Dr. Lawrence Powers
Senior Pastor
Lawrence is a native of Macon, Georgia, but has called North Carolina home since childhood. He is a three-time graduate of Campbell University, earning a BA in Religion and Philosophy, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry. He was ordained in 2014 by Oakmont Baptist Church, a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship congregation.
Lawrence’s ministry has been shaped by a deep love for the local church and a calling to walk alongside people in seasons of faith, doubt, growth, and change. He has served in youth and collegiate ministry, including work as a Collegiate Campus Minister with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina and as Baptist Chaplain at Duke University. Before coming to Westwood in 2024, he served as Senior Pastor of Benson Baptist Church.
Lawrence’s wife, Heather, works as a Certified Athletic Trainer with UNC Orthopedics. They have three children, Jackson, Devon, and Kennedy, one grandson, Blake, and two terrier mixes, Widget and Oliver. He finds joy at the beach or in the mountains, and cheering on the Tar Heels and the Camels.
Lawrence’s ministry has been shaped by a deep love for the local church and a calling to walk alongside people in seasons of faith, doubt, growth, and change. He has served in youth and collegiate ministry, including work as a Collegiate Campus Minister with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of North Carolina and as Baptist Chaplain at Duke University. Before coming to Westwood in 2024, he served as Senior Pastor of Benson Baptist Church.
Lawrence’s wife, Heather, works as a Certified Athletic Trainer with UNC Orthopedics. They have three children, Jackson, Devon, and Kennedy, one grandson, Blake, and two terrier mixes, Widget and Oliver. He finds joy at the beach or in the mountains, and cheering on the Tar Heels and the Camels.
Rev. Amanda Allard
Associate Pastor of Children and Youth
Amanda has been part of the Westwood family for most of her life and has served on staff since 2019. She began as an intern in Children’s and Family Ministries, later served as Minister of Children, and in 2025 was called as Associate Pastor for Children and Youth. Her ministry is rooted in a deep love for Westwood and a commitment to nurturing faith across generations.
Born and raised in the Raleigh area, Amanda’s own faith was shaped through growing up at Westwood, especially during her years as a youth. She is a graduate of Campbell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Christian Education at Campbell’s Divinity School. She was ordained by Westwood Baptist Church through the Raleigh Baptist Association in May 2024. Prior to full-time ministry, Amanda served as an elementary school teacher in the local community.
Outside of church, Amanda enjoys hiking, reading, time at the beach, and embracing her love of all things Disney.
Born and raised in the Raleigh area, Amanda’s own faith was shaped through growing up at Westwood, especially during her years as a youth. She is a graduate of Campbell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Christian Education at Campbell’s Divinity School. She was ordained by Westwood Baptist Church through the Raleigh Baptist Association in May 2024. Prior to full-time ministry, Amanda served as an elementary school teacher in the local community.
Outside of church, Amanda enjoys hiking, reading, time at the beach, and embracing her love of all things Disney.
Mackenzie Smith
Mackenzie is a native of Durham, North Carolina, and brings a deep passion for music, worship, and relational ministry. She grew up at Yates Baptist Church and has over a decade of experience in worship leadership, along with six years of teaching experience with children and youth. Mackenzie’s ministry is grounded in helping people experience God through music in its many forms and in creating worship that is thoughtful, inclusive, and engaging.
Mackenzie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating cum laude, and her Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, graduating magna cum laude, with certificates in Worship and Baptist Studies.
She has served as a worship planning intern and chapel band coordinator at Duke Divinity School and as Seminarian in Residence and Interim Minister of Youth, Children, and Families at Yates Baptist Church. She is currently pursuing ordination as she lives into her call to serve God through music and pastoral leadership.
Mackenzie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating cum laude, and her Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, graduating magna cum laude, with certificates in Worship and Baptist Studies.
She has served as a worship planning intern and chapel band coordinator at Duke Divinity School and as Seminarian in Residence and Interim Minister of Youth, Children, and Families at Yates Baptist Church. She is currently pursuing ordination as she lives into her call to serve God through music and pastoral leadership.
