2023 Ballot

Program and Arrangements Committee

Gail Heisel

Upland, California

Pacific Southwest

Profile

Faith Statement

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” (I John 4:16). I strive to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, as revealed in the gospels and as exemplified by the Brethren tagline “Continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together.” To me this means living agape love in service to others, reaching out to the marginalized and disenfranchised and renouncing violence while promoting peace and justice in the world.

Vision

To collaborate with team members to provide a positive conference experience that reflects our Brethren heritage and beliefs as well as our diversity as a denomination.

Intercultural Work

My career in education provided me with a framework to expand upon my earlier experiences of cultural diversity. I worked with students of various cultural and faith backgrounds and attended numerous intercultural trainings.

Demographic Information

Home: Upland, California
District: Pacific Southwest
Congregation: La Verne
Occupation: Retired School Counselor
Female, age 62, European-American

Experience

Local: Peace and justice committee; gifts discernment committee; personnel committee
District: Policy board; ministry commission; stewards commission; district conference delegate; camp counselor and resource aide
Denomination: Annual Conference delegate, table facilitator; National Youth Conference chaperone; Brethren Volunteer Service
Other: None/p>

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

My many years of leadership experience in both the educational and church settings have provided me with a strong foundation for service at the denominational level. I am detail-oriented and have the qualities needed to effectively collaborate on a team. I am familiar with the many aspects of Annual Conference as I have been attending since childhood and have also experienced conference as a parent with my own children participating in the childcare program through the young adult program. Annual Conferences have been high points in my life, and I would be honored to serve.

Carolyn Willoughby

Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Middle Pennsylvania

Profile

Faith Statement

I believe God is love and as Christians we are to live out that love for others as much as we can, providing support and encouragement to others in practical ways.

Vision

The wider church community is very important to me. My vision for Annual Conference is that it gives an opportunity for as many people as possible to come together with the larger church, experiencing worship and fellowship as an avenue for building up the Body of Christ.

Intercultural Work

I had the opportunity to study abroad in Germany and in Nigeria. I also had the privilege of growing up in a home and congregation that welcomed visitors and refugees from around the world. I value the intercultural experiences and friendships I have. I also worked in community mediation while in Brethren Volunteer Service which exposed me to different ways to communicate with others.

Demographic Information

Home: Johnstown, Pennsylvania
District: Middle Pennsylvania
Congregation: Altoona 28th Street
Occupation: Therapeutic Activities Aid
Female, age 57, European-American

Experience

Local: Moderator; pastor; Sunday school and Bible school teacher; camp representative
District: Board; peace and reconciliation committee; ethics committee; newsletter editor
Denomination: None
Other: Community library friends, executive board

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

I think my experiences have given me the ability to listen and clarify for others what is needed in diverse situations. I can help figure out ways to solve complex issues and work out what is required to reach the goals of the group.

Mission and Ministry Board – Area 2

John Ballinger

West Salem, Ohio

Northern Ohio

Profile

Faith Statement

I am a disciple of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God’s One-and-Only Son, who was sent from heaven, born, lived, died and rose again to show the world how, through grace and by faith, the light of God’s love can shine through all who believe.

Vision

If called to serve in this role, I see myself serving through modeling and living out my Church of the Brethren beliefs and practices, in practical and encouraging ways, as best I can. I believe that our Anabaptist-Pietist heritage (believing and belonging, spirituality and service, faith and faithful living) is a most timely influence in today’s troubled world, not just on Sunday, but on Monday through Saturday as well.

Intercultural Work

As an active layperson, hospital and retail pharmacist, church board member, pastor, district executive, and chaplain, I have worked with many individuals and groups of all ages, with different ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds, inside and outside the Christian faith.

Demographic Information

Home: West Salem, Ohio
District: Northern Ohio
Congregation: Mohican
Occupation: Ordained Minister/Chaplain
Male, age 71, European-American

Experience

Local: Board, chair; moderator; pastoral search committee, chair; pastor
District: Board, chair; Mission and Ministry Board district visitor; district executive; district conference delegate
Denomination: Council of District Executives, officer; Annual Conference delegate
Other:Local and state pharmaceutical associations; community Chamber of Commerce and nonprofit boards

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

I have been blessed to sit in many seats in church sanctuaries and board rooms, and in community board rooms and coffee shops, so I believe that through God’s grace and good advice from well-qualified church people and business people, I have the qualifications, training and experience needed for this nominated office.

