(NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Feb 21, 2022) First Priority of America, a 501C3 non-profit ministry focused on empowering students to reach their friends with the HOPE of Christ, announced today that Executive Director of First Priority in Nashville, Tennessee, Steve Cherrico, and Executive Director of First Priority Permian Basin in Texas, Shane Kenney, have been hired part time as new Regional Managers for the growth in Tennessee and Texas.
“Cherrico and Kenney are both proven leaders and have helped grow First Priority of America,” said First Priority of America President Mark Robbins. “Our goal is to reach 10,000 schools in the next five years. We are growing and expanding in Tennessee and Texas and across the nation. Their help and leadership are vital to our continued growth.”
Cherrico has been married to his wife Jessi for 24 years, is a father of three children, all adopted out of the Greater Nashville area, and has more than 25 years invested in youth ministry across the United States. He has served as a Youth Pastor, Next Gen Pastor and Campus Missionary through First Priority. He brings a unique view to youth ministry as he was brought to Christ through a peer at his school sharing the gospel at 15 years old and has been involved in youth ministry ever since. You can connect with Steve at steve@fpofamerica.com or @stevecherrico on social media.
Kenney has been working with students since 1998. He has served as a youth pastor in Florida for
many years as well as coaching at the local school. It was during that time that he got a burden for campus ministry. In February of 2011 he joined First Priority in West Florida. In July of 2013, he moved his family to West Texas to become the Executive Director in the Permian Basin. Shane lives in Odessa, TX with his wife, Natalie and oldest daughter Tori. His youngest daughter Tristan currently lives in Anchorage, AK.
In their new roles, Cherrico and Kenney will be helping with the expansion into Forth Worth, Texas and The Northeast Tennessee markets. First Priority will be hiring area coordinators, and directors for each market. Other new markets and expansion for First Priority include Orlando, Kansas City, Dallas, Richmond, and more.
“God continues to send us the right leaders, support and team members that are empowering students. The 10,000 schools in five years are goals we feel we can reach as we empower more leaders and student leaders to share the HOPE of Christ. We are thankful to have these two First Priority Veterans join our expanding national team,” said Robbins.
