Staff

Meet Our Staff

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Rev. Emily Bagwell

Senior Pastor

Emily Bagwell is a lifelong United Methodist who believes the Church can be a beautiful, bold force for belonging and transformation. She comes to Centenary UMC with deep gratitude and great excitement for the shared ministry ahead.

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    Originally from Georgia, Emily studied at Berry College and earned her Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. She began her ministry in 2013 and was ordained as an elder in the UMC in 2017. She has served churches in the Atlanta area and worked to develop educational tools that help communities grow in justice, compassion, and connection for the past 6 years in her work with Reconciling Ministries Network. 


    Now settling into life in Richmond, Emily is thrilled to explore all the city has to offer—and even more thrilled to plant roots with the Centenary community. She’s energized by the possibilities of this new chapter: worshiping, serving, growing, and dreaming together.


    At the center of her life is her beloved family: her wife Erin, their two little ones, Reed and Ruthie, and two incredible bonus kids, Livi and Oskar, who are charting their own grown-up adventures. Together, they’re always up for cooking something delicious, wandering a new trail, riding their e-bike, and finding joy in the small, sacred moments of everyday life.


    Emily is honored to serve in the Virginia Annual Conference and to join in the faithful, creative work God is doing at Centenary and beyond. She’s ready to get started—and looks forward to connecting with everyone soon!


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Carina Brackin

Director of Music

Carina Brackin earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts studying with Dr. Timothy Olsen. She spent the following year studying organ at the University of Notre Dame with Dr. Craig Cramer and working at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. 

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    In addition to playing numerous solo concerts including recitals at the Spoleto Festival, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, and Bruton Parish Church, Carina competed in the Quimby/AGO Competition for Young Artists, placing second in the Mid-Atlantic regional competition in 2017. She served as organ scholar for the Royal School of Church Music Carolina Course at Duke University in 2017, the Organist for Main Street United Methodist Church in Kernersville, NC, and Organ Scholar for Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, VA. 


    While she was growing up, Carina stayed heavily involved in church choirs and played both fife and harpsichord for Colonial Williamsburg. She became an avid hand bell ringer at an early age and has previously directed thriving handbell program of 54 ringers. In addition to handbells, she has directed a Spanish language choir.  


    Carina, her husband T.J. and daughter Norah are happy to be part of the Centenary community. 

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Lee Covington

Pianist

Lee Covington is a VCU grad, where he studied piano with Landon Bilyeu and composition with Doug Richards. In addition to his duties at Centenary, he works as an accompanist / music teacher at St. Christopher's School, and is a member of the Butterbean Jazz Quartet, a Richmond staple since the early 1990s. Mr. Covington has been a working musician in the Richmond area for over 30 years.

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Laura Nealley

Administrative Assistant

Laura Nealley is our Administrative Assistant. She runs the office and manages the church calendar, newsletter, and many other important things! She has 10+ years of experience in church offices and enjoys the wonderful community at Centenary. She has one husband, two grown children, and one special needs cat. 

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Al Richardson

Facilities Manager

Al Richardson is the Facilities Manager at Centenary. He makes sure that Centenary’s members, volunteers, and visitors feel welcome and have a clean and safe environment for our church activities. Al enjoys football, listening to gospel and jazz music, attending Masonic Lodge meetings, and spending time with his family. He is proud of his grandson, who plays professional football, is a 2025 Super Bowl champion, and now plays for the Los Angeles Chargers. Al is from Richmond, and his favorite thing about Centenary is the way you always feel welcomed with open arms. He likes being able to make people happy and uplifting his homeless friends. 

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Melissa Martinez

Sunday School & Nursery

Melissa Martinez has been a Nursery Worker and Sunday School teacher at Centenary since 2010. In her role she educates the children about God and helps them grow in their faith. Her favorite thing about Centenary is the history and the way it feels like a family. She was born in Brooklyn, NY, grew up in Henrico County and attended the Center for the Arts High School for dance. She continues to dance today and also enjoys working with kids in the community through the YMCA. 

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Danielle Watson

Soprano Section Leader

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Lauren Leinhaas-Cook

Alto Section Leader

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Todd Minnich

Tenor Section Leader

James Matens

Bass Section Leader