From left to right: Art Polo, Meredith Shanley, Jessica Edmonds, and Wayne Lackman.
Art Polo
Office Manager
Art Polo comes to Fox Island United Church of Christ with a strong background in computer technology. Most recently, he worked as a Software Technical Advisor at Skywerks LLC for 10 years. Art has recently started as the new Office Manager at FIUCC and has already shown how helpful and Knowledgeable he has been in assuming the responsibilities in the position of Office Manager. His easy-going personality has made the transition from Software Technical Advisor to Office Manager a smooth and enjoyable experience. Away from the office, Art is usually found on the trails with his wife and dog, out in his boat, or in the garden assisting in any way that he can. Besides being blessed with 9 grandchildren that also keep him busy, Art loves to travel and enjoy the outdoors.
Wayne Lackman
Music Minister / Choir Director
Wayne Lackman graduated from Pacific Lutheran University and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Choral Conducting under the tutelage of Dr. Richard Skones. A native of Montana, Wayne performed as tenor soloist with the Choir of the West and Opera program at Pacific Lutheran University. Wayne brings with him a rich resume of experience which includes 23 years as the choir director at Gig Harbor High School. Wayne’s choirs consistently rate superior ratings and have won awards throughout the United States and Europe. He also directs local community choirs and musical theater groups in the area. Wayne has been involved in church music ministry for many years and currently is the Minister of Music at the Fox Island United Church of Christ. He is an active member with the American Choral Director’s Association and a previous board member with the Washington Music Educators Association.
Meredith Shanley
Pianist / Organist
Meredith Shanley began her ministry as organist/pianist at the Fox Island United Church of Christ in 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in organ performance from Central Washington University, where she also studied harpsichord and accompanying pedagogy.
Meredith has enjoyed performing in many different groups and venues. Her background includes big band, popular music, organ with symphony and wind ensemble, solo organ concerts and musical theatre. Locally, she played keyboard for Encore! Theatre in Gig Harbor and has worked with the theatre program at South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard for over 15 years.
When she is not pursuing her musical interests, Meredith can be found at South Kitsap High School, where she works as Student Records & Scheduling Specialist. She lives in Port Orchard with her husband Tom, son Ryan, and their terrier mix, Zoey.
Jessica Edmonds
Financial manager
Jessica Edmonds is Kansas born and raised but moved to the great state of Washington in 2015 with her husband, Andrew. She holds a degree from the University of Kansas and has spent many years doing bookkeeping and taxes. She is passionate about church accounting and enjoys the uniqueness and challenges it brings.
She has two daughters ages 5 and 3, Alice and Ada Joy. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, going for walks, and traveling around the Pacific Northwest.