1st Annual Charity Gala & Awards Ceremony

Bryan Koch has served as Lead Pastor for GT Church for over 25 years. Prior to being called into ministry, Bryan was a professional baseball player with the Chicago White Sox organization. However, his baseball career was ended abruptly when he sustained an injury from a 90-mile-an-hour fast ball that blinded him in his left eye. In the summer of 2015, Bryan experienced something that would change his life forever when he and his wife, Lynn, were hit by a drunk driver, while riding their motorcycle. That accident caused him to lose his wife of 28 years and his left leg. Drawing on his incredible life experiences, Bryan communicates with an authentic, open style that allows him to be transparent and real with people. Most of all, he is able to share about his unwavering faith that has taught him that “if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.” In addition to leading a church of over 3,000, Bryan is the co-author of the discipleship book “Follow,” and the recently published book entitled I’m All Right: A Journey from Tragedy to Triumph.  He is also a frequent conference speaker, specializing in training churches in leadership development; however, Bryan’s true passion is helping people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

James F. Devine completed his undergraduate work at Franklin and Marshall College and secured his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. He has practiced in the areas of workers’ compensation, employment and business law for the past 25 years. For the majority of his career, Jim has exclusively represented area employers providing guidance as to policy, assisting in the navigation of complicated employment and business matters and aggressively defending the employers position through litigation as necessary. He derives the most enjoyment in his practice through the development of his relationships with his clients. He counts many if not most of his clients as his friends. He finds reward in helping them advance their business and recognition of their goals.  Although his practice and his family consume much of his time, Jim is a dedicated community volunteer. He finds great delight in coaching; baseball, basketball or his passion, soccer. He has coached each of his children as well as other community teams. He has served on his school board and remains active donating his legal expertise when the need arises. He has and continues to serve on a variety of Boards including but not limited to the Demuth Foundation (Vice-Chair), Pleasant View Retirement Community (Chair), and  Hands on House Children’s Museum. He served on the Lancaster Bar Foundation as both vice-chair and chair and was instrumental in the development of their endowment fund. Currently, Jim serves on the Luthercare Board of Directors (Executive Committee). His service to the non-profit community is born of a strong belief in community involvement and development. Jim not only gives of his time but has promoted the service of those he works with. Associates within his firm are provided the opportunity to participate in Leadership Lancaster Program as part of their professional development and are expected to advance to Board service as part of their professional firm resume. Once more, both Jim and his team members contribute countless hours of legal advice to the non-profit community. Born in Philadelphia to James and Kathryn Devine, he is husband to Kim and father to Keiley, James and John.