Tina Hunt

Ashland, Ohio

Northern Ohio

Profile

Faith Statement

I am a servant and follower of Jesus Christ. I seek to live out my gifts and calling in line with God’s message and ministry of reconciliation. I also believe in faithfully serving the Church however and wherever I can.

Vision

I am a “cup overflowing” person, seeing the positive and believing, as believers, we are called to grow in grace and knowledge. I believe there is much to be done to move us forward as servants of Christ and the church, and this starts with denominational leadership by example, programming, and support. I seek to be a part of that process.

Intercultural Work

I am a “cup overflowing” person, seeing the positive and believing, as believers, we are called to grow in grace and knowledge. I believe there is much to be done to move us forward as servants of Christ and the church, and this starts with denominational leadership by example, programming, and support. I seek to be a part of that process.

Demographic Information

Home: Ashland, Ohio
District: Northern Ohio
Congregation: Mansfield
Occupation: Pastor
Female, age 65, European-American

Experience

Local: Pastor; associate/assistant pastor; music and worship leader; youth facilitator; missions president
District: Board, fellowship commission, congregational commission, ministry commission; SISTERS planning committee; Buckeye Brethren Institute teacher; district conference, delegate, moderator-elect
Denomination: Annual Conference delegate, table facilitator
Other: Re-entry specialist; day treatment program director; clinical pastoral orientation program director

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

As a re-entry specialist I worked with individuals, industry leaders, and community providers to seek employment and advocate for an underserved portion of our population. As day treatment director I was an advocate and liaison for youth and families struggling with mental health issues. As the clinical pastoral orientation program director I created a program for two seminaries for seminarians desiring to improve their pastoral skills in the hospital and church setting.

Mission and Ministry Board – Area 3

Linetta Shalom Alley

Keezletown, Virginia

Shenandoah

Profile

Faith Statement

I believe in a living God, revealed to us as three-in-one, who was, is, and will be. I believe the scriptures and creation itself testify to the truth of who God is and who we are called to be as faithful followers and disciples of Jesus Christ. I believe Christians are called to live in community as the Body of Christ, gifted and empowered by the Holy Spirit to both embody and share the Good News with all the world.

Vision

I envision the opportunity to actively listen, openly share, and collaboratively work with sisters and brothers to celebrate, support, discern, equip, and empower the multi-faceted work of Jesus through the CoB in the neighborhood and around the world.

Intercultural Work

Workcamp at Germantown CoB; New Community Project Learning Tours; Nigerian workcamp

Demographic Information

Home: Keezletown, Virginia
District: Shenandoah
Congregation: Linville Creek
Occupation: Executive Director, Brethren Woods
Female, age 42, European-American

Experience

Local: Nursery helper; Sunday school teacher; youth leader; board; search committee; worship leader; preacher; VBS director; church night coordinator; CROP Walk representative; Christian education team
District: Youth cabinet; FaithQuest planning team; youth ministry assistant; year-round and summer camp staff; leadership team
Denomination: Youth Peace Travel Team; National Youth Conference preacher; Annual Conference preacher, worship leader, worship planning team, coordinator for young adult and intergenerational activities; Doing Annual Conference Differently Committee; Outdoor Ministry Association Board
Other: New Community Project Board

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

I have developed strong skills in administration, organization, financial management, fundraising, public relations, program development and implementation, staff hiring and training, publicity, and non-profit leadership. I bring an eye for detail and a commitment to complete tasks thoroughly. I am an articulate public speaker, creative thinker, problem solver, and collaborative leader who works hard and seeks to be faithful in all I do. Most importantly, I carry a contagious passion and love for God, God’s people, and God’s creation.

Deirdre Moyer

Stoneville, North Carolina

Virlina

Profile

Faith Statement

As a follower of Christ, I work daily to live as a courageous disciple through my words & actions to reveal to others the love of Christ. The simple obedience of treating each person with the attentive, compassionate respect all human beings deserve through affirming love, respect, and integrity aligns with our loving Lord Jesus Christ.

Vision

My vision for serving on the board is to impact the ministries of the Church of the Brethren, helping gain resources to strengthen individual Brethren and global congregations, as well as assisting with service opportunities to increase partnerships within the church and beyond to further the mission of Christ and share his love around the world.

