ASBURY FIRST MONDAY READER | JUNE 29, 2025

CONTENTS: GET TO KNOW DEB BULLOCK-SMITH AND HOLLY TEMMING

We caught up with Deb Bullock-Smith, who is stepping into David Strong's role of Director of Operations, a role that expands upon her expertise in management and administration, and which will make good use of the personal relationships she's built over more than two decades as a member of Asbury First. David's are big shoes to fill, but Deb is more than up to the task.

Monday Reader: You've been such an integral part of our church family for many years now. What's been the most rewarding part of your role as Office and Data Manager?

Deb Bullock-Smith: I've been at Asbury First for 7 years, and a member for 24 years! It has been rewarding to get to know so many people – including members, neighbors, vendors, and many people in the community groups that use our space. I have enjoyed helping to update some processes and implementing new software and technology so we can work more efficiently.  

MR: What does good leadership look like to you? Can you share an example of when you've seen it in action or when you've had to step into that role yourself?

DB: Good leadership requires communication, flexibility, creative problem solving, adaptability, compassion, and humility. It requires technical skills and knowledge as well as a lot of emotional intelligence and sensitivity to meet people where they are. I have seen countless volunteers and staff at Asbury First leading with these qualities, exemplifying that we're Better Together!

MR: I'd love to hear more about your story before you came to Asbury First. What path led you here, and what have you learned professionally along the way that has shaped who you are today?

DB: I have a bachelor's degree in sociology from the College of Wooster in Ohio, and a background working in recruiting (mostly in healthcare) and operations. Before I came to Asbury First, I was the General Manager for 2 small companies (concurrently) – a satellite radio network catering to nursing homes, and a specialty light bulb reseller. Working in both support and leadership roles has given me an appreciation for the challenges in different aspects of an organization, which I believe contributes to being a well-rounded person. 

MR: What's something from your background that might surprise people about how it's prepared you for this new role?

DB: I was VP of a small company when the beloved president of the company was diagnosed with cancer and died within a few months. I was asked to lead the company through this difficult and emotional transition, having to instill confidence in my colleagues that I was able to lead, while helping them grieve his loss. It was really difficult to lose my mentor and close friend so suddenly. The grief was challenging for all of us and the combination of business transition and personal loss was complicated. I learned to listen before acting, and that caring for the staff was sometimes more important than making changes in the business.  

This experience taught me that I can't do it all alone! Although I'm fiercely independent at times, I know that it takes many people with different skills and talents to make an organization successful. Asbury First depends on the generous sharing of time, talent, and treasure of staff and members, and fostering these gifts will help us continue to grow.  

MR: What's your heart telling you about this new role? What are you most looking forward to?

DB: While the announcement that David Strong was planning to retire surprised and saddened me, I started thinking about how I could help Asbury First in this moment. I hope to share my years of institutional knowledge along with my leadership experience in other roles with Asbury First. We have a great staff and team of volunteer leaders in place and I look forward to working with them.  

Holly Temming takes over Deb Bullock-Smith's former responsibilities as Operations Manager, bringing a flexibility, thoughtfulness and eagerness to Asbury First. She'll manage the Church's calendar, the Church directory and all data collected from the congregation, space rental on campus, contracts, elements of human resources and a hundred other things! Sounds like a lot, but Holly has a knack for multi-tasking (and she makes it look pretty easy!). We sat down to talk with Holly about the new role she'll be taking on (in addition to her duties with Children's Music & Ministry) as of July 1.

Monday Reader: Holly, you've been such a blessing to both our Finance department and Children's Music Ministry. What has it been like juggling those two very different areas, and what have you learned from each? 

Holly Temming: I love having the different roles and I’ve learned to compartmentalize the jobs to get each of them done. Working with Paula Dugan has been a joy and I have learned from her and Children’s Ministry how to be flexible and keep love at the center of everything we do. Working in Administration and Finance has also been a joy and I feel privileged to have had the chance to work with John Ormsbee, David Strong, and Deb Bullock-Smith – three of the most professional and wise people I’ve ever known.  

MR: Can you share a favorite memory or moment from working with our Children's Music program? How has that experience shaped your approach to working with people? 

HT: During COVID shutdown, when I only had six children in the older children’s choir, which was not enough to do a musical, I created a play using the book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. Jeanne Strong selected and played piano music from Schumann’s “Kinderszenen” (Scenes from Childhood) which was lovely. The show offered a message of hope during difficult times. COVID shutdown forced me to think outside the box and do things differently in Children’s Music.  

MR: Have you always been drawn to both the analytical side (like finance) and the creative, people-focused side (like Children's Ministry)? How do you think that combination will play into your new role? 

HT: I have always been analytical, creative, and slightly obsessed with being organized. I think these traits are a great combination for managing operations and people. 

MR: What's something from your background that might not be obvious but has really prepared you for managing operations? 

HT: I grew up the youngest child in a family of six and my mother was the captain of our ship. I learned a lot from her about time management, being organized and disciplined, and the power of being kind. Although my degree is in music, I worked for 10 years in healthcare management and my jobs as Manager of Physician billing for ViaHealth and Manager of Finger Lakes Radiation & Oncology Center at Clifton Springs Hospital taught me how to manage staff and complicated operations simultaneously. Both jobs required working with quite a few informational systems in multiple locations. 

MR: What's your heart telling you about this new role? What are you most looking forward to? 

HT:  My heart is excited about this new role, and I love taking on new challenges. I am so thankful that I will still be working with the same wonderful colleagues. I’m looking forward to meeting more members and hope I can serve the Asbury Community well. 

MR: As you step into this new role, what's your vision for how we can better serve our church community? 

HT: Our Asbury Community is full of so many people who are eager to help do more good in this world. I hope I can help connect them with activities, volunteering, and serving in our Asbury First family.