Mike Graham (President) Mike grew up in the church, and has been a member since Confirmation class with Scott McClure many years ago. He is a Principal with the commercial real estate firm Graham & CO. Mike married his college (Sewanee) sweetheart Suzanne, and they have been blessed with two sons Michael Jr (Austin TX) and Matthew (Cherokee Bend), and four loving grandchildren. Mike has served on Foundation Board as Chair of the Grantmaking Committee, and twice as an Elder. He recently served as Chair of the Playground Renovation Task Force, and currently serves on the Now & Forever Committee. He has a passion for community building, and has served on the Board of Habitat for Humanity for the last two decades, and currently is Chairman of the Board. He has no baseball skills, but enjoyed captaining the struggling IPC adult softball team, back in the day. Margaret Brunstad (Vice President) Margaret is very honored to be nominated for this position. Margaret was born in 1950 and grew up in a small Episcopal church in Brewton, Alabama, population 5,146. She attended Sweet Briar College, graduated from the University of Alabama, and received her MBA in 1975 from the Vanderbilt University School of Management, where she met her husband, Jim. Jim was raised in Birmingham, MI as a member of Kirk-in-the-Hills Presbyterian Church. Margaret and Jim have been members of IPC since 1981. They have served as members of the Session, the IPC Foundation and the Foundation Grants Committee. They are both past Presidents of the Foundation.Margaret enjoys serving as a member of the Music and Fine Arts Committee, the committee for the annual Religious Arts Festival, the Guild Flower and Communion Bread committees, Grace Group, and the Henry Edmonds Society Endowment Committee. She recently completed 14 active years as a member of the Board of Kirkwood-by-the-River. Margaret and Jim’s daughters, Betsy and Margaret Wade, were confirmed at IPC, served as acolytes and in the Children’s Choir, and both were married at IPC. Margaret retired in 2010 after 16 years as president of Portraits, Inc. She and Jim now enjoy golf, travel and frequent trips to Nashville and Raleigh to visit their six lively grandchildren and their families! Beth Adams (Elder) I am married to Scott Adams. We have been members of IPC for twenty years, and we have three adult children. I have served as a past Elder and Foundation Chair, Community Services Volunteer, Stair Volunteer, Guild Member, and Chair for Holiday Houses. I have gone on mission trips to Zambia and Rwanda, which were life changing experiences. Currently, I am involved with the PW Ladies Sunday School class, Grace Group Ministries, and serve on the Board of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. My hobbies include golf, yoga, reading and travel. Sissy Austin (Elder) Sissy is a Birmingham, Alabama native. She is a member of IPC since 2020 where she served as Deacon and contributed time to the Food & Hunger Subcommittee under Community Ministries. She also cochaired the IPC Crop Drop for three years. Sissy is an Architect at the company she founded, Austin & Co. She and her husband, David, are the proud parents of three children: Kate, William, & Lucy. In her free time, Sissy enjoys relaxing lake weekends with family & friends, playing mahjong, and spending time outside with her pets. Elizabeth Faught (Elder) Elizabeth is married to John Faught. She joined IPC in 1985 while attending UAB. She and John married at IPC in 1991 and their 3 daughters were baptized and confirmed at IPC. Elizabeth works part time at the Cook Store in Mountain Brook. She has served on the Deacon Board, Worship Committee, Chair of Communion for the Guild, Chair of the Preschool subcommittee, STAIR Volunteer, and co-chair of Holiday House. In her spare time, Elizabeth loves to cook, read, needlepoint and has a bucket list goal to hike all the National Parks.
