Matt Beard
Senior Pastor
Matt is a seasoned and faithful ministry leader with more than two decades of experience serving the local church. Over the past 10 years, he has served as a pastor in Tennessee, demonstrating a consistent commitment to shepherding people and advancing the mission of the church. He is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he developed a strong foundation for biblical leadership and ministry.
His wife, Whitney, also a graduate of the University of North Alabama, has devoted more than 15 years to the nursing profession, bringing both compassion and excellence to her work. Raised near Florence, Alabama, she shares Matt’s heart for serving others and supporting the life of the church.
Matt and Whitney have been married since 2011 and are blessed with three children—Emery Cate, Eden, and Cohen. Together, they are committed to leading their family and serving First Baptist Church Scottsboro with faith, integrity, and a passion for seeing lives transformed by the gospel.
His wife, Whitney, also a graduate of the University of North Alabama, has devoted more than 15 years to the nursing profession, bringing both compassion and excellence to her work. Raised near Florence, Alabama, she shares Matt’s heart for serving others and supporting the life of the church.
Matt and Whitney have been married since 2011 and are blessed with three children—Emery Cate, Eden, and Cohen. Together, they are committed to leading their family and serving First Baptist Church Scottsboro with faith, integrity, and a passion for seeing lives transformed by the gospel.
Ian Derrick
Next-Gen Pastor
Ian Derrick is a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He and his wife, Allie, have been married since 2013 and have two sons, Ryan and John. Ian achieved a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and is pursuing a Master’s of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ian began serving on staff at First Baptist Church in October of 2022. Ian loves teaching others about God’s word, making memories with his family, beginning outdoors, and cheering on his Mississippi Bulldogs. Above all Ian has a passion for reaching students with the truth of the Gospel, empowering them to serve the kingdom, and equipping them to fulfill the great commission.
Brandy Fowler
Children's Ministry Director
Brandy retired from the Scottsboro Fire Department after 28 years of service as an Administrative Assistant. She is married to her high school sweetheart, Wayne Fowler, and together they have two children. Their daughter, Libby Fowler Manning, and their son, Ty, is a junior at Scottsboro High School.
Brandy and her family have been members of First Baptist Church since 2010. She has joyfully volunteered in the Chilren's Ministry since 2011 and now feels blessed to serve full-time as Children's Ministry Director. Her greatest passion is teaching little hearts about Jesus and helping children grow in their faith and love for the Lord.
Brandy and her family have been members of First Baptist Church since 2010. She has joyfully volunteered in the Chilren's Ministry since 2011 and now feels blessed to serve full-time as Children's Ministry Director. Her greatest passion is teaching little hearts about Jesus and helping children grow in their faith and love for the Lord.
Kristen Miller
Learning Center Director
A lifelong resident of Section, Alabama, Kristen brings both deep community roots and a heartfelt commitment to Christian education. Her experience, passion for children, and unwavering faith make her exceptionally well-suited for this leadership role.
Kristen has been married to her husband, Taylor, since 2018. She enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, and most of all, teaching children about the love of Jesus. Her passion for nurturing young hearts and minds is evident in everything she does, and she is devoted to creating a Christ-centered environment where every child and family feels loved, supported, and spiritually enriched.
Kristen has been married to her husband, Taylor, since 2018. She enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, and most of all, teaching children about the love of Jesus. Her passion for nurturing young hearts and minds is evident in everything she does, and she is devoted to creating a Christ-centered environment where every child and family feels loved, supported, and spiritually enriched.
Gaynell Robison
Finance Assistant
An Alabama native Mrs. Gaynell Robison, husband Jack and son Mark moved to Scottsboro Al, from Oneonta, Al and joined the FBC Family in 1970s. Mrs. Gaynell enjoys the fellowship and working with the staff.