OUR LEADERS
Vessel wouldn't exist without the support and encouragement of each member, as well as it's dedicated leaders.
DOUG SERRA
Founder, Chief Administrator & Small Group Leader
“The North Georgia mountains have been my home for most of my life, and while I didn’t always want to live in this rural area, God quickly showed me that He had, and still very much has, a mission for my life here in this place I get to call home. God rocked my soul at the age of 12, and from there it has been a story of God’s providence in my life amidst many hardships as well as powerful opportunities. God has allowed me the privilege of guiding young adults spiritually while doing life beside them. We are excited to see what the body of Christ will look like within the next generation of leaders.”
Sarah SERRA
Administrator & Event Host
"I was born and raised in little Ellijay, Georgia. Being homeschooled in a Christian family that taught me Biblical values on a daily basis is something I would come to appreciate as I got older. In high school, I was a student leader in my youth group and was discipled by my youth pastors very intentionally. They taught me how to make my faith my own and grow in my relationship with Christ. After I met my husband, Douglas Serra, through a friend, we started dating, and he invited me to the college ministry he was leading. It turned out to be exactly what I needed both in fellowship and spirit-driven community! The ministry started growing and has evolved into VESSEL Ministry. This beautiful community of young adults that are growing and doing life together, while being so open and raw with one another, is such an amazing thing to have at this age. They love Christ and love people -- something I am so blessed to be able to help cultivate!"
HOLLY
HAWKINS
Assistant Administrator
"I started attending the young adult ministry in 2015 after I graduated high school (and my youth group). Since then, Vessel has allowed me to grow spiritually and emotionally as a young adult, from overcoming severe social anxiety, solidifying my grasp on Christian doctrine, and now in serving my home church, Vessel and its leaders gave me the tools and resources I needed to succeed in this stage of life. I am excited to have the opportunity to give back and serve others in this ministry as I have been served."
VESSEL BOARD
BILL SCHAKAT
Secretary
Bill grew up in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio, in a Christian home. He came to faith at a young age and felt God calling him into ministry, even as a teenager. He attended Toccoa Falls College in Georgia and earned a degree in Pastoral ministry, followed by an MDiv from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Bill served as a youth pastor for 15 years and as pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church in Blairsville, Georgia, for 13 years. He is married to Mary Beth, and they have two grown children.
GENA TURNER
Treasurer
"I have a passion for the Next Generation. I currently work at Mountain Area Christian Academy and reside on the board of Vessel and the Fannin Christian Learning Center. I am also on the Local Outreach leadership team at The Ridge Community Church. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 30 years and have 3 amazing children and 5 beautiful grandchildren. Proverbs 22:6 tells us to "train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." I believe that God has allowed me to use my talents in administration and finance to help work in areas that continue to grow and be fruitful to our next generation of Christ followers."
FRED ZUCKER
Vice Chair
Fred Zucker is happily married with 4 wonderful children, ages 26 to 45. He has been employed in the marine business for 45 years. As a servant of Christ, he advocates for young people to achieve success, to thrive, and to build relationships with our Lord and Savior.
IAN CONREY
Chair
Bio coming soon!
OTHER
Kami PANFILAU
Vessel Newsletter Writer
Grace GROOVER
Website Editor
