverend Brian Harroff, Class of 2026

    Elder Charity Houghton (Wythe Presbyterian Church), Class of 2028

    The Reverend Dr. Mellissa Sumner Long (General Presbyter), Ex-officio

    The Reverend Martha E. Mitchell, Class of 2026

    The Reverend Emma Ouellette, Class of 2027

    Elder Clyde Parker (Community Presbyterian Church, Portsmouth), Class of 2027

    Elder Dianne Schoonover (Yorkminster Presbyterian Church), Class of 2028

    Elder Q. John Tamm (Stated Clerk), Ex-officio