Pictured are the three newest members of the Pastoral Parish Council: (left to right) Louie Ramirez, Mary Ann O'Donnell, and Norm Foreman

Parish Pastoral Council Members: Linda Best (President), Eileen Connolly, Norm Foreman, Jim Gold, Warren Hunt (Secretary), Pete Kilmartin, Mary Ann O'Donnell, Louie Ramirez, and Fr. Ray Powell

Linda Best is a retired University Professor with extensive administrative experience in strategic planning; survey design, data analysis, and assessment; and qualitative research in an academic environment and at the Diocesan level. She and her husband Laurence have been members of the Parish since 2012. Linda currently serves the parish as President of the Parish Pastoral Council, facilitates the Women's Prayer Group, and participates in a variety of Faith Formation programs.

Eileen Connolly brings her experience in Human Services to the Parish Pastoral Council. She has worked with youth and adults to improve their lives in the areas of education, employment, and healthcare. Eileen and her husband Jim Lightner have been members of the parish for three and a half years. During this time, she has been involved with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Council of Catholic Women and has enjoyed participating in various Faith Formation classes. Most recently, in addition to her appointment in the Council, she has been a Welcome Committee member and now gives tours of the church campus.

Norm Foreman and his wife Ursula have been members of St. Thomas since 2002. They have two sons and four grandchildren. His working career was focused on administrative and executive management positions in the natural resources and energy business, concluding with work in diversified business expansion. Norm has experience with many parishes due to business-driven relocations, and has been an active participant in music, adult faith formation, finance and other ministries. 

Jim Gold works at ORNL as Team Leader for Site Utilities and Infrastructure Modernization. Prior to coming to ORNL in ’19, Jim worked as Project Director for GE Aviation in Huntsville, AL, and the DuPont Company at various International and Domestic Locations.  Jim and his wife Nadine have been members of St. Thomas since 2019. Presently Jim serves the Priests, Parish, and Community as Grand Knight for Council 12633, enjoys ushering at 9:00 AM Mass, and is the Council's representatiove on the parish Building Advisory Group.

Warren Hunt brings experience as a materials research scientist, consultant, and nonprofit executive director to the Parish Pastoral Council. He and his wife Shawna have been members of the parish since 2014. Warren serves as the Chair of the Adult Faith Formation Steering Committee, an usher, and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion in addition to his role as Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council. 

Pete Kilmartin has been a member of St. Thomas since 2011 after moving here with his wife Jo from Ohio. He spent his career in the business aviation industry and is currently working on a gradual switch to retirement. Pete serves the parish as an usher at many of the Saturday evening Mass.

Mary Ann O'Donnell married in 1981 to Chuck (retired Air Force). They have 2 beautiful children and 7 amazing grandchildren. Mary Ann started playing guitar and singing in church at 13 and has directed many choirs along the military and civilian journey. She is retired after 23 years working for a Japanese firm in accounting and supply chain management.

Louie Ramirez brings his experience as a Finance Executive of Northrop Grumman and the experience of a recently retired CEO of a public non-profit organization, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center to the Parish Council.  He and his wife Carine have been members of the Parish since 2020.  Louis serves the Parish in a lead role for the Light of The World retreats, is a member of the Parish Finance Board, and is a Sunday Catechist.