Our Staff
Adam Podd, Director of Music adam@firstubrooklyn.org
Adam is a Vermont-bred, Brooklyn-based music director, pianist, organist,
bassist, composer and arranger. His first connection to church music
started at age eleven, when he played for a Christmas Eve service in the sleepy
town of Holland, VT. Read More
Garnett Losak (she/her), Director of Congregational Life garnett@firstubrooklyn.org
Garnett has been a member of First U for more than 30 years. She raised her now grown children, Katie Falzetta-Murray and Joseph Falzetta, in our Sunday school, and has served the congregation as a volunteer in more ways than she can remember. Garnett is here to help newcomers find their way. She loves hearing the many stories that our visitors bring with them. Nothing makes her happier than when a newcomer connects deeply with our congregation and becomes a voting member. Garnett Lives in Bay Ridge with her dog, McKenzie, is an avid Yogini, and loves visits from her three adorable grandchildren, Simon, Micah and Rowan.
Renee Strickland, Executive Manager, Building & Events Renee@firstubrooklyn.org
I am both honored and excited to join the wonderful staff and team for this growing and committed congregation. I look forward to wearing a few of Garnett’s hats while I manage events, expand community relations, and oversee facilities. I have a history of wearing several hats myself. I have practiced complex civil litigation; helped start-ups with intellectual property and employment issues; served as a Landmark Commissioner to preserve historic properties and districts; turned a farm-to-table dinner into an award-winning food and wine festival, while directly benefiting the farming community; and most recently consulted to a gender equity non-profit that had acquired a historic building as their new headquarters. More
Wendy Russell, Office Manager/Bookkeeper wendy@firstubrooklyn.org
Wendy is a working singer, songwriter, voice teacher, organizer, and bookkeeper. She is also a part time innkeeper who supports her mother’s B & B in the Berkshires on summer weekends.
In Wendy’s words, “I am a native New Yorker. I have 2 amazing daughters and 3 delicious grandchildren. One of my favorite places to have worked was Brooklyn Botanic Garden; walking through the gardens every day was heavenly and life affirming. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the First Unitarian Congregational Society.
Christopher Johnson, Director of Facilities chris@firstubrooklyn.org
Yvonne C. Garrett Intern Minister (she/her/hers) is a second generation UU, feminist, activist, Religious Humanist/Ethical Vegan, and Aspirant for UU Ministry. She holds an MLIS (LIU), an MFA (The New School), two Masters from NYU, and a Ph.D. from Drew University. Currently pursuing a Master in Divinity at Starr King, she also serves as a Spiritual Life Advisor at NYU. She works full time at The New School, is a Shop Steward for the Teamsters, and works part-time as an editor at Black Lawrence Press. She was recently appointed Editor of the UU Studies Network Journal.
