Meet the staff at CHUMC. While we strongly believe in the ministry of all believers, we have some gifted full- and part-time staff members who guide us along the way.
Reverend J.D. Allen
Senior Pastor
Rev. J.D. Allen is from The Colony, Texas. He married Katy Allen in 2000, and they have two children. They live in Carrollton, Texas. He comes to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church after serving five years as senior pastor at First United Methodist Church of Boyd, Texas. He previously served one year as associate pastor at First United Methodist Church Carrollton and two years as student local pastor at Elm Ridge United Methodist Church.
Kate Whitaker
Minister of Families
familyministries@chapelhillumc.org
Minister Kate hails from Grapevine, Texas, and turned herself from a self-proclaimed surf bum with a bachelor’s in business marketing into a successful business owner when she co-founded a surf shop in the DFW Texas area.
However, after several years, Jesus decided He had a little something different in mind. Out of the blue, Minister Kate felt called to work for the Man Himself! Knowing it might be best to listen, she signed up for a Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia the next day! Upon arrival the Lord told her she was to perform His good works in the field of Chaplaincy; specializing in serving pediatric and senior healthcare and hospice communities, which she has now done for a couple of years, and will forever continue.
However, once again, she got a tug on the ear from the Man Himself, and he drug her right through these magical doors at UMC Chapel Hill, finally bringing her Home! He continues to guide her quirky, a bit funky, yet very enthusiastic dashed with humorous steps, as she ministers and serves the families, youth, and children of this steeple.
Minister Kate is a professional surfer girl who loves Giant Schnauzers, especially her service dog Arthur, who you may bump into once in a while! (and please give him a pet if you do) Gold office supplies, and a fun fact … was on the Jr. Olympic Ski Team! She loves making people smile, laugh, and makes sure every interaction puts sunshine in someone’s day.
She is not hard to miss, so be sure to say howdy if you see her!
Melissa Sky-Eagle
Choir Director/Accompanist
Dr. Melissa Sky-Eagle has held continuous jobs as a pianist, collaborator, and music director for the last 26 years. After a recent move from California to Texas, she now serves as the staff accompanist and vocal coach for the Irving Independent School District in Irving, Texas. She is also the music director and pianist at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. During her time in Los Angeles, she worked with theaters, colleges, choral groups, churches, and piano students. Her academic credentials are all in piano performance: BM, Texas Christian University; MM, Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University; and DMA, University of Southern California. She is passionate about supporting other musicians and ensembles and helping singers to be confident in sounding their best! She enjoys traveling to historic sites and walking in her neighborhood in her spare time.
Jill Cox
Office Manager
Jill Cox lives in Carrolton, Texas, with her husband, Mark, and four chihuahuas. She moved to Carrollton two years ago from The Colony, where she lived for two years. Prior to moving to Texas in 2019, she lived in West Palm Beach, Florida. Jill and Mark still own a house in Florida that they plan to retire to in ten years.
Jill comes to us with experience from working in two large United Methodist Churches. One in Denver, Colorado, and the other in Durham, North Carolina. She and her husband have lived in nine different states throughout their forty-year marriage. She is currently a Notary Public and has a small side business as a loan signing agent. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and taking care of her husband and dogs.
Jim Hanigan
Building Manager
Jim Hanigan is a longtime member of Chapel Hill, having been part of this church since 1979. Since 2008, Jim has served as our building manager.