The Speakers' Bureau
Need a speaker for an upcoming organizational meeting, Sunday School class, luncheon or club gathering?
We welcome the opportunity to tell your group about all of the exciting things that are happening at FirstWorks. To schedule an event with one of our speakers, please call 526-8228 and speak with Pastor Bee or Cathy Armstrong.
Reverend Birgitte T. French, Executive Director of FirstWorks
“Pastor Bee” as she is affectionately called, is an ordained Methodist minister with multiple degrees, including a Masters of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Originally from Denmark, Pastor Bee also served many years as a missionary in Africa.
She has been FirstWorks’ Executive Director for over two years and was responsible for the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet opening its doors just four weeks after a horrific fire destroyed the former location at First United Methodist Church.
The mother of two teenagers, Pastor Bee brings an insightful understanding of Memphis’ inner-city issues and has developed a close, caring relationship with the children in the FIrstWorks’ Children’s Program and their families. Pastor Bee also serves as Campus Minister at University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Cathy Armstrong, Director of Development
Cathy Armstrong came to FirstWorks after spending many years volunteering in the Memphis community for organizations such as the Junior League of Memphis, Madonna Circle, and the Delta Gamma Alumni Group.
Also a freelance writer, Cathy has published articles in several local magazines such as At Home In Tennessee, the Main Street Journal and Mid South Magazine. A downtown resident for over 15 years, Cathy is familiar with the feelings of hopelessness and despair that homelessness and poverty bring to our fellow Memphians.
Tracy Crump, member of the FirstWorks Board of Directors
Tracy Crump is a longtime volunteer with the FirstWorks Children’s Program. By including her husband Lee and children Paige and Hailey in time spent at FirstWorks, her love of this ministry has truly become a family affair. In May of this year, Tracy retired from ServiceMaster in order to devote more time to volunteering for FirstWorks.
She is currently completing her first year as a member of the Board of Directors and has lent her time and talent to chairing the Development Committee, and assisting in the long-range planning of the organization and its fund raising activities.