Intercultural Work

The experiences that prepared me for the intercultural work on the denominational level include professional growth by acquiring the necessary educational levels and growing spiritually during the vital time of my life, shaping and forming me to work with diverse populations daily across various economic classes. Also, daily in my current role I work with families to ensure they are getting the services they need no matter their background.

Demographic Information

Home: Stoneville, North Carolina
District: Virlina
Congregation: Eden
Occupation: School Nutrition Director/Personal Trainer
Female, age 42, Black

Experience

Local: Ministry commission; pastoral search committee; nurture commission; deacon; youth group, nominating committee
District: None at this time
Denomination: Annual Conference delegate; National Youth Conference
Other: Help, Inc., vice-chair; Barry Joyce Cancer Center, chair

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

Leadership roles have provided me the opportunities to work with diverse populations, write grant opportunities to provide funds for organizations, provide professional development for staff, network/partner with organizations to gather resources for programming to achieve goals, and afforded me the opportunity to acquire the skill set to attain knowledge in the field of public health with my doctorate to impact the changing world.

Bethany Theological Seminary Trustee – Representing Clergy

The board requests nominees who are aware of the dramatic changes taking place in higher education, especially seminary education; or those who are aware of the issues of division in the denomination and changes in the larger church; or persons of color who can help the seminary have conversations about diversity; or persons who have corporate or executive leadership experience.

Jennifer Hosler

Washington, District of Columbia

Mid-Atlantic

Profile

Faith Statement

Through Jesus’ incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection, we can all be reconciled to God, to our fellow humans, and all of creation. I follow Jesus in community: learning, serving, reconciling, and seeking God’s healing justice and transformative peace, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Vision

As a bi-vocational pastor in a city congregation’s team setting, I am offering my skills, experiences, and knowledge to assist Bethany in its journey of change to better meet the needs of ministry training today and in the future.

Intercultural Work

Partnering with Brethren of color in vibrant city churches (Stories from the Cities); supporting African-American tenant organizers at risk of displacement due to gentrification; leading congregational ministry to support asylum seekers; directing a lunch program for unhoused persons; and peacebuilding in Nigeria.

Demographic Information

Home: Washington, District of Columbia
District: Mid-Atlantic
Congregation: Washington City
Occupation: Pastor/Community Psychologist
Female, age 37, European-Canadian

Experience

Local: Pastor; worship leader; musician; finance team; administrative council; community outreach coordinator; Brethren Nutrition Program leader; Sunday School teacher; Bible study teacher
District: Church Outreach, Renewal, and Evangelism, chair; district conference preacher
Denomination: Global Mission and Service peacebuilding staff in Nigeria with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN); Global Food Initiative Advisory Committee; A Vision for Ecumenism in the 21st Century Study Committee; Guide to Biblical Studies author; research consultant for Discipleship Ministries; Messenger author; workshop leader at various denominational conferences
Other: Program evaluator; community psychologist; nonprofit board member

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

My service at local, district, and denominational levels can provide insight on how seminary training is influenced by or influences these levels. My background as a community psychologist and a program evaluator will provide me with a lens to ask questions, promote improvement, and potentially offer these skills or related insights to the Bethany Board. My service as a board member for several organizations provides experience with organizational governance.

Julia Wheeler

Pomona, California

Pacific Southwest

Profile

Faith Statement

God is alive and moving in our world! The world has a deep, growing need for Truth and Light. As Christians, we can serve our Creator and our communities through contemplation and humble action with others.

Vision

As a recent graduate of the seminary and urban community worker, I hope to bring an insider’s/outsider’s viewpoint to the board.

Intercultural Work

My interfaith work at the University of La Verne has been helpful in broadening my definitions of spirituality and applications of ritual.

Demographic Information

Home: Pomona, California
District: Pacific Southwest
Congregation: La Verne
Occupation: Retired
Female, age 58, European-American

Experience

Local: Chaplain; deacon; Sunday school teacher; commission chair; board
District: Policy board
Denomination: None
Other: Pomona Restorative Practices Collaborative, convener; non-profit Agenda for a Prophetic Faith, chair

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

These positions have trained me in visioning good works in the community and rallying others around these ideas to bring them to fruition.