Scott Grover (Elder) Scott is a Nashville, TN native and has lived in Birmingham since 2001. He joined IPC in 2003, shortly before marrying long-time IPC member Jessica Stetler, with whom he has two sons (both seniors in high school). Scott is an energy lawyer at Balch & Bingham and can regularly be found in the balcony on Sundays. Bobby Middleton (Elder) Bobby has been a member of IPC for 25 years. He is the husband of Beth Middleton, Director of Children’s Ministries, and father to Aubrey (23) and Oliver (18) who were baptized and raised at IPC. It has been a family ministry to IPC over the years, with the entire family helping with Children’s events and service projects. Bobby has served as the Deacon Moderator, on the Worship Committee, Congregational Care, and is now serving on the Housing & Properties committee. Professionally, Bobby is a technology advisor to early-stage companies. Midge Miller (Elder) Midge is a lifelong Presbyterian beginning at South Highland then my family moved to IPC. I was confirmed and also married here at IPC. You can find me most Sundays at the Table service and also at a Grace Group and Women at the Well. I taught Sunday School, served on the pre-school and elementary school subcommittee over the years and more recently lead Grace groups and helped with VBS and other kids events and volunteer opportunities. I am retired after working 26 years with my husband Mark at our veterinary practice in Shelby County. I was married for 34 years until Mark’s death in 2021. We have one daughter Elizabeth Coleman who is married to Trent and they have our one granddaughter Addie and are expecting our grandson in March. Preston Miller (Elder) Preston has been a member of IPC for seven years. He is an Assistant City Attorney with the City of Birmingham and is married to Caitlin, the Executive Managing Editor at Food & Wine magazine. They are the parents of two boys: Teddy (9) and Henry (6); and twin girls: Margaret (2) and Louisa (2). They lived in the Highland Park neighborhood for many years before moving to West Homewood in 2024. He and Caitlin are members of the Bridges Sunday school class. Preston enjoys traveling with his family, movies on film, books and newspapers in print, and music on vinyl. James A. (Jimmy) Waters Jr. (Elder) I was married to Kate Robertson Waters in 1996 at IPC and joined IPC in 2001. I am currently a member of the Focus on Faith committee and the Stewardship Committee and have been a member of the Board of Deacons twice. I participated in Worship Care when my daughter, Virginia, was a toddler and I taught the Young Adults Sunday School class for several years. I have also been lucky enough to participate in several choir trips, because of my wife Kate. I have been in the financial services industry as a Financial Advisor since 1994 and I enjoy hiking with the IPC Hiking Club in the spring and fall as well as playing golf whenever the opportunity presents itself. Anne Pringle (Youth Elder) Anne is an 11th grade student at Mountain Brook High School. She is on the Youth Grant Team and loves coming to youth group. She nannies for a family in Crestline. Anne is excited to be a Youth Elder next year! Mark Adams, Sr. (Deacon) Mark was born in Monroeville, AL and grew up in the Methodist Church there. I remained Methodist until I married my wife, Cass, who explained to me that I REALLY wanted to be Presbyterian. We moved from Georgia to Birmingham with three young children in 1993 and joined IPC a short time later. Our three children grew up in this church. Our son, Mark with his wife, Maeve are members here with their two children. Anne and her husband live in Austin, TX with their daughter. Catherine and her husband and three sons live in Mt. Pleasant, SC. I have worked as an Internal Medicine physician for over 40 years. I continue to work only not very hard at this point! I look forward to a new opportunity to be involved at IPC.
