PEVA STAFF
Rev. Dr. Melissa (Lissa) Sumner Long
General Presbyter
PEVA Office - 757-397-7063
Lissa's office - 757-966-1940
Lissa began her service with the Presbytery on September 3, 2024, as Transitional General Presbyter. The Presbytery extended a call to her as General Presbyter September 1, 2025, and she has also been elected as an officer of the Presbytery for the duration of her service as General Presbyter.
Lissa provides compassionate pastoral support and visionary leadership to the Presbytery. She sets a tone of care for ministers, educators, chaplains, commissioned pastors, sessions, and PEVA staff, and maintains relationships with congregations throughout the Presbytery. She serves as the primary staff person and resource to the Presbytery Council, Board of Trustees, Commission on Ministry, and other commissions, committees, and ministry teams as needed.
In addition, Lissa oversees the administrative functions of the Presbytery, including financial management, and supports the mission and governance of PEVA.
Lissa works a flexible, full-time schedule, including remote work and after office hours availability.
When it comes to interpreting the Book of Order, John can find the answer. John serves as staff support to the Presbytery Council, Commission on Ministry, Permanent Judicial Commission, and helps coordinate meetings of Presbytery in conjunction with the Presbytery Council (Council) and Worship Planning Team. He maintains the rolls of ministers and certified educators in the Presbytery and keeps records of all proceedings of PEVA. He is an elected official of the Presbytery, his position being required by the Constitution, and is directly responsible for carrying out ecclesiastical functions, i.e., Book of Order responsibilities.
John works a flexible part-time schedule 25 hours per week, including after-hours availability and he may occasionally work remotely.
Raymond Rodrigues
Office Administrator/Journal Clerk
PEVA Office - 757-397-7063
Raymond's office - 757-966-1842
Raymond works with the General Presbyter and Stated Clerk. He can answer your questions about Commission on Ministry, Commission on Preparation for Ministry, Presbytery Council , Congregational Vitality, Nominations and other ministries as needed. Raymond also oversees the daily operation of the PEVA office. He makes sure that everyone throughout our presbytery knows about workshops, concerts and other events to which all are welcome. He provides a variety of clerical support services and computer technical support. He is also the webmaster for the PEVA website. He is a friendly voice that answers the phone at the Presbytery Office.
Raymond works a full-time schedule, he is usually in the office Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. He occasionally works remotely on Wednesday and may work flexible hours when support is needed outside of regular office hours. Raymond has served on the presbytery staff for more than 10 years.
Elder Jessica Fitzgerald
Administrative Assistant/Hunger Action Advocate
PEVA Office - 757-397-7063
Jessica's office - 757-966-1914
Jessica Fitzgerald is a Certified Church Administrator who works closely with the Office Administrator, Business Administrator, Stated Clerk, and General Presbyter. She provides administrative support for Compassion, Peace, and Justice ministries, including the Congo International Partnership Ministries, Hunger Committee, Peacemaking Committee, and Racial Justice Team. Jessica also supports the Board of Trustees and the Business Administrator and assists with other ministries as needed.
Her responsibilities include a wide range of clerical services and computer technical support. Jessica can assist with questions related to mission giving contributions, ecumenical partnerships, project codes, church giving, and other administrative concerns. She is one of the friendly voices answering the phone at the Presbytery Office and helps maintain the PEVA website alongside the Office Administrator.
As Hunger Action Advocate, Jessica works with ministries focused on hunger, peacemaking, racial justice, and hunger-related causes. She provides ongoing support to PEVA staff as needed and serves as a trusted resource to colleagues.
Jessica works a full-time schedule and is typically in the office Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. She occasionally works remotely on Friday and may work flexible hours when support is required outside of regular office hours. Jessica has served on the presbytery staff in various roles for more than 27 years.
Regan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Management and oversees the Presbytery’s accounting and financial operations, including accounts payable, revenue tracking, payroll, tax filings, and budget coordination, as directed by the General Presbyter and the Board of Trustees. She works with the Board of Trustees and the CPA on financial reporting and reviews.
Regan works remotely most of the time, is in the PEVA office usually on Thursday afternoon, and is a valued resource to PEVA churches and treasurers. Regan has served in this role for over 11 years.
