our team

Nic graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in applied mathematics, earned an M. Div. from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and is currently working towards a Doctor of Ministry at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He joined the team at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale on June 1, 2008 and for the next 10 years oversaw and grew the Youth and College Ministry by ensuring that participants nurture their faith in Jesus Christ. In May of 2018 Nic answered the call to serve our church as Associate Pastor for Spiritual Formation and served in that role through 2022. In August of 2023 he began serving in the role of Pastor & Head of Staff and is excited to continue serving this community where God has called him and his family. He and his wife Amy met at FPC Fort Lauderdale when they were in high school and have been married since 2012. They are parents to Hannah, Luke, James and Daniel and are grateful to be a part of the First Pres family.

Reverend Diane Shoaf, a Minister of Word and Sacrament/Ruling Edler in the Presbyterian Church (USA.), served churches and higher education institutions in South Florida from 1991-2016. Since her Honorable Retirement in 2016, she has remained active in local interfaith and social justice dialogue and action initiatives. Her current ministry of spiritual companionship and spiritual direction engages individuals and groups in meaningful conversation, deep listening, reflection, and discernment. Currently, she leads an antiracist book club using a group spiritual direction process and facilitated the creation of Advent and Lenten evening worship modeled on the music and worship of the Taize community. She and her husband Dave recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Their family, four adult children, 2 daughters and 2 sons, and five grandchildren, ages 7 to 18, all currently reside in Miami.

Chandler has been part of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale staff since September of 2016 and our director since 2018. She is passionate about supporting our students to be servant leaders and active followers of Jesus Christ. She is currently pursuing a Master in Divinity at Duke University.  Her favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:2.

Andy is excited to begin serving as organist and Music Admin at Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale. Previously, he served as the Director of Music at St Mark Lutheran Church in Lindenhurst, Illinois. He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Master of Music Degree from New York University.  He just celebrated his one year wedding anniversary with his wife Katie and they love living with their sweet pup, Piper.  Andy's favorite scripture is Psalm 150:1-5.