Bo Bledsoe (Deacon) I was raised a Southern Baptist in Camden, Alabama. My wife, Lauren, is the source of most of our good ideas, and having been raised as a good Presbyterian herself, she encouraged us to begin attending IPC in 2023. We joined the church in 2025. We have two children, Warren (3) and Bunny (11 months). We love the thoughtful and engaging congregation at IPC, and I have come to love the structure and liturgy of Presbyterian worship. When I’m not chasing toddlers or practicing law as a commercial litigator at MaynardNexsen, you can typically find me repairing something in our 100-year-old Forest Park home, attempting in vain to become a better golfer, or cooking a dish that begins with a roux. Bobby Cope (Deacon) Bobby grew up a member of IPC and with the exception of three years living in Houston, Texas right out of college... has remained an active member... David Seamon married he and his wife, Avery (Burns) Cope, which was a full circle moment as Bobby's first year of youth group was David's first with the Church. Bobby, his wife, and two daughters, Lucy and Milly, and their pup Rory live in the Crestline neighborhood of Mountain Brook where Bobby graduated from in 2013. He works at Cope Private Wealth with his father who is also a member of IPC. In his spare time, he likes to learn more about his industry, attend Alabama football and basketball games, play golf, and attend the early service at IPC. Sara Catherine Cook (Deacon) Sara Catherine grew up at IPC and served as a youth elder from 2018-2019. She graduated from Dartmouth College in 2023 and returned to Birmingham full time in 2026 after spending time in Delray Beach, FL and Washington D.C. She currently works as an actuarial assistant at Protective Life. In her free time, she enjoys any kind of craft (particularly knitting), long runs, sci-fi movies, reality television, and quality time with friends! Nancy Cooper (Deacon) Nancy is a Birmingham native and now lives in Homewood with her daughter, Carter (3). After working in the museum field for several years, Nancy returned to Birmingham in 2023 and now works at Creative Montessori School as the Director of Advancement. A lifelong member of IPC, she has participated in a variety of ministries at IPC over the years—attending LOGOS and Bibletimes, singing in the Westminster Choir, participating in Youth Group, and serving on mission trips in Mexico, Ukraine, and Zambia. Nancy now enjoys serving as a Level 1 Catechist and supporting Children's Ministries. Zachary Edwards (Deacon) I was raised in Birmingham and have been a lifelong member of IPC. I am married to Lauren and we have 2 daughters Emma and Lolly. I am the Clinic Director at TherapySouth Crestline and have worked there for almost 10 years. I love serving the community I grew up in and look forward to doing the same within the Church I grew up in serving as a Deacon. Wayne Hester (Deacon) Wayne is a lifelong resident of Birmingham & a recent member of IPC, with his wife Elizabeth. They have two children, Summers & his wife Carolyn, & Georgeann & her fiancé Justin, who will be married at IPC in November. Wayne is a graduate of Mountain Brook schools & Auburn University majoring in Architecture & continuing the family firm now in its 72nd year of operation. Since restoring a house in Redmont where they now live, Wayne spends much of his time volunteering on several historical society & architectural review boards exercising his keen interest in historic architecture as well as local history of people & places. As members of IPC, Wayne & Elizabeth have become active members of the IPC hiking group. Laura James (Deacon) Laura James is married to Clarence James and is the proud mom of Chris, a second grader at Mountain Brook Elementary. A retired financial advisor, Laura enjoys staying active and involved in her community. She is a proud member of IPC and is very excited to serve as a Deacon. Laura currently serves on IPC’s Children’s Subcommittee and is a member of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra Women’s Board, Children’s Art Guild, and JWC of 100. At Mountain Brook Elementary, Laura serves as Co-Chair of Community Outreach. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, mahjong, and spending time with her family.
