Hello! My name is Gary Tonnemacher, and I serve as the Vice Chair of the Capital Projects/Operations Committee at St. Michael. In this role, I provide expertise, support, and oversight to the Director of Operations for capital expenditures and operating budgets, ensuring that our parish resources are managed effectively and sustainably.

Our family moved to Cary in 1996 from Knoxville TN and we have been members of St. Michael's since the church opened on High House Road. My wife Susie and I have been married for 43 years and we have one son who recently moved to Montana. I spent my career in power generation working for engineering companies, investor-owned utilities, and equipment manufacturers. I retired in 2018 after 40 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Engineer specializing in project management, engineering management, and sales. My background allows me to provide oversight as needed on various capital and operations projects to help maintain and enhance our parish facilities.

Beyond my committee work, I have been involved in the St. Michael community as one of the founding members of the Honduras Sister Parish Committee, Hospitality Ministry and Habitat for Humanity.

In my free time, I enjoy fishing, golf, and travel. What I appreciate most about serving on the Finance Council is working alongside a group of highly knowledgeable, experienced, and diverse parishioners to ensure our parish campus remains financially strong and well-maintained.

With over 5,000+ families, St. Michael is a large parish, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, becoming involved in parish activities has helped make the church feel smaller, allowing me to form lasting friendships while giving back to a faith community that has given so much to us all.