Our Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol || She/Her
Donna has served as our pastor since July 2005. Under her leadership, our church has undergone a transformative redevelopment of our property and experienced a vibrant renewal, attracting a dynamic core of young adults who are making a significant impact in the heart of the nation’s capital. Pastor Donna holds an undergraduate degree in economics from William Woods University, a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary. She also earned an Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Before answering a call to ministry, Pastor Donna gained experience in politics, serving as a White House intern and working for three years on Capitol Hill with both a U.S. Congressman and a U.S. Senator. Following her graduation from Duke Divinity School, she served as Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville, NC, before returning to Duke in 2001 as Director of Admissions at Duke Divinity School, a role she held until 2005. Pastor Donna is the co-author of A New Day in the City (Abingdon, 2017) and has spoken widely on topics of congregational renewal and leading change. She has served as Vice-Chair of the Duke Divinity School Board of Visitors and currently sits on the Leadership Council for the Women’s Impact Network at Duke. In recognition of her exceptional service to the university, Pastor Donna was honored with a Forever Duke Award in 2024. She is married to Craig Sokol and places working out at OrangeTheory, watching a Broadway musical, sharing coffee with new people, and buying fresh tulips high on her list of favorite things.
Our Staff
Min. Lee Schriber Aber || He/They
Minister of Engagement and Discipleship
Lee began serving as the Minister of Engagement and Discipleship at Mount Vernon Place in November 2017. Having been a regular worship participant, Shower Ministry volunteer, and Sunday School teacher prior to starting in this role, Lee developed a deep love and passion for Mount Vernon Place and the neighborhood surrounding the church. They earned their Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in May of 2017 and previously served with the General Board of Church and Society. Lee loves getting to know people, hearing and sharing in their stories, serving with our unhoused neighbors, and striving to affirm the intrinsic worth of every human being he encounters.
Andre D. Christian || He/him
Director of Finance and Operations
Andre began serving as Director of Finance and Operations at Mount Vernon Place in December 2023 and is ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Andre is a graduate of Howard University School of Business and graduated from Payne Theological Seminary in May 2020 with a Master of Divinity Degree and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counseling, Consulting, and Coaching at Concordia University, Irvine. Andre has an extensive background in the banking industry and has led teams throughout Maryland, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia with organizations such as Bank of America, Capital One, and Industrial Bank. Andre is passionate about helping businesses and churches in various capacities to become more efficient and effective with the resources given. Andre’s favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 and truly believes that despite what it may look like, the Lord has great plans for him, God’s people, and for the world in which we live.
Timothy Nelson || He/Him
Director of Music
Timothy is a conductor, composer, and director. He works with opera, theater, and choral music, and is Artistic Director of Washington DC's IN Series. Most recently he led productions at London’s Barbican Hall for the Academy of Ancient Music, for Iford Arts Festival, and for the Nationale Riesopera. From 2002 to 2012 he served as Artistic Director of American Opera Theater in Baltimore, leading several premieres including collaborations with the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Timothy went on to serve as Artistic Director and Head of Music for the Netherlands Opera Studio, and then the Nieuwe Stemmen young artists program of Rotterdam Opera. Timothy was an awardee in the Opera Europa Directing Prize, and was also awarded Belgium’s Goude Meeuw. Timothy’s work is focused on community engagement with music and theater as tools for social change.
Jaden Davison ||
Coordinator of Livestream and Video Services
Jerome Hinkle || He/Him
Event Host
Jerome joined the MVP staff team in October 2023 and can be found welcoming people to MVP with a warm smile throughout the week. Jerome is actively involved in the faith community at Capitol Hill UMC and loves participating in their Wednesday Bible Study. Jerome also loves volunteering and helping others with his time. MVP feels like home to Jerome and he is delighted to be employed as an Event Host on our team. Jerome loves his work at MVP and offers praise to God for this opportunity.
Rachel Luna || She/Her
Administrative Assistant and Event Host
Rachel began serving MVP in various roles in 2017 and is a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary where she earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies. Rachel also serves as the Executive Director of Project Transformation DC, a local organization that promotes child literacy in underserved communities and helps to connect churches, college students, and children to deepen relationships and community connection. Rachel’s hobbies include hiking, attending concerts and live sporting events, and walking around the National Mall. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family and is the proud aunt of Teddy, Aubrey, and Luna.
Amanda Mbagwu || She/Her
Administrative Assistant
Amanda joined the MVP team in the spring of 2026 and is a communications and digital media professional with a background in digital communications, marketing, and community engagement. She has experience supporting public outreach initiatives, social media strategy, web and email communications, and creative content development across government, nonprofit, and community focused environments.
Originally from Prince George's County, Maryland, Amanda has always had a strong interest in storytelling, design, and media, and is currently completing her degree in Visual Communications. In addition to her professional work, she also does freelance graphic design and enjoys helping brands and organizations bring their ideas to life through thoughtful visual communication and digital strategy. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys traveling, discovering new restaurants and cafes, photography, music, creative projects, and spending time with family and friends.
Johnnie (JR) Richardson || He/Him
Security Concierge
Johnnie (JR) Richardson began serving in his role at Mount Vernon Place (MVP) in November 2013. JR grew up in Columbus, Mississippi. He moved to Washington, DC from Honolulu, Hawaii in 1998 on transfer assignment with the Signature Flight Support company where he served as Operations Supervisor. In 2002, JR joined the Air Culinare company and departed as Executive Chef and General Manager in 2011. In addition to his service at MVP, JR is currently the Valet Supervisor with Towne Park company, responsible for providing valet parking services to the Washington, DC Renaissance Hotels. JR enjoys the warmth, friendliness, and energy of the MVP community and loves being involved in helping to support the church’s mission. JR is an avid golfer—in his spare time, he can be found on the golf course, taking in a movie, swimming, listening to music or learning to play the bass guitar.
David Yoder || He/Him
Organist
David Yoder started to play the organ at the age of 16 before formally studying the instrument at Old Dominion University under Dr. Charles Vogan. He served as an organist for several churches in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach area before moving to Washington in 1980 to work for R.A. Daffer Church Organs. David is currently the Project Manager for R.A. Daffer where his responsibilities include design and layout work, installation management, and service of organs sold by the firm. He joined the staff at Mount Vernon Place in January of 1990 and has been filling the sanctuary with glorious music for more than three decades. David is married to Sona Avetisyan Yoder, and they live in Jessup, Maryland. His pastimes include playing with his grandchildren, working crossword puzzles, listening to music, and constructing model train layouts.