John Gordy serves as a regional mission catalyst with the Baptist state convention.

John previously served with the state convention from 2016-2019 as a strategy coordinator. John and his wife, Pat, have served with the International Mission Board for 38 years, in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. His most recent assignment was mission globalizer for the southern cluster of the Sub-Saharan Africa Affinity in Johannesburg, South Africa.

John earned a bachelor’s degree from Samford University, a master of divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a doctor of ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctorate from Northwest University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Pat is a licensed RN and has a master’s degree in biblical counseling.

John and Pat have three children and 10 grandchildren living in Texas, South Carolina and Kenya.

Dennis Conner serves as a regional mission catalyst with the Baptist state convention.

Prior to joining the state convention in January 2020, Dennis served as a pastor, church planter and church planting catalyst.

In his current role, Dennis and his wife, Cindy, have returned to the area where he first began serving in vocational ministry. Dennis has also served as a North American missionary in Phoenix and Chicago.

His educational journey includes an associate degree in liberal arts from Davidson County Community College, a bachelor’s degree in religion from Chowan University and a master of divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest. He is currently pursuing a doctor of education degree at Southeastern, researching and writing about organizational leadership in the local church.

Dennis is passionate about history, current events, NASCAR, the Chicago Bears and the Chicago White Sox. He also enjoys reading biographies and business books and articles. He writes regularly, loves preaching and reinvests in the growth and maturity of others.

Dennis and Cindy like to explore new places together. Frequently, they are accompanied by their Australian shepherd, Bikkie.

Savannah Parks serves as a ministry assistant for the Mission Catalysts group. She has been with the Baptist state convention since June 2016 with some time off to be with her newborn daughter.

Savannah and her husband, Andrew, currently reside in Asheboro with their daughter, Vivienne. Savannah spends the majority of her days chasing a toddler and enjoying time with her family and friends.

Hez Cunningham-Bey serves as the statewide African American catalyst for the Mission Catalysts group.

Hez earned his bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University and is currently finishing up his master’s degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Hez has a passion for serving God and His church. He has been serving as a full time pastor of King’s Cross Church overseeing member care.

Hez is married to his beautiful wife, Tajua. They have four beautiful children, Amyah, Amir, Asa and Adonijah. Hez enjoys cycling and is on a journey to becoming an avid golfer.

Sammy Joo serves as the statewide Asian catalyst for the Mission Catalyst group. He has been on staff at the Baptist state convention since 2007.

Sammy is a graduate of Handong Global University in Pohang, South Korea; Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Previously, Sammy served Korean churches in South Korea and multiethnic churches in the United States as a worship leader, youth pastor and college pastor. He also served in international student ministry in the Triangle area and on the convention’s Collegiate Partnership Team from 2007-2016.

Sammy’s desire is to equip next generation leaders among Asian communities and connect Asian American churches to fulfill the Great Commission.

Sammy and his wife, Debbie, have four children. Sammy loves to play guitar.

Amaury Santos serves as the statewide Hispanic catalyst for the Mission Catalyst group.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Amaury received Jesus as Lord and Savior at the age of 14 through the witness of a Christian friend. He became the first evangelical believer in a mostly Catholic family.

By age 16, Amaury felt the consuming desire to teach God’s Word. Amaury has served in ministry in a variety of capacities, including pastor and church planter in the Dominican Republic and the United States.

Amaury served as a language church planting missionary with the Florida Baptist Convention in partnership with the North American Mission Board.

Amaury has a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from the Dominican Republic, a master’s degree in theological studies from Liberty University, and a doctor of education degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, Virginia, and his three sons.