STAFF
Rev. Aaron Frank, Pastor
Rev. Aaron Frank is a recent transplant to the Southern Tier, having most recently served Hope Presbyterian Church in Arbutus, Maryland as solo pastor. Aaron was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago.
Aaron is a graduate of Hope College in Holland, Michigan where he received a Bachelors’ degree in English Literature and Religious Studies. He later went on to The Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia where he received his Master of Divinity degree.
Aaron’s interests are in church development, interfaith dialogue, and the intersection of faith, ethics and politics. A lifelong athlete, Aaron is an avid swimmer and cyclist who thoroughly enjoys the topography and vistas of the region.
Randy Cornell, Director of Music & Organist
Randy Cornell (he/him) lives in Elmira and grew up in Almond, NY (in between Hornell and Alfred) with both parents and 2 brothers. For 31 years he taught public school music. Randy retired from Elmira Heights, where he taught grades 6-12 vocal/choral and 9-12 band, and also directed the spring musical for many years.
Randy has an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from SUNY Alfred and an undergraduate degree is in Music Education from Houghton College [now Houghton University]. He earned his Master’s degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia, and his focus instrument was piano.
From 2006 until 2022 he was Minister of Music at 1st United Church of Christ in Elmira; in charge of selecting hymns, playing all hymns and service music and directing/accompanying the choir. The church closed in July, 2022, and Randy currently serves at First Presbyterian Church of Horseheads and North Presbyterian Church in Elmira. He lives in Elmira, NY with his partner, Jose Gomez. Randy is blessed to serve the community through music and is thankful for all of God’s blessings! God is good all the time!
Adrianna Ruggiero, Administrative Assistant
Adrianna Ruggiero became the administrative assistant for Horseheads First Presbyterian Church in the Spring of 2023. Prior to that she has done everything from work in the service industry to start up a wellness community.
Adrianna has an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Corning Community College, though she spent one year at Medaille College in Buffalo. She is an eternal student who is always open to learning new topics whether through self-study, watching lectures, or her favorite - having intellectual conversations with new people. She especially enjoys the topics of anthropology, sociology, psychology and language/communication.
Adrianna currently works with other women via coaching to develop emotional resiliency and establish self-esteem and offers free community spaces where ALL feel welcome to be themselves and share in the medicine of togetherness. It is her passion to embody the wisdom Christ brought to us by loving others and uplifting the people in her life.