Our Staff

Dr. Clayton Speed

Lead Pastor

  • I have been the Lead Pastor at First Baptist Hartselle since August 2015. My pastoral role revolves around preaching, leading, and establishing the vision for the church. My hope and passion is to help people experience the gospel of Jesus in every aspect of life and then to live into the calling that Jesus Christ has given each one of us. In other words, to “live the Gospel OUT LOUD” every day!

    I grew up in Selma, Alabama. I’m a West Point graduate and later got my doctorate at Beeson Divinity School.

    My wife, Mary, and I have been married since June 1993. I definitely “out-married” my coverage in every way! We have been blessed with four children – Clayton, Jr., Isabelle, Josh, and Gabby. We came to Hartselle in August 2015 after serving on staff at FBC Trussville. We absolutely LOVE living in Hartselle – the City of Southern Hospitality. It may be the best-kept secret in the State of Alabama! Although I know that I’m biased, I believe that FBC Hartselle is the best church ever – we love our family of faith here. Hang time equals family time in my life. I like cars, gadgets, anything that goes fast; and, of course, Army football!! Go Army!!

    I’m also a “dog person.” We have three big dogs at our house – a yellow lab (Nick), a Bernese (Leo), and a French Mastiff (Teddy); and one small Corgi (Lillabet) who rules them all!

Trent Nolen

Student Minister

  • I have been the Student Minister at FBC since October 2021. Before coming to Hartselle, I served in ministry in Montgomery and Demopolis.

    I am an Alabama native and lived in Dadeville all of my childhood. I grew up in a Christian home with parents who loved and modeled faithful service to the Lord and His people. I have also been blessed with more mentors and friends along my journey than could be mentioned; all of whom have made an impact on my growth in faith and ministry.

    I hold a Bachelor’s from Auburn University in Health Promotions. War Eagle! I also hold a Master of Arts in Religion with the concentration in Christian Leadership.

    I am married to my high school sweetheart, Kasie (pronounced “Cassie”). We have four children: Joseph, Sarah, Hannah, and Matthew.

    When not at church, you can find me with family, students, or friends. For hobbies I enjoy golf, hunting, and trying to be a handy man at home for Kasie.

Regina Houser

Minister to Children & Families

  • I began my work as Minister to Children and Families at FBC Hartselle in January 2023. This was coming back home for me, since I grew up in Hartselle and in FBC; and I fondly remember so many who invested in me here. I still have several family members in Hartselle.

    My educational background consists of a bachelor’s degree in education from Auburn University, a master’s degree in education from UAB, and a master’s of divinity degree from Southwestern Seminary. 

    I have been involved with children and children’s ministry all of my professional life. I have been a school teacher, a missionary, a camp director, and – most recently – the weekday school director at a church in Birmingham. I am excited for this new opportunity at FBC Hartselle.

    My husband Brian and I look forward to resettling in Hartselle. We have one son and daughter-in-law who live in Knoxville, Tennessee. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me reading, watching sports, playing with my great nephews, or enjoying being outside.

Janice Cross

Senior Adult Associate

  • Janice Cross has been the Senior Adult Ministry Associate at First Baptist Church since March of 2020. She is a native of Cullman, Alabama and has been a member of FBCH since 1989.

    Before coming on Staff, Janice served in many capacities including: Music Ministry participant and leader, Mission Committee Chair, Missionary House Committee, Women’s Missionary Union, Youth Leader/Chaperone and even the Bus Committee. She also served on the staff of Livingston First Baptist Church as Interim Music Director prior to moving to Hartselle in 1989.

    With degrees from Cullman College (A.A.), University of Alabama at Birmingham (Certificate/ Physical Therapist Assistant) and Athens State University (B.S./Health Science) and over 45 years as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, Janice has had the opportunity to minister to all ages but has a special place in her heart for the “Seasoned/Senior Adult”. Her Ministry includes home and hospital visits, leading monthly Senior Adult Ministry meetings, fellowship activities, planning road trips and publishing a monthly newsletter and calendar of events.

    She married Dwight Cross in 1995 after meeting him in the FBCH Singles Sunday School Class. Dwight passed away in June of 2025 leaving Janice in the care of their pride and joy, Abby the Dachshund, son Matt, and the First Baptist Family.

Preston Adams

Director of Operations & Ministry

  • I grew up in First Baptist Hartselle & joined the staff in January 2025. I most recently lived in North Carolina where I worked as a General Manager in the private sector while serving as a lay pastor with a church plant. I have been married to Michelle since 2016 & we have two children. When not serving the church, I love to spend time with family, read, & golf.

Jamie Cleveland

Office Manager

  • I joined the staff at FBC Hartselle in November 2020 as the Membership Secretary. In

    January 2022, I assumed the position of Office Manager.  A Hartselle native, I graduated here in 1996.  I then graduated from the University of North Alabama with Bachelor’s degrees in both biology and geology.  Prior to First Baptist, I have been the Office Manager at a real estate office, a stay-at-home mom, and an Environmental Geologist concentrating on underground petroleum spills.

    I married my husband Eric in 2003. We have 2 daughters, Anya & Alora.  Our live-in supervisor is a huge black cat (Shadow). I enjoy music, reading, substitute teaching on Fridays, being both a Drama and Band parent, and cheering on both the Hartselle & Auburn Tigers.

Kelli Peck

Administrative Assistant

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Lauren Hibbs

PALS Director

  • I began work at First Baptist Hartselle in 2017, serving first in the church office as Administrative Assistant. After three years in that position, I became PALS director and remain in that position.

    I grew up in the small community of Caddo where I graduated from East Lawrence High School. I have a degree in accounting and a certificate in child psychology. My dad was a pastor, so church life has always been an integral part of my life and something I’ve always known I would be involved in.

    My husband Corey and I have two children: Avery Kate and Annie Ruth. We have had several other precious babies pass through our home through the foster care system.

    Any spare time is spent shopping, reading, and binging on whole seasons of Netflix offerings. You may also find us at home listening to oldies from Elvis and the Eagles on our record player!

Dawn Zanda

Events Coordinator

  • I have been a member of First Baptist Church since September 2006 and have been on staff since 2011. I have served both as the Children’s Ministry Director and the Events Coordinator. 

    I moved to Alabama from Michigan when I was in the fourth grade and later graduated from Decatur High School. I graduated from Arizona State University with a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice and a B.A. in sociology. In addition to my part-time work as Events Coordinator, I am a paraprofessional at Hartselle Intermediate School. 

    I have four children: Madeline, who is married to Hunter; Addison, Keegan, and Gavin. If I’m not at school or church, you’ll probably find me at a soccer field! I also enjoy being near the water and going on road trips.