Mary Talbot Kendrick (Deacon) Mary Talbot grew up in Savannah, GA and moved to Birmingham, AL in 2020. She joined IPC in 2022 and was married at IPC in 2025 to her husband, John Kendrick. She is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Samford University. Her husband John works locally as an attorney. Mary Talbot and John live in Crestline with their chocolate lab, Owsley. Polly Peterson (Deacon) My family moved to Trussville in 2017 and joined IPC immediately as was recommended from several of our church members in Jackson MS. My husband Aaron and I have been married 30 years this month and have two daughters Vivian 24 and Murphy 18. I have served as Deacon once before at First Presbyterian, Wilmington NC where both of my girls were baptized. Here at IPC, I have served with Worship Care, VBS, Bible Times and the Parenting Subcommittee. I have also been a member of PW Sunday school and Home for Faith. I currently work at the Day School teaching with the 4k team or wherever I am needed. I am honored to be asked to serve as Deacon and proud to be amongst this incredible church family. John Trawick (Deacon) John Trawick grew up in Montgomery, AL as a member of Memorial Presbyterian Church and has been a member of IPC since 2003 aside from a brief stint living in Knoxville, TN between 2008 and 2013. John is a member of the Friday Morning Bible Study and has thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship with the class members. He is the Chief Commercial Officer for Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, and also has the privilege of serving on the non-profit boards of Glenwood, Inc., The March of Dimes of Alabama, The Exceptional Foundation, and Autism Support of Alabama. John’s son, Philip (25), resides with him and spends his time working at Camp Bow Wow in Bluff Park and attending The Exceptional Foundation in Homewood. His daughter, Willow (22), is a senior at Clark University in Worcester, MA majoring in videogame design. John’s mother, Anna, moved back to Birmingham in 2024 and resides at Kirkwood by the River. John has a BS in Applied Mathematics from Auburn University and an MS in Mathematics from The University of Tennessee. John and Philip are avid Auburn supporters, and Philip has the distinction of serving as a basketball manager with the 202122 SEC Champions while participating in the EAGLES program at Auburn. Holland Walls (Deacon) Holland and his family have thoroughly enjoyed living in Birmingham for over 10 years. Their children Margaret (11) and Greer (7) attended the Day School, and Holland (2) currently attends. On Sundays, the girls look forward to Atrium and filling their blue bags for morning worship, enjoying all the interaction and support amongst staff and friends along the way, including the cookies! His wife, Mary Beth, enjoys attending and volunteering at the church, their children’s elementary school and other civic organizations around town. They met at The University of Georgia, where they both graduated in 2005 and 2006, respectively. They have been a part of the Bridges Sunday School class since its fledgling days. Holland works for Amwins Group leading one of their brokerage divisions, mainly within the reinsurance space. Mary Beth spent years in technology consulting and the underwriting side of the commercial insurance business. He and Mary Beth love traveling, music, cooking and outdoor activities not limited to golf, tennis, and running. Their girls enjoy baking, art and most sports - basketball and soccer are at the top of the list. They also love starting off their summers with Bibletimes Marketplace! The jury is still out on Holland, but he’s looking like a lefty, so baseball may be his initial calling. Giuli Williams (Deacon) Giuli (pronounced Julie) has been attending IPC since 2015 and became an official member in 2025. She and her husband, Jonas, are grateful to call IPC their church home as they raise their two young children, Bella (4½) and Leo (3), within this faith community. Originally from Texas, Giuli graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and currently works as a recruiter for Southern Company. Outside of work, she enjoys running, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends. Most days, however, are happily spent keeping up with her energetic little ones! Giuli is honored to serve in this role and is passionate about the welcoming community IPC provides. She is excited for the opportunity to give back to a church that has meant so much to her family.
