Staff

A lifelong member of Trinity UCC, David Brown served as our Minister of Welcome & Communication for 5 years before being called as Pastor. He served as Pastor of East Market Street UCC for 3 years, helping that congregation through the process of of selling their building and nesting at another church for 14 months. David and his wife, Janice are involved with Faith Formation, music and many other aspects of church life. They have two adult children, Sarah, who is a member of Trinity, and Andrew, who attends Bowling Green State University.

Cindy Smith Howard

Director of Music

Cindy Smith Howard began subbing at Trinity UCC in November of 2022 and almost immediately agreed to be the interim Director of Music. After being in this warm and welcoming place for a couple of months she felt so at home that she asked to be considered for the permanent position!

Cindy was raised in a UCC church in Youngstown and grew up singing in the choir, playing piano for Sunday School and enjoying playing piano/organ duets with her mom who was organist and sometimes choir director for nearly 60 years.

Receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Youngstown State University Dana School of Music in 1974, Cindy then taught General and Vocal Music in Warren City Schools for 6 years. In 1995 she received a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education from Kent State and she taught in a gifted program in Twinsburg in addition to serving as a coordinator for various Summit County gifted programs via the Summit County ESC for a number of years.

In addition to the public school teaching, Cindy also served as organist for several churches until finally serving as Director of Music Ministries at Trinity Lutheran in Kent for over 30 years. She directed youth, teen, adult and bell choirs in addition to playing the organ, teaching Sunday School and VBS, serving on various committees and directing many youth musicals, concerts and full-length musicals.

Cindy has two grown children and three fabulously fun grandchildren. When not making music she will probably be found reading, working word puzzles, playing in the dirt in her small garden, or working on some kind of craft project.

Delighted to be back making music with and for people, Cindy is continually amazed at the efforts of the Trinity Choir and the dedication the people in this church have for their wonderful organ and for quality music being presented to enhance each worship experience.

Leeanna Swisher

 Office Assistant

Leeanna has been a Trinity member for more than 20 years, drawn to the church by our Carillon bells. She is a Deacon on our Church Council and helps in the kitchen. She lives in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood with her husband and their 3 dogs.

Ed Long

Custodian

Ed grew up in nearby Cuyahoga Falls. He has served our church and congregation for more than 20 years. He keeps our building looking good and running smoothly, and coordinates the many groups who use our facility during the week.

Ed is a Cleveland Indians fan, and likes classic rock-and-roll and a good joke.