LEADERSHIP & Staff

Leadership and staff of The Open Church let love lead the way. To get to know them, click their pictures below.

  • rev. brad r. braxton, ph.d.

    Founding Senior Pastor

    Dr. Brad Braxton is the Founder of The Open Church of Maryland and the 14th president of Chicago Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Emory University where he was a George W. Woodruff Fellow. Email address: brad@bradbraxton.com

  • REV. VERONICA JOHNSON

    Pastor for Leadership and Innovation

    Rev. Johnson played a pivotal role in helping build the foundation of The Open Church in its infancy. She joined the staff in 2025 and develops congregational leaders, cultivates community partnerships, and advances ministry offerings for our online congregation.


  • susanne mccoy

    Membership & Outreach Coordinator

    Ms. McCoy is a founding member of The Open Church and has coordinated the membership roster from the outset. She also compiles and shares fellowship opportunities. You hear her voice most weeks during service, keeping us informed about what's going on in the life of the church.


  • jerrisa perkins-carter

    Kinship & Congregational Care Leader

    Ms. Perkins-Carter personifies a servant's heart. She is a founding member of The Open Church and leads the Congregational and Kinship Care Team, performing care-full outreach to members, friends and associates.

  • la tanya simms

    Director, Finance & Administration

    La Tanya has been an active member of The Open Church since 2012. She coordinates our ministry activities/events and manages all administrative and financial functions. Email address: info@theopenchurchmd.org