Heath graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Religion and furthered his studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. There he received an Advanced Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Philosophy with concentrations in Systematic and New Testament Theology.

Heath has served as Youth Minister at Midway Baptist and Larchmont Church, Pastor of Southside Baptist Church, and taught Bible, Math, and Computer at Christian Academy of Louisville.

Heath enjoys reading, movies, games of all types, coffee, different types of food, good conversation, and spending time with family.

Heath and his wife Jackie have two children, Ansley and Elias.

He has been Senior Pastor of Salem Baptist since September 2019.

Peggy graduated from Hollins College, now Hollins University, majoring in music. She holds her M.S. in Music (Education) from Radford University.

She has taught piano and organ privately and taught in the public school system. She has served in varying positions at three churches.

Peggy enjoys working in the yard, reading, playing and teaching piano.

She has been a part of the Salem Baptist staff since 2002.

A Vinton native, Mr. Shephard has grown up and lived in the area all his life. He came to know the Lord as a young adult, and has actively served the Lord since his conversion. He joined Salem Baptist in 1988 and has been active in many roles and positions in the church. He has taught Sunday School for many years. He became an elder in 2017.

Mr. Shephard is retired from his 30 years career at Howell Motor Freight in 2019. He and his wife, Tina, have 2 sons.

A native of Michigan, Andy came to Christ at age 22. He moved to the area to take an engineering position with General Electric, where he met his wife Vanessa. Andy and Vanessa have two adult children, Jordan and Amy, and have been members of Salem Baptist since 2001. Andy has served in many roles including deacon and teacher. He has been an elder since 2017.

Now retired from GE, Andy continues to enjoy restoring and operating vintage railway equipment with the Roanoke chapter of the historical society and playing baritone horn in the community band.

Steve grew up at Salem Baptist where his parents were members. Saved in his early twenties, Steve fervently loves his Lord and has taught Sunday School for decades. He has served as an Elder since 2017.

Steve and his wife Sherry have two married sons and 6 grandchildren.

Kevin’s family began attending Salem Baptist when he was 8. Growing up in the church, Kevin was active in the Youth Ministry and has gone on mission trips. He joined the staff as an intern in February, 2019.

Kevin graduated from Liberty University in 2018 with a BS in Religious Studies: Theology and Apologetics. He also holds an Advanced MDiv from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He serves the church by teaching, substitute preaching, leading family ministry, and performing various administrative duties. 

Kevin is married to his wife, Kayleigh, who also helps him with youth group meetings and activities.

Linda, a Salem born native, has been a member of Salem Baptist since 1973. She and her husband Larry have faithfully served the church in many different roles with joy and gladness.