Tracy Simmons, Executive Director
Tracy Simmons leads the FāVS staff. She is an award-winning journalist specializing in religion reporting, digital entrepreneurship and social journalism. She has been leading the FāVS staff since the website began in 2012. In her 13 years on the religion beat, Simmons has tucked a notepad in her pocket and found some of her favorite stories aboard cargo ships in New Jersey, on a police chase in Albuquerque, in dusty Texas church bell towers, on the streets of New York and in tent cities in Haiti.
Simmons has worked as a multimedia journalist for newspapers across New Mexico, Texas and Connecticut. Currently is a Scholarly Assistant Professor at Washington State University and serves as the executive director of FāVS News a digital journalism start-up covering religion news and commentary in Spokane, Washington. She also writes nationally and is a reporter and columnist for the Spokesman-Review.
You can reach Simmons at tr**********@**vs.news.
Cassy Benefield, Associate Editor
Cassy (pronounced like Cassie but spelled with a ‘y’) Benefield helps lead the FāVS staff. She is a wife and mother, a writer and photographer and a huge fan of non-fiction. She has traveled all her life, first as an Army brat. She is a returned Peace Corps volunteer (2004-2006) to Romania where she mainly taught Conversational English. She received her bachelor’s in journalism from Cal Poly Technical University in San Luis Obispo, California. She finds much comfort in her Savior, Jesus Christ, and considers herself a religion nerd who is prone to buy more books, on nearly any topic, than she is ever able to read.
You can reach Benefield at ca************@**vs.news.
Bob Stout, Development Specialist
Bob Stout helps us raise money to pay our FāVS staff. He was raised on a farm and ranch in North Idaho and Eastern Washington, Bob Stout developed a deep appreciation for hard work and community. After working on the farm, he returned to school at the University of Idaho, where he earned an MA in Anthropology. His research focused on collaborating with the Nez Perce Tribe, specifically their fisheries program, and integrating traditional indigenous knowledge into modern scientific practices.
Following his academic journey, Bob spent 12 years in fundraising, primarily as a consultant for non-profits and higher education institutions. This work fueled his passion for supporting impactful causes. Six years ago, he seized the opportunity to establish Stout Land and Home Real Estate, where he’s enjoyed a successful career in real estate.
When the chance came to return to fundraising with FāVS, he embraced the opportunity to get back to his first love: non-profit fundraising. He’s been happily married to his wife, Sara, for 33 years, and they are proud parents of three adult children.
You can reach Stout at bo******@**vs.news.
Mikayla Finnerty, Social Media Manager
Mikayla Finnerty is the editor of The Everett Post, an online publication based out of Everett. She is the social media director for FāVS News and North Sound Media. Mikayla shares all the FāVS staff and writer’s content on social media. She has written for several publications including award winning college newspaper The Daily Evergreen, The Clipper, and FāVS News. She also works as a freelance writer and photographer. She graduated from Washington State University in 2023 and spends her time reading, cooking and traveling.
Gen Heywood, FāVS News Photographer
Rev. Gen Heywood has been active in parish ministry for more than 30 years. From small towns to big cities, she always lets the needs of the community and the congregation be her guide. Gen credits the supportive leadership of Veradale United Church of Christ for including her work to overcome racism, poverty, the war economy and ecological devastation as part of her ministry.
“Veradale UCC is a small church with a powerful faith. They are the reason I can be a witness for a world where we do justice, live with compassion and walk humbly with the Divine,” she said.
Gen grew up in rural Maine. She received a B.A. in Music Therapy and German from Emmanuel College in Boston, Massachusetts, and her M.Div. from Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, Massachusetts. She is a lifelong learner who lives in Spokane Valley, Washington, with her three dogs, as well as, sometimes, with her amazing young adult children.
To meet FāVS staff Reporters, click here.
To meet FāVS staff Columnists, click here.
To meet the FāVS staff Board of Trustees, click here.
Join the FāVS staff team! We’re seeking volunteers for roles in marketing, writing and advertising executive.
For volunteer and internship opportunities in copy editing, graphic design, social media, event planning, photojournalism and public relations, contact Tracy Simmons at tr**********@**vs.news.