hope leadership

MEET THE TEAM

  • Bo jeffares - pastor

    Bo is originally from Meridian, MS, and came to Hope after graduating Mississippi State University in 2004. He later earned a masters in Global Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. Bo currently lives in Tupelo, MS with his wife, Kimberly and two daughters. He enjoys playing, writing and listening to music, reading, bowhunting, golfing and being with friends.

  • leah shackelford - hope kids director

    Originally from West Point, I have lived in Columbus since 2010. I graduated from Ole Miss (Hotty Toddy!), and I am a teacher at Annunciation Catholic School. I’ve attended Hope since 2017 and love following Jesus in this community of believers.


  • a. b. puckett - board member

    A. B. grew up in Columbus.  After graduating from Furman University, he worked as a financial advisor for Edward Jones, and later moved to Kenya to help found Global Connections, a non-profit that serves the widowed, orphaned, poor and oppressed.  A. B. currently works in private equity and serves on the boards of Hope Church, BlueSky Global Ministries, Global Connections and Cadence bank advisory board.

  • john trumm - board member

    John is originally from Potosi, Wisconsin.  He currently works as a Civil Engineer for the U.S. Air Force with seven years active duty and over fourteen years Civil Service. John has two children and lives in Steens with his wife, Laura.  He enjoys traveling adventures and exploring and experiencing the scenery, history, and food that new places have to offer.

  • andrew mercer - board member | secretary

    Originally from Spearman, TX, Andrew moved to Columbus in 2009 after receiving a doctorate in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma. He's currently a professor in the Dept. of Geosciences at Mississippi State University. In addition to the Hope board, he serves as a teacher in Hope Kids Ministry.  Andrew, his wife, Jaimie, and three children live in Columbus.  He's a fan of OU football and enjoys storm chasing. 

  • RObert Staggers - Board Member

    Originally from West Point, MS, Robert has lived in Columbus since 1995 and has served on staff at Hope for over a decade. Robert is an avid musician. A cook. A lover. A fighter and a friend. 

  • laura Trumm - treasurer

    Laura is a transplant from Phoenix, Arizona. She has lived in Mississippi since 2014 and currently works as the Human Resources Director for Columbus AFB. Laura lives with her husband, John, and two puppies, Zeke & Coco, in Steens. When not working, she enjoys going on trips and exploring new eating spots.

  • Jon wright - worship leader