Leadership

Rev. Katie came to UUMC as our Senior Pastor in July 2020.  Despite the challenges of beginning ministry among us in the midst of a pandemic, she was (and still is!) elated to return to lead a vibrant congregation in her own hometown. She was born and raised in Baton Rouge and graduated from Baton Rouge Magnet High School. Rev. Katie is a graduate with a B.A. in Religious Studies and Sociology from Centenary College of Louisiana and received her MDiv from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. Presently, she is a PhD candidate (ABD) in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University, pursuing this degree to provide consulting and coaching for leaders in churches and non-profits. Her ultimate goal is to show others how to use their gifts most effectively. For twenty years, she has served as a pastor, community leader, and planter of new ministries among Louisiana congregations in Bossier City and Lake Charles. She is now serving for a second time here in Baton Rouge. She presently provides leadership on the Annual Conference, Jurisdictional and global levels of The United Methodist Church.  Rev. Katie is committed to continuing the rich history of UUMC while also growing our partnerships in the surrounding community and LSU's campus life.

Rev. Katie is married to Taylor Simpson, a native of Shreveport, LA, and graduated with a B.S. and Masters in Biomedical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University. He is presently employed as the Director of Information Technology for an aviation completions business, Citadel Completions. On Sundays, you might catch him in the back of the sanctuary serving faithfully as a member of the live stream team.  They have three children – a daughter, Eva, and two sons, Jack and Sam.