At UBA, our staff is one of our best assets. Whether it’s answering the phone when a church needs a mediator, helping with bylaws, providing information to understand your community better, or helping you equip and send your own leaders and missionaries, our staff works hard to support you in all avenues of ministry.

The team that serves you is one of the best, most professionally-trained, and cross-disciplined of any staff you will find at any state convention or association nationwide. And we have new staff on the team, so let’s get to know them better!

Melody Brackett

Administrative Assistant, Communications

Melody Brackett is a new administrative assistant for the UBA office. She will offer general administrative support to the staff and help with communications. Melody is excited to be serving the UBA and our partnering churches who work to make the Gospel known in Houston and the surrounding areas!

Growing up an Air Force brat, Melody developed a heart for ministry while living and serving in a variety of different cultural contexts across the country and the world. She has served in vocational ministry as both a worship leader and women’s ministry leader for ten years and holds a Masters of Church Music degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Since moving to Houston in July 2017, she has loved exploring the city with her family and experiencing the cultural diversity found here. She ministers alongside her husband, Zach, the pastor of LifeBrook Church in Houston, and their kids—Dawson, Selah, and Titus.

José Perez

Administrative Assistant

José Perez is UBA’s new full-time administrative assistant. He will provide general office assistance as well as support UBA’s Hispanic ministries. He also serves as the Hispanic Pastor at First Baptist Church Plum Grove.

José graduated from Grace School of Theology in 2014 and was ordained in 2016. He has a passion for music, whether playing or listening to all varieties. Throughout the years, José has had the privilege to play with several Christian bands as well as play music with his sons and wife. He loves meeting new people and fulfilling God’s commandments. José is married with three sons and loves spending most of his time with his family.

Marie Burrus

Church Consultant, Communications

Though Marie is not “new” to UBA, her role has recently changed. Marie has been working from North Carolina as UBA’s Communications Specialist since early 2018. Since moving to Houston, Marie has stepped into the role of a Church Consultant.

Her primary responsibilities are consulting on sending pathways, mission engagement, and church communications. She will also continue to manage, edit, and contribute content for UBA's blog, website, and social media outlets.

Marie is married with two young kids and loves gardening, writing, and spending time with people. She spent two years as a missionary in Burkina Faso and is fluent in English, French, and Jula/Bambara. She has a B.S. in Foreign Language Education and a B.A. in French Language & Literature from the University of Georiga. She also has a Master of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Let’s welcome these new staffers to our team!