Rev. Russell Smith serves as the Senior Pastor and Head of Staff for Covenant-First Presbyterian.  Russell grew up in Columbia, SC as a member of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church. Through that congregation, Russell began participating in the Salkehatchie Summer Service project, which brings together youth and adult volunteers to renovate the homes of the rural and urban poor in South Carolina.  From that experience, he developed an interest in missions, both local and foreign.  Many years later, Russell experienced his call to ministry while serving as an adult volunteer with the Salkehatchie program. 
Russell studied English Literature at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.  Following graduation, he worked as a radio announcer for WFDD public radio, a technical trainer for Wachovia Corporation, and as an independent producer of Christian drama.  Russell received a Masters of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL.  He is currently working toward a Master of Philosophy in Ancient Studies through the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. 
Russell and his wife Tammy came to Cincinnati in 2001.  They live in Pleasant Ridge with their two daughters Sarah Grace and Annalise.   Russell and Tammy enjoy spending time with their children, cooking, reading good books, and attending performing arts of all varieties.   

Rev. Nathan Wright serves as Covenant-First's Associate Pastor for Family Ministries. A native of Lebanon, Ohio, Nathan was baptized and grew up at Lebanon Presbyterian Church, and first sensed God's call to ministry amongst the dedication and love of that congregation. Nathan earned a B.A. in Bible and Religion from Montreat College in North Carolina and a M.Div. and a Th.M (in preaching) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Prior to his call to Covenant-First in June of 2008, Nathan served on the staff of the Montreat Presbyterian Church PC(USA), Montreat, NC, and served in the youth ministry of First Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA. He and his wife, Johanna, reside in North Avondale with their sons, William and Josiah. Nathan is passionately convinced that one mark of a healthy church is their care and commitment to passing on faith in Jesus Christ to their children. With that in view, the family ministry of Covenant-First aims to equip all members of the church, especially parents, to show and teach our children the gospel of Christ.

Philip Bishop is the Organist and Music Director at The Covenant-First Presbyterian Church. He received the degree BA in Music Education (Performance Track) from God's Bible School and College located in Cincinnati, OH. He received the degree MCM (Master of Church Music) from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary located in Louisville, KY. Upon completion of his MCM, Philip returned to GBSC and taught college music for four years. Philip has been involved in music ministry since childhood, playing the piano in church. In 1999, he married Dorcas. They were classmates at GBSC, and traveled together in a PR music team. Dorcas is a vocalist and pianist as well, and the two enjoy singing together. They have worked together in churches, Dorcas with the children, and Philip with the adults for eight years. They have also been involved in song evangelism singing for summer campmeetings, weekend retreats, banquets, and concerts. Philip and Dorcas were joined in October of 2006 by their son Blake Ryland who is the "joy of their lives."