Rev. Steve Murray, Senior Pastor
Steve was born in Wales, started school in Liverpool but has lived most of his life in the United States. The oldest of five children, Steve’s dad was an Irish Catholic and his mom an English protestant. Steve became a Christian in high school through the ministry of Young Life. Meeting Jesus and marrying Janet are the two most significant turning points in his life!
Steve received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from San Jose State University with a minor in Linguistics and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. He served as an Adjunct Professor at Fuller from 1989-1996. From 1981 to 1995, Steve served as Associate Pastor of Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, California. He then served as Senior Pastor of La Jolla Presbyterian Church in La Jolla, California from 1995 to 2005. Since 2005 Steve has never had more fun being a pastor!
His greatest honor: Being married to Janet, being a father to Lauren (22) and Megan (18), and being a pastor.
(858) 558-9020 x204
steve@ljcommunitychurch.org
Eric Figi, Facilities Director
Eric was born and raised in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He attended Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin and graduate school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Eric started off his career in sales and sales management with a family business after which he ran a sales management training company. Prior to joining LJCC he headed up the Food Ministry at La Jolla Presbyterian Church.
He and his wife, Alison, have two grown daughters, Kate and Erin. Eric enjoys golfing, hunting, gardening and cooking.
(858) 558-9020 x201
eric@ljcommunitychurch.org
Michelle Le Beau, Director of Community Life
Michelle grew up in Los Angeles, right across the street from the Presbyterian church where her father served as Senior Pastor for 28 years. Although Michelle grew up in a loving, Christian family, it wasn’t until after she was married and had children that her relationship with God became real to her.
A graduate of Whitworth College (Spokane, WA) with a degree in Communications and Marketing, Michelle’s professional career was in Advertising, Public Relations, Marketing and Special Events. She worked for the 1992 America’s Cup Organizing Committee and ran her own Marketing Communications firm for eight years prior to joining an Internet start-up as the Director of Marketing. With two young children at the time, the corporate world was wearing her down and the perfect balance came when she accepted a position as Communications Manager for La Jolla Presbyterian Church. After working there for four years, Michelle joined LJCC in the same capacity. Recently she moved into the position of Director of Community Life, responsible for helping people get connected into the life of the church in ways that will support and strengthen their faith in Christ. Michelle believes God has been preparing her for this role her entire lifeand feels extremely blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve Him in this way.
Michelle and her husband Jim live in La Jolla with their two teenage boys, Jimmy and Jake. She enjoys house and yard projects, long walks and core classes, going to the beach with family and friends, and traveling.
(858) 558-9020 x203
michelle@ljcommunitychurch.org
Krista Brannon, Director of Children and Family Ministries
Krista grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas. After high school she attended Houston Baptist University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Child Development as well as Biblical Studies. After undergrad Krista moved to San Francisco, California where she attended Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. There she completed her master’s in Educational Leadership as well as certification programs for Early Childhood Education and Administration.
Krista has experience working with children and families in a number of different capacities including children’s ministry, public education, private education, missions, and non-profit. Prior to joining LJCC, she served as a missionary in Tijuana where she built homes for needy families and connected them to churches and educational resources in their community.
Krista enjoys photography, reading, traveling/cultural studies, and all types of social work.
(858) 558-9020 x209
krista@ljcommunitychurch.org
Ariane Herwig, Communications Director
Ariane grew up in Silver Spring, MD. At age 15 she was confirmed in the Catholic faith. After high school she attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). She graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned her Bachelors Degree in Visual Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design in 2002. After graduation she moved up to Ithaca, NY to work in Prepress at Wilcox Press (now Vanguard Printing).
In 2004 Ariane moved to San Diego where she established herself as a Freelance Graphic Designer and created Thorne Design as her business. She currently offers Graphic Design services such as magazine and publication design, advertising, logos, business card and letterhead, brochures, direct mail, and web site design and maintenance when she's not working for LJCC.
Ariane is happily married to her husband, Tim. She enjoys riding her bicycle, going on walks, gardening, decorating, and taking photos.
(858) 558-9020 x202
ariane@ljcommunitychurch.org
Mary Rugg, Executive Director /CFO
Mary was born and raised in San Diego along with her six siblings. She received a BA in Economics from UCSD and an MBA from SDSU. She started her career as a Financial Analyst and Economist and worked at the City of San Diego for 18 years, eventually becoming the Treasurer. She also helps run her husband’s business which markets his patented product.
Mary was raised a Catholic but was a member of Mt. Soledad Presbyterian Church for 25 years, attended Faith Community Church, and now attends LJCC with her family. She and her husband, Scott, were married in 1990 and have two boys, Collin and Keenan. She enjoys attending her boys’ sporting events, jogging, and collecting sea shells.
(858) 558-9020 x210
mary@ljcommunitychurch.org
Andrew Franks, Director of Junior High Youth Ministries
Andy grew up in Penn Valley, California, between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. After high school he attended Point Loma Nazarene University and graduated in 2010 with a BA in Youth Ministries. After completion of his undergrad, Andy moved to Solana Beach as a live-in caretaker/mentor for a man with special needs. Andy is currently a student at Fuller Theological Seminary, pursuing his Master’s of Divinity degree.
Andy has very diverse experiences in youth ministry, serving in summer camps, after school programs, working with special needs children and various church internships. “Working with youth is a great honor, as my experience as a youth-grouper was the pivotal time in my faith journey.” He came to faith after feeling God’s Presence in his life after attending summer camp around the 4th grade.
Andy enjoys surfing, swimming, reading and playing basketball. He is also a huge fan of the San Francisco Giants and 49ers.
(858) 558-9020 x211
afranks@ljcommunitychurch.org
Gloria Rossiter, CAP-OM, Administrative Assistant
Gloria grew up in Northern California. Raised by a father with two brothers, she was the stereo typical “tomboy.” She accepted Jesus after summer camp at the age of 12. Gloria has lived in California most of her life with a short sojourns in Texas and Nevada (less than a year total).
Gloria has worked as a secretary/assistant since 1980 both in corporate America and non-profit agencies. In 2003, Gloria passed the intensive 2-day exam and received her Certified Administrative Professional-Office Management certification. She is a very active member of her professional association, both as a board member and committee chair/member.
Gloria has been happily married to her best friend and husband, Todd, since 1999 with twin stepdaughters. She enjoys reading, crafting, home improvement projects—both inside and out, and taking rides with Todd on their motorcycle.
(858) 558-9020 x207
gloria@ljcommunitychurch.org