Bethany Theological Seminary Trustee – Representing Laity

The board requests nominees who are aware of the dramatic changes taking place in higher education, especially seminary education; or those who are aware of the issues of division in the denomination and changes in the larger church; or persons of color who can help the seminary have conversations about diversity; or persons who have corporate or executive leadership experience.

Mark Gingrich

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Northern Plains

Profile

Faith Statement

God is within us and walks among us. We are called to love one another and continue God’s work Peacefully, Simply, Together. I try to follow Jesus’ teachings, yet am thankful for God’s grace when I fall short.

Vision

With deep roots in the Church of the Brethren, I appreciate this call to serve on our seminary’s board. I had the opportunity to experience this welcoming community of diverse perspectives while my wife attended Bethany. We are annual financial contributors to their mission to empower “every student to lead through spiritual engagement, faith-filled thought and transformative practice so that the world flourishes,” and I welcome the opportunity to contribute in a governance capacity for this fine institution.

Intercultural Work

Leadership of a 300-employee department for a midsize company with emphasis on diversity of talent and thought. I have diversity training as well. I am a sponsor and employer of Genesys Works, a non-profit that helps high school students in underserved areas find pathways to career success.

Demographic Information

Home: Minneapolis, Minnesota
District: Northern Plains
Congregation: Open Circle
Occupation: Chief Information Officer, Surescripts (Healthcare IT)
Male, age 60, European-American

Experience

Local: Finance ministry team leader
District: Finance ministry team leader
Denomination: None
Other: VA Tech Alumni Association, chapter president; Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission Board; National Council for Prescription Drug Programs Board; Ōmcare Board

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

Governance experience; financial planning, strategic planning, compensation, financial accounting.

Steve Mason

Goshen, Indiana

South Central Indiana

Profile

Faith Statement

I am a child of God. I believe that Jesus Christ has more to teach me than I can possibly learn. I am challenged by Alexander Mack’s instruction to seek answers in the Bible and, when an answer is found, to seek further.

Vision

My vision for serving as a member of the Bethany Theological Seminary Board of Trustees is to facilitate the institution’s fulfillment of its mission to empower “every student to lead through spiritual engagement, faith-filled thought and transformative practice so that the world flourishes.”

Intercultural Work

I had two terms of service at the denominational level: Executive Director of the Association of Brethren Caregivers and Director of Brethren Foundation. In those roles, I attempted to fulfill my responsibilities by meeting others where they are and then identifying a common understanding. I believe that this perspective establishes a good basis for intercultural work even though my experience was not specifically framed as intercultural work. Early in my career I served six ethnically diverse colleges in student services roles.

Demographic Information

Home: Goshen, Indiana
District: South Central Indiana
Congregation: Manchester
Occupation: In Transition
Male, age 70, European-American

Experience

Local: None (recently)
District: None (recently)
Denomination: Brethren Foundation, Director; Association of Brethren Caregivers, Executive Director; Brethren Benefit Trust board; Association of Brethren Caregivers board
Other: Loyola University Chicago, Ph.D. Higher Education; McPherson College, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Advancement Officer; Manchester College, Chief Advancement Officer; Westmar College (Le Mars, IA) and Huntingdon College (Montgomery, AL), Chief Student Affairs Officer

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

These and other leadership roles have helped me understand the difference between governance and administration. Using the imagery of Richard Broholm and Douglas Johnson in their 1993 book entitled A Balcony Perspective: Clarifying the Trustee Role, I understand that governance is best served from the balcony and not on the dance floor.

Eder Financial Board

The board requests nominees who have experience in finance, investments, or actuarial science working within a complex organizational structure

Raymond Flagg

Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Atlantic Northeast

Profile

Faith Statement

God loves all of us and calls us to be engaged in our faith as followers of Jesus, who delivers us from our sin. God guides us through the Holy Spirit to use our gifts to fulfill our calling to further God’s Kingdom.

Vision

To assist Eder Financial as it matures into the next phase of its service to faith-based communities while maintaining the historical Church of the Brethren roots.

Intercultural Work

As a former adjunct professor of math at the community college level, I worked with a diverse student population. I endeavored to assist each person to achieve their academic goals given the wide range of mathematical backgrounds.

