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Staff Information

Our dedicated staff come from a variety of backgrounds but share a commitment to make your experience at Laity Lodge as memorable as possible. If you’re ever in the area, please come by the office in Kerrville and say “hello.” Otherwise, we’ll meet you in the Canyon during the retreat. Please meet our team.

Director of Operations Tim Blanks
Director of Operations
830-792-1231

Tim chose to live in the Texas Hill Country in 1995. He is a graduate of Westminster College in London. Tim loves to spend time outside with his wife, Amy, and their Australian Shepherd, Bucket. His role at Laity Lodge is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Lodge. He considers working at Laity Lodge to be one of the great blessings in his life.

Laity Lodge Registrar and Church Liason Marshall Cool
Operations and Media Coordinator
830-792-1230

Marshall feels incredibly blessed for the opportunity to serve at Laity Lodge. Born and raised in Kentucky, following college Marshall spent several months in India and Kenya. He then went on to serve with Vapor Sports Ministries in Alabama along with his Lubbock-born bride Ellen. Splitting his time between the Kerrville Offices and the Canyon, you’ll most likely find him outdoors on the trail, on a bike, or in the water.

Laity Lodge Registrar and Church Liason Ann Jack
Laity Lodge Registrar and Church Liaison
830-792-1230

Ann handles registration for all the retreats at Laity Lodge. If you have any questions about availability, the facilities, or special needs, Ann is the one to call. Before Ann and her family moved to Kerrville, she was the registrar for the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. Ann marks her 15th year with Laity Lodge in 2010, and enjoys encouraging people to get away from their everyday worlds to retreat.

Ann and her husband, Karl, live in a Hill Country stone cottage built in 1932. They have three grown children, Lee, Ben, and Laura. Ben makes his home in the garage apartment of the cottage. Lee graduated from Angelo State University and lives in Austin. Laura has been a Laity Lodge Youth Camp camper, counselor, and recently completed her teaching degree from ASU.

Executive Director of Laity Lodge Steven D. Purcell
Executive Director of Laity Lodge
830-792-1203
Steven Purcell came to Texas in October 2006 by way of Seattle and Austria. In Europe, he was the Director of Conferences and Retreats at Schloss Mittersill for five years, where he gained an appreciation for schnitzel and cross-country skiing. His bio changed considerably after moving to Texas when he married Amy Hodge in August of 2008. They chose to settle in Boerne, Texas, where they support the living habits of a 9-lb. Shi Tzu, named Gracie, and various backyard birds. Steven enjoys travel, reading, music, the arts, and any excuse to enjoy a great meal with his wife and friends. Steven is excited about the Foundations for Laity Renewal and honored to be a part of the Laity Lodge team.

View Steven’s Bio >

Tenure:
October 2006 to present

Education:
1998 Master of Christian Studies, Regent College; Vancouver, B. C.
1990 Bachelor of Arts, Southwest Baptist University; Bolivar, MO

Professional Experience:
Senior Product Manager, Sherpaq Mobile Products; Seattle, WA. (2002-2006)
Director, Schloss Mittersill Arts Conference; Mittersill, Austria (1997-present)
Managing Director of Conferences and Retreats, Schloss Mittersill; Mittersill, Austria, (1997-2002)

Publications:
Even Among These Rocks: A Spiritual Journey, Paraclete Press, 2001
Traveling the Prayer Paths of Jesus, (cover design and illustration), Upper Room Books, 2003
Parables and Passion: Jesus’ Stories for the Days of Lent, (cover design and illustration), Upper Room Books, 2006

Director of OperationsConnie Taylor
Office Assistant and Hostess
830-792-1242

Connie first came to Laity Lodge in 2003 as a hostess after her career with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. She presently wears two hats with the Foundation as a part-time Office Assistant in Kerrville and Hostess in the Canyon. Connie and her husband, Larry, reside in Bandera, Texas, with two sons, one daughter-in-law, and four wonderful grandchildren. Connie considers each day a gift from God meant to be enjoyed with family, friends, and service to others.

Sr. Consultant and Director Emeritus of Laity Lodge Dave L. Williamson
Sr. Consultant and Director Emeritus of Laity Lodge
952-941-2592
Dave has a passion for Jesus and for life. He also has a passion for helping folks make the connections between their relationship with Christ in every aspect of their daily lives. Dave came to Laity Lodge from Hollywood! Really! Minnesota before that. He traded in a boogie board, a pair of skis, and work as a counseling pastor for hiking boots, a kayak, and the happy work of planning and facilitating retreats at Laity Lodge. Dave is joined by Anne, his wife and partner, in the ministry.

Dave and Anne retired to Minnesota in 2007, but Dave continues to do consulting work for Laity Lodge.

View Dave’s Bio >

Tenure:
1999 to 2007

Education:
B.S. Business, University of Minnesota; Minneapolis, MN
M.Div, Fuller Theological Seminary; Pasadena, CA
Th.M., Luther Theological Seminary; St. Paul, MN
D.Min, Luther Theological Seminary; St. Paul, MN

Professional Experience:
Youth Minister, Colonial Church of Edina, MN, 1965-1973
Counseling Minister, Colonial Church of Edina, MN, 1973-1991
Pastor of Congregational Care, First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, CA, 1991-1999

Other Certification:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Clinical Member, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Ecclesiastical Standing: Presbyterian Church (USA), Mission Presbytery

Publications:
Group Power, Prentice Hall, 1982
Opening Doors to the Job Market, Augsburg, 1983
Unemployed, Unfulfilled, Serendipity, 1992
Contributor, Library of Distinctive Sermons