Our Staff

Rev. Brian Ellison, standing at a pulpit delivering a sermon. There are yellow flowers in the foreground.

Rev. Brian Ellison

Executive Director

Brian Ellison has served since 2012 as Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, leading its mission of strengthening the Church through equipping and engagement, advocating and educating for the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the Church’s life and leadership.

Brian also serves as stated clerk of the Synod of Mid-America. He has served previously as pastor of Parkville Presbyterian Church (near Kansas City, Missouri) and as stated clerk of Heartland Presbytery. He has previously served the national Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in numerous roles, including as moderator of the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission, the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment and the Stated Clerk Review/Nomination Committee. His writing on matters of faith and theology has appeared in numerous church and independent publications. A graduate of Harvard University and Princeton Theological Seminary, Brian also is host/contributor at NPR affiliate KCUR-FM. He and his partner, Troy Lillebo, live in Kansas City with their two dogs, the recalcitrant Willoughby and the dopey Sage.

Brian is available for working with congregations, councils and groups of interested Presbyterians about inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people, fostering and navigating difficult conversations, organizing and advocating for transformation, and on the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and its mission. Contact him at brian@covnetpres.org.

Carla Rowlett, smiling with long hair wearing a blue shirt.

Carla Rowlett

Office Coordinator

Carla Rowlett joined the Covenant Network of Presbyterians as Office Coordinator in June 2014. She is a graduate of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union Presbyterian Seminary) in Richmond, Virginia, and a longtime youth director and Christian educator in Presbyterian churches. She handles office operations, event management, donations and bookkeeping and many other needs, and will often be the voice on the line when you call. She and her husband, Delvin, live in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Amy Cerniglia

Communications Coordinator

Amy Cerniglia is a PC(USA) Candidate for ministry with a Master of Music in Organ Performance from Mississippi College and Master of Divinity from The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. In 2025, Amy co-directed the Worship and Music Conference for the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. In addition to supporting Covenant Conversations, publishing resources and coordinating communications for the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, Amy serves at FPC Iowa City. Amy’s inclusive hymns and liturgy appear in publications such as Call to Worship and The Hymn Society's Songs for the Holy Other.