Kentucky Council of Churches

Melissa L. Holland was born in Lexington. She attended Eastern Kentucky University, the University of Kentucky and while raising her two children, she graduated with a BA in Organizational Management from Midway College. She also attended Lexington Theological Seminary in the Catholic Pastoral Studies Program.

In 1984, Melissa accepted a position with the Presbytery of Transylvania (PCUSA) and served the Presbyterian Church for thirteen years prior to accepting a position at Pax Christi Catholic Church in 1998 as Coordinator of Religious Education. She was appointed Pastoral Director from 2004-2006 and continued to serve the parish as Pastoral Associate/Business Manager until her recent retirement on July 30, 2021.

While working for the Presbytery of Transylvania she was introduced to the Kentucky Council of Churches. She was incouraged by ministers of the Presbytery to take part in the Diocesan Ministry Formation program, and she soon began serving both the Presbytery and the Catholic Diocese of Lexington as a representative to the KCC. She has served on the Executive Board since that time and has held office as Secretary, Budget & Finance Chair, Nominations Chair, Assembly Planning Chair, Treasurer, Vice President and President.

Melissa has a son, Philip, daughter-in-law, Jeanette, and is grandmother to Rachel, Audrey and Joshua. She also has a daughter, Robin, who lives in Texas and two grown grandsons, Cameron and Brendan.

Karen Owsley comes to the Council with administrative experience at the Lexington Herald-Leader and the University of Kentucky, as well as a family business. She works out of the Council's office located at 1125 Red Mile Road in Lexington.

She has three children, Tyler, Savanna and Isaiah.