Our Team

Rev. Dr. Andrew Kukla
Lead Pastor

Andrew is the Head of Staff at FPC Boise. He has the privilege of working with a great team and walking alongside our special community in downtown Boise. He affectionately thinks of us as "a quirky family who has a lot of fun taking their faith seriously." Andrew is active in supporting Mission and Adult Education at FPC Boise. He is the primary preacher here and gets to deal with all the institutional stuff that no-one particularly loves. His greatest joy in church life is watching connections within the community grow and flourish. It's exciting for him to see people recognize what a vital and important part of our lives a community of faith can become.

Christine Caven
Director of Family Ministries

Christine began as our Director of Family Ministry to continue to build a strong program for our children, youth, and families. She moved here from Connecticut in August of 2024, but she is a native of the Treasure Valley. Her interest in ministry started young, as she completed a Bachelor of Music in Music Ministry and a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry prior to her Master of Divinity at Yale. Christine is dedicated to fostering an environment of open conversation, creative faith practice, and celebration.

JoAnn Thiry
Visitation Minister

JoAnn rejoined the pastoral staff at First Presbyterian Church in March, 2022, as very part time visitation pastor, assisting with pastoral care. She visits members and friends of the congregation for a variety of reasons, including hospital visits and, reconnecting with those unable to come to church. In addition, she co-leads worship with Andrew on communion Sundays and preaches quarterly or as needed. She also serves full time as a hospice chaplain for Idaho Hospice of Treasure Valley. JoAnn enjoys the balance of being engaged with the congregation and her hospice work.

Ryan Dye
Minister of Music

As one who is passionate about church music, Ryan is excited to be a part of a thriving faith community in downtown Boise.  Prior to joining the FPC Boise team in 2018, Ryan enjoyed three years as organist and later Canon for Music just down the street at St. Michael's Episcopal Cathedral.  From 2000-2013, Ryan served as Minister of Music for the historic All Pilgrims Christian Church in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle.  During this time in Seattle, Ryan also served a term as Dean of the Seattle Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.  He holds degrees in Religion and Business Administration from Walla Walla University in addition to a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Organ Performance from the University of Washington.  Ryan enjoys teaching, skiing, and exploring the beauty of Idaho with his wife Heather, a professional singer and music teacher, and their children Palmer, Magnolia, Phoebe and Nicholas.

Kathy Bilderback
Business Administrator

Kathy has served the church since 2007 when she began as bookkeeper. Her position expanded in 2023 to include business management in collaboration with staff and operation’s committee. She finds it a privilege to nurture relationships at FPC. Outside of her work here, Kathy recently retired as an ordained Mennonite minister/ She finds great joy in sharing married life with her husband Scott while walking alongside their two young adult sons. Kathy loves to cook and bake. In the moments she has to herself, she often takes a bike ride on the beautiful roads of Idaho.

Adam Haines
Facilities Manager

Adam began as facilities manager in June 2024 and provides oversight and management for the building and grounds. The job entails working with vendors and suppliers for repairs and maintenance as well as supporting staffing requirements for outside events. When not at work, he can be found spending time with his son and enjoying the great Idaho outdoors.

Cindy Clegg
Office Assistant

Cindy joined our office team in March 2022. She serves as the point of contact for the office and assists with editing/printing of documents and other office tasks, including scheduling and coordinating all outside events for our Fine Arts Program. Cindy is an Idaho native. She moved to Boise from the south east portion of the state over 30 years ago. When she isn't hiking in the foothills with her dog she enjoys gardening, art and reading.

Lily Dixon
Janitor / Event Host

Lily joined our team in late July 2024 as our part time janitor and event host working afternoons, evenings and weekends. She keeps our building clean and assists with room set up and break down for meetings and events. Outside of work, Lily is a full time student at Boise State University studying marketing media and interior design. In her free time, she finds enrichment through a blend of creativity and adventure, such as taking in the serenity of a mountain view or diving into the lively pulse of downtown Boise with friends and family.