Demographic Information

Home: Lebanon, Pennsylvania
District: Atlantic Northeast
Congregation: Annville
Occupation: Retired IT Manager/Adjunct Professor of Mathematics
Male, age 69, European-American

Experience

Local: Stewardship chair; treasurer
District: Stewardship commission; treasurer
Denomination: Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee; Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center, treasurer
Other: Germantown Trust, chair; Londonderry Village Board

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

As a retired IT Manager in the Insurance Industry and college Instructor teaching financial mathematics, along with my roles as treasurer in the congregation and district setting and serving on Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee, I have the broad experience and prospective to participate in the work of Eder Financial at the board level.

Dennis Kingery

San Diego, California

Western Plains

Profile

Faith Statement

I believe God calls each of us to find joy and fulfillment in our lives through continuing the work of Jesus in our communities. By maintaining awareness of the needs of others and seeking to serve others, we are able to live a more rewarding and meaningful life.

Vision

I look forward to using my professional experience in non-profit accounting and finance to support the meaningful work of Eder Financial. My vision for the organization is to drive sustainable business practices that will enable Eder Financial to continue to support the next generation of Church of the Brethren leaders.

Intercultural Work

After college, I served in Brethren Volunteer Service for two years in Jos, Nigeria where I had the opportunity to live and work with people from around the world. The experience gave me new perspectives on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion that I have carried with me throughout my career. I am currently employed by a non-profit organization whose mission includes creating equity and opportunity for disadvantaged populations in San Diego County.

Demographic Information

Home: San Diego, California
District: Western Plains
Congregation: Prince of Peace
Occupation: Vice President of Finance
Male, age 48, European-American

Experience

Local: Stewardship chair; financial secretary; board
District: Financial secretary; board; Camp Colorado board, chair
Denomination: Church of the Brethren, Inc., Controller; Eder Financial, Director of Credit Union Operations, Board, Budget & Audit Committee chair
Other: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

My professional experience includes 25 years of accounting, budget, finance, investment, and operational leadership roles in multiple non-profit organizations. Having been a former staff and board member of Brethren Benefit Trust (now Eder Financial), I understand their business strategies and challenges and can apply my personal and professional experiences to assist in strengthening Eder Financial.

On Earth Peace Board

The board requests nominees who can help OEP “develop and walk with leaders and communities who work for justice and peace.” To participate in the board’s “values-based consensus” decision making process, each board member must complete a specialized 2.5-day training program in anti-racism, for which OEP covers costs.

Carol Young Lindquist

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Northern Indiana

Profile

Faith Statement

Jesus is my light and my teacher. Through him, the unimaginable can become real and the impossible can become commonplace according to God’s plan. I believe that each of us is created in the image of God and brought together in community to change the world for good.

Vision

I see our beloved denomination, fresh Brethren and long seasoned Brethren alike, bringing open hearts and fresh minds to faithful discipleship in Christ who has called us to love one another as we have been loved.

Intercultural Work

Serving as a school administrator in a large, diverse public school district opened my eyes and heart to the differences among people. In building relationships with student families so that their educational/personal needs could be met, I learned to listen carefully and respond respectfully. Working on economic development and fine arts non-profit boards expanded my understanding of how unequal opportunity can dim the light of human potential for generations. International travel has opened new worlds of beauty and lifestyle that temper my assumptions about self-importance. I am comfortable being in new cultural settings.

Demographic Information

Home: Fort Wayne, Indiana
District: Northern Indiana
Congregation: Beacon Heights
Occupation: Retired School Administrator
Female, age 73, European-American

Experience

Local: Board, chair; moderator; youth advisor; strategic planning committee, chair; search committee, chair; VBS/youth/adult teacher; worship planning team; musician; camp counselor
District: Board; ministry commission; Timbercrest Senior Living board; camp director; camp counselor
Denomination: Annual Conference delegate; Annual Conference regular attendee; Christian Citizenship Seminar coordination; Womaen’s Caucus Steering Committee
Other: University associate dean; member/chair of multiple non-profit boards

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

Enriched by study, my life experiences have taught me the importance of living within my convictions while working on behalf of the greater good. I focus on discerning important themes in the midst of complex ideas, remain calm in the face of difficult situations, and seek to contribute my organizational skills to the messy work of leadership.

Audrey Zunkel-DeCoursey

Portland, Oregon

Pacific Northwest

Profile

Faith Statement

Every human is one of God’s beloved children. Our Creator made this earth and called it good. To manifest the radical implications of these two realities is the ceaseless challenge of our lives.

