MEET OUR TEAM
STAFF
Ethan Harrington
Lead Pastor
Ethan Harrington has been in full time vocational ministry for over 25 years, first as a Youth Minister, then as a Worship and Creative Arts pastor at a new church plant, and finally coming to roost back in Pittsburgh as Lead Pastor of NHCC in late 2018. Ethan met his wife Debbie at the University of Pittsburgh while pursuing degrees in Communications and English Writing—they have triplets in college and celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in August. Ethan enjoys music, classic cars and mid-century modern architecture.
Brandon Said
Student Director
Raised in Orange County, California and most recently from Phoenix, Arizona, Brandon grew up always loving coming to church and the way his church leaders poured into him. Although he loved school and begrudgingly studied Software Engineering at California Baptist University, he always had his heart set on youth ministry, volunteering with teens since being in high school. After interning in youth ministry at Saddleback Church in Southern California and being a Life Coach for kids and teens in Northern California, Brandon spent a year at Christ Church of the Valley’s Leadership Institute in a youth ministry residency in Mesa, Arizona. Brandon moved out here for the Student Director position in July of 2025. In his free time Brandon likes playing video games, reading, and working out.
Amanda Slovak
Children’s Director
Amanda lives north of Pittsburgh with her husband Eric, and two kids- Alex and Raelie. In her spare time, you’ll find her crafting with her Cricut machine, reading, and going on adventures with her family. She also enjoys playing board games, spending time on her parent’s boat, and is an amateur pickleball player. Amanda discovered her passion for children’s ministry back in 2010 but explored several career paths before joining us at NHCC as the Children’s Director in January of 2023.
Sarah Berry Ann
Office Manager
Born and raised in WV, Sarah and her husband, Nathan, moved to the area in 2006 and currently live just north of Pittsburgh with their two daughters. In late 2018 Sarah was asked to join the (then) two person team at NHCC and has enjoyed her ever-changing role since then. When she isn't in the office, you can find her shuttling her youngest to and from dance competitions or fixing up their older home. On Sundays, you may see Sarah in the band helping lead worship, or working on things behind the scenes. When she finds the time, Sarah loves nothing more than curling up wtih a good book or taking a nap.
Leif Horrell
Worship Director
Leif officially joined our staff, moving from a volunteer position, in 2024. He has a genuine and passionate heart for true worship as well as many years of experience working in church worship leading environments.
Katie Knox
Community Food Programs
Katie began her career as a news anchor in Pittsburgh before serving for 15 years as the Family Life Director at North Hills Christian Church. She now works as the Director of Admission at Shady Side Academy Country Day School. Katie continues to lead the North Hills Backpack Initiative and Food Distribution Programs. She and her husband, James, live in the North Hills and have four children.
Chairman of the Board - Karen Landis | Vice Chairman of the Board - Dave Balbach |
Treasurer - Jim Porter | Secretary - Jim Porter
Trustees: Mike Rupert | Lisa Porter | Michael Upton | Karen Landis
Elders: Jeff Herzberg | Mike Fattibene | Eric Landis | Bob Terhune | Travis Schenk
Deacons: Dave Balbach | Bo Peng | Emmet Reed | Paul Jones | Brian Shirley | Steve Swartzlander