Leadership
Ben (he/him) is a pastor at First United Methodist Church of Escondido. He leads at Rise, the church’s new, progressive worshiping community. Surrounded by friends and books, Ben is a curious explorer of interior spaces, ancient texts, and spiritual practices.
Ben has collected theology degrees from institutions across the theological spectrum - first at Biola University, then Fuller Theological Seminary, and most recently from Claremont School of theology.
He has a passion for learning that inspires his love for campus ministry. He sees the work of the academic life as all tangled with the work of spiritual existence. They are both working with big questions and deep concerns. You can connect with him via email @ ben@fumcescondido.org
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Camp, Co-Chair
Hannah Ka is an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church of San Diego. She gathers and nurtures small groups within the church where friends become disciples and discipleship is lived out in friendship.
Hannah’s theological education—Methodist Theological University (Seoul, Korea), Boston University School of Theology, and then Claremont Graduate University—also added diversities of cultures to her life and ministry. Once lost in the study of theology but found by God’s amazing grace, she now believes that one must deconstruct one’s given faith to reclaim it. She invites all people, especially young college students, to welcome a time of questioning faith.
You can connect with her via email @ revhannah@fumcsd.org
Rev. Dr. Hannah Ka Co-Chair
Nicole Bennett-Iaccio
Rev. Matthew Hambrick
Susan Farnsworth
Nicole Bennett-Iaccio is an Academic Advisor and Program Manager at UC San Diego, International Programs. She loves working with international students from all over the world and helping them reach their educational goals.
Nicole received her BA in International Studies from the University of the Pacific and a MA in Teaching from School for International Training. Traveling the world is Nicole’s favorite hobby. She believes that providing a space that allows student to explore, question and grow in their faith is an integral part of their education.
Matt is the Lead Pastor at First United Methodist in Costa Mesa. He is known for engaging and thought-provoking sermons and for riding his pink skateboard around the church.
Matt started pastoring after studying philosophy and religion at Point Loma Nazarene University and Claremont School of Theology. It was at seminary that Matt found his passion for ministry, specifically for gathering people who have been traditionally left out by the mainstream Church.
His academic spin on the way he teaches the Bible and theology is one key reason for his love of campus ministry.
You can follow him on Instagram at @revhambrick
Susan is a retired teacher from Lemon Grove School District. A lifelong United Methodist, she has been an active member of Lemon Grove UMC for over 30 years, where she is currently on staff. Her passion for women's ministry led her to serve United Methodist Women at the local, district, and conference levels.
Susan had a fantastic college experience at Lock Haven University and would like the same for all students. She believes campus ministry can provide a much-needed support system and would like to see more funding and support for campus ministries.
She enjoys spending time with her husband Bill Jones and visiting with her family in Washington and Pennsylvania. Her leisure time is spent reading, playing word games, enjoying the outdoors, visiting with friends, and volunteering. Susan can be reached at patwin100@gmail.com
Rev. Scott Young
Scott is a consultant for Wesley Foundation and a liaison for campus ministry at the University of California, San Diego. He is Co-Founder, President, and Program Director for Culture Connection, a non-profit that supports and encourages artists and creatives through mentoring and programming.
He spent his career in higher education, as both a campus chaplain/university religious adviser, as well as an adjunct faculty member. He is passionate about pursuing intellectual curiosities and spiritual adventures.
He is married to Kathie, a retired public-school teacher, and has three adult children: Joshua was a chef in Long Beach (deceased 2018); Lindsey, a social worker in Long Beach; and Ashley, a public elementary school teacher in Long Beach. He is Grand-dude to Jackson, Scotlynn, and Dylan Joshua.
Eric Swanson
Linda Cree
Eric Swanson is a retired Civil Engineer who has been an active member of First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista since 1977 been involved with nearly all church ministries and administrative positions. Eric received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1975, and his Master’s of Science in 1977, in Civil Engineering from Arizona State University.
He is married to Rexanna and they have two daughters, Courtney and Hilary, who are both married and have twin children. Since 1999 when Courtney “came out," his family has become much more involved in social justice issues, with a special interest in LGBTQ+ support, civil rights, environmental protection, protection of democracy, and peace efforts.
Eric readily accepts Jesus' message of “Love all” and tries daily to do what Jesus wants of him. Involvement and support of Wesley Foundation and its support of college-age young adults is an important aspect of how Eric manifests his faith. His email is rrch040522@gmail.com .
Linda serves as Business Administrator at Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa. Her introduction to campus ministry came after her daughter joined a Wesley ministry at University of Delaware.
Linda grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Rider University, receiving a B.S. in Business Education. She loves participating in a variety of activities in her church, including Handbell choir, and fundraisers but her passion is golfing. She lives in Jamul with her husband.
