BRIAN RAWSON
Brian and his wife, Carol, have raised three boys: Luke, Justin, and Will. An Austin native, and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Brian spent three decades serving Texans as a public official. His passion for serving this city he loves led him to pursue seminary, with a major emphasis on Urban Ministry. Today, you can find Brian and Carol on Austin’s frontlines serving the marginalized and impoverished, and leading initiatives to bring Christ to our extraordinary city.
Favorite thing about Austin: “The vibrancy and diversity of this place. I was born and raised here, but I still discover new adventures regularly. I was raised in North Austin, raised my own family in South Austin, and now live right in the middle of downtown Austin. It’s all good.”
Email: brawson@riverbend.com
THIAGO DUZZI
Thiago and his wife, Raphaella, have two children: Micael and Sara. Together, they recently moved to Austin from Dallas, Texas where Thiago and Raphaella both graduated from seminary at Christ For The Nations Institute. Originating from Brazil, Thiago worked for years in the oil business in South America until he was called into ministry. Thiago is a humble man with a servant’s heart, and he looks forward to blessing families across the frontlines in our community, and at Riverbend Church.
Favorite thing about Austin: He’s just now learning about this amazing city, but already he enjoys the outdoors, the people, and of course the opportunity to serve the Kingdom of God here. He’s looking forward to calling Austin home and raising his family here.
Email: tduzzi@riverbend.com
BAILEY HUFFMAN
Bailey is a Texas State University graduate and an Austinite to his core. He is super excited to be working with students at Riverbend and wants to help them understand who God has called them to be. Bailey has a heart for serving others and wants everyone that he encounters to feel the love that Jesus has for them. He has a huge passion for developing deep and meaningful relations with others and wants to see God work uniquely through those relationships. Bailey has a vision to see the church as part of the community rather than the community being a part of the church. He loves all things outdoors and will find any excuse to bring his dog Bill along to explore the beautiful city of Austin.
Favorite thing about Austin: Hands down all the food around town.
Email: bhuffman@riverbend.com
BROOKE PHINNEY
Brooke is a born and raised Austinite and “Riverbender” who graduated from Texas State University in December 2018. She and her husband, Drew, live in Leander with their two rescue dogs, Maple and Rye, and are expecting their first child in early April 2025. She loves to cook and bake, craft, experience live music, and spend time with friends and family. She enjoys doing anything that lets her apply her creativity and if it’s service-oriented, then that’s a bonus.
Favorite thing about Austin: The funky restaurants and bars, knowing you can get into almost any function wearing shorts, and Gary Clark Jr.
Email: bphinney@riverbend.com