First Free is a congregational church that has an Elder Board to provide directional leadership, along with Deacons and Trustees to aid the work of ministry both spiritually and operationally. We also have other elected or appointed leadership positions.

Elders

Our currently elected elders include the following:

Davel Abel
Dave & his wife Marcia have been attending FF for 50 years. They will celebrate 42 years of marriage on June 2023. They have 2 sons and 2 grandchildren (living in Texas). Dave served as Sunday School Superintendent for 8 years, Youth Leader for 23 years, and served on the Deacon and Elder boards. He is currently a growth group leader and team teaches the "Salt Life " Adult Bible Fellowship class on Sunday mornings. In his spare time, Dave likes to golf, bike ride, and hike.

Kirk Albrecht
Kirk Albrecht is our Pastor of Discipleship, and also directs Global Ministry. He has been on staff since 2000. Kirk has a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Syracuse University and a Master of Divinity from Trinity International University. Kirk and his family lived overseas for 10 years, and he has been to 19 different countries. He was a seminary professor for three years and has led cross-cultural ministry trips in Peru, Thailand, Senegal, Belgium, England, Cyprus, Papua New Guinea, Haiti, and the Middle East. He has written for more than two dozen publications. He is married to Sarah and is father to three sons Joshua (married to Shea), Nathan, and Zachary, and two grandsons. There is nothing he likes more than a good bowl of hummus and a plate of grape leaves. When he’s not at church you can find him reading, exercising, watching soccer, or strumming his guitar or mandolin.

Ed Campbell
Ed currently serves as our Presiding Elder. He and his family have been at First Free Church for twelve years. They love the people and First Free's commitment to teaching biblical truth. Committed to serving at First Free, Ed currently serves as the Presiding Elder on our Board of Elders. He also serves on our praise team, choir, and Safety Ministry Team. Ed and his wife, Bette Rae, have two daughters (Heather and son-in-law, Steve, and Haley and son- in-law, Tony) and eight granchildren. In his spare time, Ed enjoys hunting and spending time with his family.

Kevin Labby
As our Lead Pastor, Kevin serves on our Board of Elders. Kevin spent the bulk of his college, seminary, and early professional years in Western Pennsylvania. After eight years ministering near Orlando, he returned to Pittsburgh. He enjoys spending time with family, reading, visiting national parks, following Buffalo and Pittsburgh sports, and Pittsburgh's many museums and cultural events.

Bill Deemer
Bill and his wife, Tammy, began attending FEFC in 1990. They had already been believers for over a decade and at that time had been married for eight years. They were looking for a good, stable church in which to raise their kids. Over time, they became more involved and were at the church building whenever the doors were open! Their children are now adults and they have two grandchildren so far. They are super blessed to have all of their kids living in the Pittsburgh area! They have come to love the people of First Free and have many friendships going back for decades but also enjoy the many opportunities to make new friends! Bill and Tammy tend to make close friendships by serving together with folks. Bill likes to go on trips and go tent camping with his wife. They also enjoy gardening and hiking with their husky mix, Atlas.

Bill Haines
Bill has attended First Free for the past 26 years. He is married to the love of his life, Lisa Haines. They have 8 children and 10 grandchildren (soon to be 11...and counting). Bill works at State Farm Insurance Company. He has handled claims for 29+ years. Bill loves his First Free Family and has served in the Children's Ministry, as a Deacon and Trustee, and in leading small groups. In his free time, Bill loves spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, cooking, and restoring cars.

Deacons and Deaconesses

Our Board of Deacons includes:

Ian Zajdel
Kevin McNeil 
Russ Breitinger 
Nathaniel Buck
Lisa Meilander
Linda Rothey
Pam Eisele

Trustees

Our Board of Trustees includes:

Sam Coccia, Chairman 
Bill A. Fawcett 
Buzz Saxon
Joel Meilander
Jesse Fawcett
Adam Rish, Recording Secretary
Laurie Bezeck, Financial Secretary 

Treasurer

Jason Bortz, Treasurer 

Head Usher

Dean Dittmar 

Nominating Committee

Rick Tarsala
Stephanie Zajdel 
George Buck 
Laura Judy
Lisa Haines 
Brian Rutter

Child Safeguarding Advisory Committee

This committee advises our Elder Board on matters of child protection policy, violations of policy, and any allegations of misconduct that may arise. This committee serves both Children’s Ministry and Student Ministry. Any member of this committee can be approached with any questions, concerns, or allegations. The members are:

Cindi Higdon
Alex Ielase, Pastor of Student and Young Adults
Lisa Meilander
Sue Patrick
Carl Pearson