Staff Directory
Ed Wright, Lead Pastor
My wonderful wife, Helen and I are blessed with two adult sons, Wes (married to Robyn) and Brent. In the role of Lead Pastor, I get to wear many hats including preaching, counseling, staff admin needs, small groups, and more! It’s a privilege to be a part of the Heartland family and together grow in our love for our Savior, for each other, and for our community. John 13:34-35
Contact Ed at: ed@heartcc.org
Matt Holderby, Executive Pastor
My wife and best friend, Becky and I have four children, Kyrsten, Matthew, Garrett and Gabriel. Yes, we have a FULL house, “busy, busy, busy!” As Worship Pastor I have the awesome privilege and responsibility to lead people to sing praises to God!
Contact Matt at: matt@heartcc.org
John Holderby, Associate Pastor (Preaching & Small Groups)
My wife and best friend, Lisa and I have two kids, Max and Skye. We have two dogs, a Swiss Mountain dog, Beast, and a White German Shepherd, Theo. I have lived in Normal all my life and my wife Lisa was raised outside of Quincy Ill. Lisa is a RN at Advocate Bromen where she was a cardiac nurse for twenty years and now works for Homecare and Hospice, on call on the weekends. We have called Heartland home for six years and are so excited to continue to serve in this larger role.
Contact John at: john@heartcc.org
Marcelle Ploense, Children’s Ministries Director
My wonderful husband Gig and I are blessed with three adult children: Caleb (married to Kyli), Jacob, and Hannah. As KidCo Director I get to hang out with the kids. I also love to be a part of the adult worship time.
Contact Marcelle at: kidco@heartcc.org
Liz Ritter, Office Manager
I have lived in the Bloomington-Normal area for many years, growing up in the body of Christ and surrounded by ministry. I am blessed to have been a partner at Heartland for a few years now, and I love serving and supporting worship as part of the Tech Team. As office manager I assist the pastoral staff by handling administrative duties.
Contact Liz at: liz@heartcc.org
Melissa Bliven, Little KidCo Coordinator
I have two wonderful teenage daughters. I am blessed to have been raised in the body of Christ, and I am also a former Army Medic. I have been a member of Heartland church for over a decade and have spent about half of that time as Lil’ Kidco Coordinator. My role is to ensure the Baby, toddler and Pre-k rooms are well managed with volunteers who are well suited for their role, as well as maintaining the organization and cleanliness of each room. Even the smallest of children can be taught God’s love, so that is the mission of Lil’ Kidco.
Contact Melissa at: lil_kidco@heartcc.org
Wes Hood, Associate Worship Leader
I am blessed to be a part of this church and community. I never envisioned I would be working at a church as an Assistant Worship Pastor, but God’s plan for your life cannot be denied. I am originally from Streator, IL. I am married to my wife Chelsea and we have two kids Jamison and Macie. When I am not at the church I am usually chasing them around or going to the events they have. I live by John 3:30, in its most simple form it means He>I. If you have songs you’d like for our team to do, comments, or ways to improve your church experience please reach out.
Contact Wes at: weshood13@yahoo.com
