Foundation looks to future, announces gift to Conference

An all-time high in total assets under management means the Foundation can do more to strengthen the United Methodist movement in Western North Carolina.

Board Chair Anne Martin announced a contribution of $279,000 toward Conference initiatives during the Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday in Lake Junaluska.

The funds, which come from a tithe of operating income as well as a tithe of 2024 surplus operating cash, will support four strategic priorities outlined by Bishop Carter:

• Vital local churches and fresh expressions of church;
• Anti-racism as discipleship and sanctification;
• Well-being of spiritual leaders;
• Our United Methodist identity – grace, connection and holiness.

In her final Annual Conference address as board chair, Anne referenced a passage in Hebrews that reminds believers to persevere, trusting that God’s presence will abide: “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and the full assurance that faith brings… for the God who promised is faithful.”

“I am so proud of how these words are reflected in the work of our staff and board,” she said.

Foundation welcomes board leadership

Jennifer Davis is projected to be the next chair of the Foundation board. Jennifer joined the board in 2018 and currently serves on the Executive Team as Vice-President.

Known and respected across the Connection, provides leadership in her home church (Epworth UMC in Gastonia), community, district, and the denomination as a whole. Jennifer was elected to head the laity delegation to General Conference in 2012, 2016, and 2020/2024.

“We are blessed beyond measure to have you in this role,” David said.

Three newcomers will fill open seats on the board:

• Suzanne Schilling and Meredith Martin in the Class of 2026
• Spencer Disher in the Class of 2027
• Sara Williams as an ex-officio board member serving in her capacity as president of the WNCC Council on Finance & Administration

Five current board members have been re-elected to new terms as part of the Class of 2028:

• Mark Bailey
• Dave Mildenberg
• Wanda Musgrave
• Irish Spencer
• Steve Wilson

On the staff level, Rev. Dr. Glenn Kinken will start July 1 as Chief Operating Officer, succeeding Susan Cothern, who moved to be closer to family in March. Glenn first came to the Foundation in the mid-2000s as Senior Vice-President for Planned Giving & Communication. His appointments since then have taken him by way of Davidson UMC, where he served as Minister of Administration & Finance, and UMC in Winston-Salem, where he served as Senior Pastor.

Glenn has stayed connected as an advocate, program facilitator, and, more recently, a board member, Corporate Treasurer and member of the Executive Team.

Remembering Sam and Rob

Two individuals who were instrumental in helping us become the third largest foundation in The Connection are Sam Smith, who passed away in January of this year, and Rob Byrd, who passed away in October 2023.

Sam was widely known and respected in the Western North Carolina Conference. The Foundation would not be where it is today without his influence as board chair. That’s because Sam championed the construction of our building located next door to the Conference Center. Completed in 2010, it serves as a tribute to Sam’s wisdom and clarity of purpose.

Rob has been named an honorary board member. With his expertise as a Certified Public Accountant, Rob guided us in developing safeguards to ensure the financial stability of the Foundation, and to honor our responsibility as fiduciary to our clients. He shared his time and gifts over 21 years.