Our Church Staff

Rev. Jeff Bramel

Rev. Jeff Bramel

Senior Pastor

Jeff Bramel was born and raised in Lexington, KY. He has been an ordained elder since 2013, and has served the Church in various ministries (Campus Life Director, youth, children, and young adult minister, and as a local pastor) since 2000. He has a BA in Psychology from Asbury College, and a Master’s of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary. He is married to the lovely Megan Bramel (a native of Ashland), and they have a son named Jonah (and three cats, who all prefer their mother). Before coming to Ashland First (in the summer of 2019), Jeff served Stanford New Beginnings, Sacramento, and Pleasureville United Methodist Churches as their pastor. 
When Jeff isn’t at church, he loves to read, walk, and cook. He enjoys going to concerts and games, and is an absolute sports nut. Jeff can talk University of Kentucky basketball and football with the best of them! 
What I love about our church is the heart that we have for serving others and supporting missions. Please come and be our guest in worship soon! 
Sean Daniels

Sean Daniels

Minister to Families

Sean has been in youth ministry for over a decade.  He has been a part of Ashland First since 2013.  Sean’s quirkiness added with his passion for sharing Jesus with students and their families have served him well here at Ashland First.  Sean has been married to his lovely wife, Stephanie, since 2003 and have 3 wonderful, crazy kids; Ellie, Xavier and Colbie.  When not working Sean enjoys the outdoors; camping, hiking, fishing, golf, and sitting by a fire with his family.  Apart from his job as a Family Pastor, Sean is also an unlicensed curator or Funko Pop Vinyl Collections.

Mary Ann Wallace

Mary Ann Wallace

Visitation & Membership Care

Mary Ann was born and raised in New Castle, Pa. She graduated from Asbury College. Mary Ann worked at First United Methodist 
Church as Director of Christian Education from 1967-1971. She was married to the late Harold Wallace and has a son, Mark, who lives in Winchester, KY. and has two wonderful grandchildren. Mary Ann currently serves as the Director of Membership Care since 2014. 
Chrystal Qualls

Chrystal Qualls

Financial Secretary

I’m from Pennsylvania, but grew up all over the U.S. since my father was a career Navy man.  My career background is in
Computer and Accounting fields.  Before we moved to Kentucky, I lived in Ohio for 35 years. 
I have 1 son who is married and has 2 wonderful children.  They live in Phoenix.  I love being a grandma.
I’m married to a wonderful, hard-working man, Mark, who is from this area originally.
I love the social aspects of this job and love what I do here.
My interests are sports, family, puzzles and cooking.  I played volleyball for many years, but have retired, lol.
Judy Ledford

Judy Ledford

Organist / Pianist

Mrs. Ledford is a 1959 graduate of Russell High School. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in English and Art from Eastern Kentucky University, she began teaching at McDowell Elementry School in the Russell School District. While working for the District, Mrs. Ledford recieved her Master’s Degree in Counseling and her Rank 1 in Administration and Counseling from Morehead State University. Mrs. Ledford moved to the Russell Junior High School in 1969, teaching English and Counseling and later Asst. Principal for Russell Middle School. In 1993, Mrs. Ledford became the Director of Pupil Personnel for the District until her retirement in 1998. Mrs. Ledford is a former board member of the Russell Education Endowment Foundation. Mrs. Ledford was elected to the Russell Board of Education in 2007.

Roger Daniels

Roger Daniels

Interim Choir Director

Roger Daniels recieved his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Concord College (now University) and his Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of South Carolina. His classroom experiences include teaching instrumental music and choral music in Raleigh County (WV) Schools and Aiken County (SC) Schools and instrumental music in Mercer County (WV) Schools. Roger also was an instructor of music and Director of Bands at Concord College where his duties also included instructing students in music education and percussion. During his time in Mercer County, Roger served as Choir Director first at the Carr Memorial United Methodist Church and later at Cumberland Heights Baptist Church.
  Roger retired from the Mercer County School system in 2012 last serving as the Director of Human Resources and Supervisor of Fine Arts. Roger and his late wife Cathy, relocated to the Huntington area to be near their two sons, Michael and Sean and his wife Stephanie, and their growing family of grandkids.
Bob Combs

Bob Combs

Maintenance & Custodial Services