Jody Hutto
Interim Director of Music Ministry
Jody is a long-time music volunteer at Westwood who has graciously stepped into our interim role to lead our music ministry. He works full-time for the federal government in addition to supporting the ministries of Westwood!
He is married to Paige, and they have two daughters and one grandchild.
He is married to Paige, and they have two daughters and one grandchild.
Lisa Baker
Office Manager
Lisa Baker joined the Westwood staff in October 2023 as Office Manager. A lifelong resident of North Carolina, she has lived in Wake County since 1983 and brings a steady presence, thoughtful attention to detail, and a genuine heart for serving the Westwood community. Her work helps support the daily rhythms of the church and creates a welcoming, well-organized environment for both staff and the larger congregation.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Louisburg College and brings a diverse professional background, including work with the NC Department of Natural Resources and experience as an Executive Manager with Tupperware.
Lisa is married and has two sons, both of whom serve as firefighters.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Louisburg College and brings a diverse professional background, including work with the NC Department of Natural Resources and experience as an Executive Manager with Tupperware.
Lisa is married and has two sons, both of whom serve as firefighters.
Elizabeth Booker
Pianist
Elizabeth is the owner and principal instructor of Norris Music Studio, where she has been teaching private lessons in piano, flute, and voice for more than two decades. Her work reflects a deep commitment to nurturing musical gifts with care, patience, and attentiveness to each student’s unique journey.
Elizabeth brings a rich and varied professional background to her ministry of music. Earlier in her career, she worked in technology and education, including roles with SAS, Nortel Networks, and the Internal Revenue Service. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from UNC Greensboro and also participated in the Disney University College Program Internship in Business.
A longtime member of the Cary Community Choir, Elizabeth currently serves as Vice President of its board and remains deeply invested in the musical life of the Cary community. Her own musical formation was shaped by respected local choral leaders Charles Gatwood and David Mellnik.
Elizabeth is married to Al and has three children. She brings both experience and heart to her teaching and to her stewardship of music as a gift meant to be shared.
Elizabeth brings a rich and varied professional background to her ministry of music. Earlier in her career, she worked in technology and education, including roles with SAS, Nortel Networks, and the Internal Revenue Service. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from UNC Greensboro and also participated in the Disney University College Program Internship in Business.
A longtime member of the Cary Community Choir, Elizabeth currently serves as Vice President of its board and remains deeply invested in the musical life of the Cary community. Her own musical formation was shaped by respected local choral leaders Charles Gatwood and David Mellnik.
Elizabeth is married to Al and has three children. She brings both experience and heart to her teaching and to her stewardship of music as a gift meant to be shared.
Rev. Charles Allard
Pastor Emeritus
Charles is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina and a graduate of New Hanover High School. He holds degrees from Mars Hill College, Furman University, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Charles and his wife, Gloria, served together as missionaries in Brazil for fourteen years, an experience that deeply shaped his pastoral heart and global vision. He later served as Pastor of Westwood Baptist Church from 1995 to 2008, guiding the congregation through two building campaigns and shepherding the church during a season of significant growth. His leadership and care continue to leave a lasting imprint on the life and ministry of Westwood.
In addition to his ministry at Westwood, Charles has served congregations across North Carolina, including pastorates in Bailey, Salisbury, Boone, and Morehead City, as well as interim roles in Wallace and Clinton.
Charles and Gloria have three grown children and four grandchildren. They currently reside in Apex.
Charles and his wife, Gloria, served together as missionaries in Brazil for fourteen years, an experience that deeply shaped his pastoral heart and global vision. He later served as Pastor of Westwood Baptist Church from 1995 to 2008, guiding the congregation through two building campaigns and shepherding the church during a season of significant growth. His leadership and care continue to leave a lasting imprint on the life and ministry of Westwood.
In addition to his ministry at Westwood, Charles has served congregations across North Carolina, including pastorates in Bailey, Salisbury, Boone, and Morehead City, as well as interim roles in Wallace and Clinton.
Charles and Gloria have three grown children and four grandchildren. They currently reside in Apex.