Albany Unitarian Universalist Ministry and Staff

Our Ministry and Staff

Our excellent ministry and staff support the many programs, services; and the members, friends and community of Albany UU. Contact our staff at any time with questions you may have.

Rev. Samuel A. Trumbore, Minister

Before coming to Albany in 1999, Rev. Trumbore served in Port Charlotte, Florida for six years and three years in a consulting role in Niagara Falls, New York, the congregation in which he was ordained. He received his education for ministry in Berkeley, California at Starr King School for the Ministry. He is Past President of Iroquois Chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association and the Unitarian Universalist Buddhist Fellowship. He is past President of a Capital Region faith based community organizing project called ARISE, A Regional Initiative Supporting Empowerment. Rev. Trumbore continues to serve in various non-profit leadership and support roles in the Capital Region of New York. He is also active with the West Hill Minister’s Fellowship and Interfaith Impact of New York State. Rev. Trumbore is married to Philomena Moriarty Trumbore and together they have a son Andrew born in 1992.

Jacob King, Ministerial Intern

Jacob King(He/Him) is a third-year Masters of Divinity(Mdiv) student at Starr King school for the Ministry.

Jacob openly identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community (Bi-sexual).

Jacob came to UU in 2019, after having left a Christian tradition he disagreed with theologically, ethically, and morally.

Jacob currently identifies theologically as a UU-Christian.

Jacob has moved to Albany from Oregon with his spouse, Karmen; along with three cats and a dog.

Jacob is excited to meet, serve, and worship with members of the congregation over the course of the internship (Aug 2022-May 2023).

Elizabeth Baldes, Director Religious Education

Elizabeth joined the staff of Albany UU in August 2018, becoming Director of Religious Education in June 2022. Along the way she served as Religious Education Program Assistant, RE Progam Coordinator, and Acting Director of RE. Elizabeth draws on her experience as an early childhood educator and child care provider, as well as her volunteer work with Albany UU (teaching teams and Religious Education Council) to help provide a supportive, engaging place for children and youth to learn, grow, and connect. She is particularly grateful for the caring and committed community involved in our Programs for Children and Youth.

A graduate of Empire State College, Elizabeth is a dedicated lifelong learner and avid reader. She and her husband Rich enjoy living in Albany with their two daughters, some super-spoiled pets, a moderately successful garden, and way too many books and records.

Olga Martinez, Music Director

Olga Martinez is a forever Albany resident. She is a graduate of Albany High and received her Bachelors in Music Education at the College of Saint Rose. Since 2009 she has been the music director of the Capital Pride Singers, an LGBTQA+ community chorus in the capital district, where she has continuously led to the musical growth of the group that has been around since 1995. She is also the director of operations at StudioHalibey, a creative consultancy for the media industry. She brings her expertise in music, logistics, project management, 18 years of professional experience and love of the Albany City to all that she does. When not in front of a chorus, piano or computer, she spends time with her son and husband, sewing, gardening or cooking vegetarian delights and has never met a block of tofu she didn’t have plans for. She is excited, ready to share and collaborate on bringing beautiful, meaningful music to the Albany UU.

Congregational Life Coordinator

The Congregational Life Coordinator works closely with ministry teams to reach out to diverse people and communities beyond the congregational walls and to welcome visitors, engage members and increase community awareness of Albany UU, developing and nurturing a culture of welcome and participation within the congregation.

Tammy Goddard, Church Administrator

Tammy is responsible for and can assist you with:

General direction and administration of church operations and facility management
Supervision of administrative and custodial staff including managing human resources
Congregational communications
Support for all church programs in general, the Membership process, the Board of Trustees, Finances and Stewardship, Public Relations and Building Use and management

Tammy has a BA in Liberal Arts and has been serving in church administration since 2009; beginning at BisMan UU in Bismarck, ND and currently at Albany UU. She lives in Averill Park with her family.

Administrative Assistant

The Administrative Assistant can assist with room rentals and reservations and other clerical tasks.

Paula Brewer, Religious Education Assistant

Paula Brewer moved to Albany NY in 1991, and shortly thereafter began to attend Albany UU (AUU). She became more active in AUU after the birth of her daughter, Anna, in 1996, focusing her activity on the Religious Education Program. Her volunteer AUU RE activities followed Anna as she grew, beginning with her coordination of a monthly Parent Group potluck and discussion group. Being older parents, Richard and Paula found comradery with other similar parents in this group. Paula followed Anna through the RE program volunteering in the Toddler Room and into other grades as Anna got older. She moved to being a youth group advisor, so that she could learn how to deal with her soon to be young adult child. Paula’s commitment to RE included 3 terms on the RE Council and one term as RE Council Chair. She most recently assisted with the 8^th Grade Reading Group. Richard and Paula are grateful for the Albany UU ‘village’ and its excellent RE program, which helped them to raise their daughter into a responsible adult UU. She is excited to assist Elizabeth Baldes and Albany UU in continuing its excellent RE program and working with Michele Townsend Grove to ensure that RE continues to meet the needs of the next generation of UUs.

Tim Pierce, Sexton

Tim works on Sunday (4-6 hours) and a week day (4-6 hours) and is responsible for Sunday morning operations and taking care of the church property.

Adrian Cattell, Lead Youth Advisor

Adrian is an avid reader, writer, and outdoor enthusiast. He is passionate about the environment, enjoys traveling, playing games, and meeting new people. When the weather is warm you can find him cycling around town! Adrian graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning, and is a lifelong UU. He also has a small dog named Minerva.

Randy Rosette, Music Associate (volunteer)

Though a longtime pharmacist by profession, Randy has focused on music as a more recent vocation. She enjoys the challenge of using instruments (voice, flute, keyboard) to create a fitting musical atmosphere and backdrop for church services, lifetime events, and varied celebratory occasions. Additionally, Randy has participated in numerous vocal and instrumental groups as well as served as Albany UU Interim Music Coordinator for several years. In her role as Music Associate, Randy will bring her love of music and strong teaching skills to support the Albany UU choir and Music Director. This may include leading sectional rehearsals and the congregation in song, accompanying, and collaborating on musical projects, with a goal of strengthening our overall church community through music.

Chris Jensen, Music Associate (volunteer)

Ever since performing in the barbershop quartet of a high school production of “Music Man”, Chris found the passion of his life- singing in harmony! He has sung in many choral groups, including the Albany Pro Musica, Electric City Chorus, Revisions quartet, Voices in Harmony, and the Albany UU choir. Chris also enjoys the challenge of occasional solo work. Chris has expanded his musical concentration to include the study of choral conducting. He is currently the Music Director of the Electric City Chorus and has served for several years as the Interim Choir Director for Albany UU. In his role as Music Associate, Chris will use these skills to enhance the music ministry at Albany UU.

First Unitarian Universalists of Albany