Shep Ray (Youth Deacon) I am 16 years old and a junior at Mountain Brook High School. I was baptized at J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church in McComb, Mississippi and my family have been members of IPC since I was 4 years old. I am a member of the Presbytery Youth Council as well as a returning Acolyte. As a new member of Youth Grant Team, I’m excited for that opportunity to lead in new areas of the church. Jennifer Cope (Foundation Board) Jennifer grew up in Mountain Brook as a member of Shades Valley Presbyterian Church, and attended Vanderbilt University. She has been a member of IPC since 1995, when she and her husband, Pat, joined after the birth of their first child. At IPC she has served in several Children’s Ministries positions including Chair of the Children’s Subcommittee, Chair of VBS, and Sunday School teacher. More recently she has been an active Guild member and President, a STAIR tutor and a VBS volunteer. She also enjoys a Grace Group. She and Pat have two sons, Bobby (Avery) and Charlie, two granddaughters, Lucy and Milly, all active at IPC. Chase Couch (Foundation Board Member) and his wife Virginia have been members of IPC since 2021. They have three children ages 4, 7, and 8 who all have either attended or currently attend IPC Day School. Chase grew up in the Presbyterian Church at Trinity Presbyterian (PCUSA) in Pensacola, FL. After graduating from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN with a MS in Accounting, Chase spent 16 years in public accounting in Memphis before moving his family to the Birmingham area in 2021. He currently runs the finance and accounting function of Daniel Realty Company in Birmingham and recently completed a three-year tenure as Deacon at IPC. In addition to spending time with his busy family, Chase enjoys recreational running, biking, hiking and generally anything in the great outdoors. Chip Grizzle (Foundation Board) Chip joined IPC in 1989, a few months after he was married to Martha Lanier, a lifelong member of IPC. Chip and Martha have 3 children, Charlie (Sarah), John (Mary Pat) and Mary Martha and 3 grandchildren, Patti, Jack and Ella. Chip has served on the IPC boards of the Session, Deacons, Stair and Kirkwood. Chip works for Brasfield & Gorrie, which he joined in 1992. Henry Ray (Foundation Board) graduated from The Webb School, the University of Alabama, and Cumberland Law School. He was a member of the US Army for 2 1/2 years serving as OCS and Armor School (1st Lt) and he was assigned to JAG. Henry has been married to Carolyn McDavid for more than 50 years and they have two sons, Henry Barnes Ray, III (Margaret Seiblels) and Webster McDavid Ray. They are also grandparents to two granddaughters, Margaret Leary Ray and Laurie Price Ray. Mr. Ray has previously served at IPC as an active member of the Deacon and Session Boards. Sheri Robinson (Foundation Board) has been a member of IPC since 1992. She is a Wealth Advisor and Principal with Linscomb and Williams. Sheri has served on the Christian education committee, taught Sunday school and currently serves on the finance committee. She has two daughters, Grace (27) and Magdalene (21) that were baptized at and are members of IPC. Sheri served on the YouthServe Birmingham board for 6 years, most recently as treasurer. She is incoming president-elect of the UAB National Alumni Association. Robert Pless (Foundation Board) Robert Pless was born Episcopalian, raised Baptist and has lived his adult life as a Presbyterian. In 1990, he and his wife, Gail, as both an act of free will and the result of predestination, joined IPC. They have three adult children: Robert Jr (35); Cece (33); and Lucy (28). Robert has previously served IPC as Shepherd, Deacon, Elder and President and has participated on several nominating committees and at least one discernment task force. Robert is the SVP of Wealth Management at ServisFirst Bank. He and Gail reside in Forest Park, walking distance (if the weather is pretty) from IPC.
Foster Cook (Representative Nominating Committee) I was recruited by Joe Schreiber, to sing in the IPC choir in 1992. Our family joined the church in 1993. We have two children Erin and Nathan who grew up in the church. Erin is married to Will Stetler who she met at youth group. They reconnected in medical school, married and we have two grandchildren, Ada Grace and Mary Frances. I am retired from UAB where I was on faculty in Psychiatry and was Director of the UAB Substance Abuse and Criminal Justice Programs. I have been active in serving on many committees including the Session, recently as Chair of Finance. I've served on the IPC Foundation and am currently serving on the Foundation’s Development Committee working in the IPC Now and Forever Campaign. Rowena and I are in the IPC hiking group and love to hike with many of our IPC friends. My life has been so enriched being a member of IPC and the friendships we have made and opportunities it has provided me through choir, Stair, Summer Learning at the farm, Grace Group, mission trips etc. These have enriched my life, my faith and love for what we believe and what we do at IPC to serve others both here and around the world. Maegan McRoberts (Representative Nominating Committee) Maegan has been an active member of IPC since 2017, along with her husband, Rich, and their two daughters, Eva (11) and Lily (8). At IPC, she currently serves as a catechist and has previously served on both the Children’s Ministries and Day School subcommittees, in addition to working as IPC’s Director of Catechesis. While not a member during her childhood, she grew up visiting the church regularly with her mother, Beth Grauel, who served as IPC’s accountant for over 30 years. Professionally, Maegan works as a mental health therapist after earning degrees from Birmingham-Southern College and the University of Alabama. Outside of work, she is an active member of the Junior League. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, walking, reading, and keeping up with her children's busy schedules.