Vision

With wars raging around the world, violent political divisions, and a climate crisis imperiling all earthly life, peace-making is difficult but essential work, which is why Jesus called us to it.

Intercultural Work

For six years working at Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, I interacted with people from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions. My work in criminal justice reform, civic engagement, education policy, gun safety, and health policy has allowed me to collaborate with people across race, class, nationality, and political affiliation.

Demographic Information

Home: Portland, Oregon
District: Pacific Northwest
Congregation: Living Stream
Occupation: Literacy Program Coordinator
Female, age 41, European-American

Experience

Local: Pastor; church planter
District: Board; ministerial leadership development team
Denomination: Womaen’s Caucus Steering Committee
Other: Interfaith Hospital chaplain resident; League of Women Voters board; Criminal Justice Ministries manager; gun safety volunteer; PTA board

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

My experience working in diverse fields has given me a critical perspective as a systems thinker and the vision to see potential for healing both within the church and beyond. As a parent, PTA member, and Girl Scout troop leader, I am especially committed to ensuring we leave the world a better place for future generations.

Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee – Representing Laity

Must be a compensation practitioner from the secular world.

Lori Hurt

Wirtz, Virginia

Virlina

Profile

Faith Statement

I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and because of his grace, mercy, and enduring love we are able to be saved. We have been given a purpose to live out, to love God and others, but how are we to do that? I believe Micah 6:8 provides the perfect outline, we are to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God.

Vision

I envision using my talents, abilities, and my 35 years of experience in medical practice management and as an insurance professional to collaborate with my team members to ensure that our pastors are provided with compensation and benefits packages that meet their needs and that are in step with the current market.

Intercultural Work

Through my various work experiences I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet many people from a variety of different and diverse backgrounds, ages, races, life experiences and cultural heritages. These interactions have helped me to become a better listener and to develop the skillsets necessary to assist them with navigating their healthcare decisions and understanding how their insurance benefits can best serve them.

Demographic Information

Home: Wirtz, Virginia
District: Virlina
Congregation: Boones Mill
Occupation: Insurance Professional, Health & Life
Female, age 62, European-American

Experience

Local: Pastoral search committee, chair; board, chair; worship committee, chair; deacon; Christian education committee, chair; Bible study facilitator/leader
District: District conference delegate, attendee
Denomination: Annual Conference delegate, attendee
Other: Business owner; fitness instructor; USA (Ballroom) Dance Chapter 6032, president/chair

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

In my various leadership roles I have had the opportunity to learn new skills and to use those skills as well as the gifts and talents that I have to help others.

Rudolph H. Taylor, III

Blue Ridge, Virginia

Virlina

Profile

Faith Statement

Jesus is Lord and Savior of our individual lives, the church, and the world. Jesus calls us to share in word and deed God’s love for each person and God’s creation.

Vision

Providing adequate pastoral compensation and benefits while also funding other ministry expenses is a continuing challenge. I have worked at this challenge in my congregation, and I hope to assist the church in continuing the implementation of the good recent work of the Pastoral Compensation and Benefits Advisory Committee.

Intercultural Work

College, teaching school, and working at a national company expanded my intercultural experiences. I am thankful that my mother’s values always included understanding each person as beloved of God and as a neighbor. As part of my personal growth, I am open to listening to and respecting the experiences and perspectives of other people.

Demographic Information

Home: Blue Ridge, Virginia
District: Virlina
Congregation: Cloverdale
Occupation: Retired Financial Director, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Male, age 70, European-American

Experience

Local: Board; stewards, Christian education, nurture, and ministry commissions; occasional preaching; Sunday school teacher; choir
District: Board, executive committee; stewards commission, chair; Christian Growth Institute committee; investment committee; long range financial planning committee
Denomination: None
Other: Middle school teacher, Boy Scout assistant scoutmaster; Virginia Master Beekeeper

Relationship of skills/experience to the position

At Blue Cross, I managed a team of fourteen which conducted financial data analysis, decision support, and budgeting for individual, small group, large group, Medicaid, and senior business. We communicated regularly with state presidents, managers, and frontline employees. I worked effectively on teams of diverse individuals across the country. Before that, a Ph.D. in educational research developed my understanding of surveys and statistics. I care about “business results,” people, and the church. At work I was often the “peacemaker,” bringing people of disparate departments and perspectives to a consensus decision.