LEADERSHIP & Staff

The leadership and staff of The Open Church of Maryland is made up of believers who believe in love and acceptance. To find out more about each individual, click the pictures below.

  • rev. brad r. braxton, ph.d.

    Founding Senior Pastor

    Dr. Brad Braxton is the Founder of The Open Church of Maryland. He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Emory University where he was a George W. Woodruff Fellow.

  • MINISTER NILA Y. CURRY

    Minister of Leadership and Community Engagement

    Minister Curry assists the senior pastor in cultivating a broad array of community partnerships that advances TOC's mission and vision and provides leadership to various congregational ministries and teams. 

  • rev. lane cobb

    Rev. Cobb is an interfaith, inter-spiritual minister. She coordinates the activities of our Social Justice Activism and Outreach ministries.

  • 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.


  • barbara perkins

    Hospitality Coordinator

  • jerrisa perkins-carter

    Kinship Care Leader

    Ms. Perkins-Carter personifies a servant's heart. She is a founding member of The Open Church and leads the 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.

  • angela walker

    Director, Worship & Arts

    Ms. Walker joined The Open Church family in spring 2019. In close coordination with our Worship Planning Team, she expertly directs the fellowship and worship experience.