Meet the Foundation Staff

I have admired the work of the Foundation for many years. The diversity of offerings touch every aspect of ministry across our Conference.

Rev. Annalee Allen, an ordained elder in the WNC Conference, is a native of Franklin and graduate of Gardner-Webb University with a degree in Business Administration. She earned an M.Div. at Hood Theological Seminary.

She has been a clergy member of the Conference since 2005 and has served as pastor of churches in Salisbury (Park Avenue, Coburn Memorial, and Main Street) and East Asheville. She served as the Associate Director of Ministerial Services for the WNC Conference from 2016 to 2022. In that role, Annalee provided conference staff support and coordination to several programs of the Board of Ordained Ministry. She served as the conference staff liaison to the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry. She also coordinated the 10-week Explore Summer Internship for people ages 18-25 who are exploring how God wants them to serve the world.

Annalee is married to the Rev. Craig Allen. They have two daughters, Claire and Joy. In her spare time, she enjoys doing home renovations and spending time outdoors.

Prior to joining the Foundation staff, I worked with a client organization for 16 years. In that role, I always valued the Foundation’s excellent customer service, professionalism and responsiveness. Because of my long history with the Foundation – going on 20 years now – I continue be ever-grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible team! It is such a gratifying feeling to know that we are doing such important, meaningful work, and partnering with our clients as – together – we build the church for generations to come.

Susan joined the Foundation in August, 2017. Previously, she worked in higher education development for 20 years, most recently at Brevard College, one of our five historically Methodist colleges and universities in the Western North Carolina Conference. As someone who moved a lot as a child, Susan did not grow up in any one place, rather moved between Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Susan laughingly says, “It is a good thing I love to meet new people, moving often as a child forces you to be an extrovert!” Susan earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Southern Mississippi and her Master’s of Business Administration at William Carey University, both in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Because of her love for nature and the outdoors, Susan left the Deep South and moved to North Carolina in 2001. She currently lives in Huntersville.

I am honored to be part of the Foundation team and look forward to utilizing my experience and skill set to further the Foundation's mission of building the church for generations to come.

Brad joined the Foundation team in May 2017 after having grown up in the Charlotte area. He is a lifelong member of The United Methodist Church. Brad earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Accounting degree and a Master of Science in Accounting degree at Appalachian State University. He holds professional licensures as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Before joining the Foundation team Brad worked with public accounting firms in the Charlotte area. His community involvement includes church choir and serving as a volunteer for various nonprofit organizations.

Brad and his wife, Kristen, live in Monroe with their two sons.

I believe in the power of storytelling to move people to action. I love being a writer, and now I also get to be an advocate for causes I believe in.

Matt joined the Foundation team in April 2021. A graduate of Davidson College with a degree in political science, Matt began his career covering local news as a journalist at The Herald in Rock Hill, SC and then The News & Observer in Raleigh.

Following much prayer and discernment, Matt returned home to Charlotte in 2012 and shifted to nonprofit communications, chronicling the work of organizations that respond to spiritual and social needs. He was previously Communications Director at Covenant Presbyterian Church, a congregation known for its outreach initiatives.

Matt lives in Charlotte with his wife, Marie, and their children, Henry and Clara, dog, Gracie, and hamster, Pearlz.

I see this position as an opportunity to continue serving.

Amanda joined the Foundation team in December 2021. A native of Mount Airy, Amanda resides in Huntersville with her husband, Jerry. The Goederts have been foster parents with Mecklenburg County for the past 10 years and adopted a son through that service. Community involvement has always been a source of pride for Amanda.

Amanda has also served people experiencing homelessness with Block Love Charlotte for several years, and is currently involved with the Lake Norman Elks Lodge #392.

I am thankful to be a part of this team that is dedicated to building the church for generations to come. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to use my passion for accounting and finance to serve others.

Donna joined the Foundation team in July 2018. Donna has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Appalachian State University. She also has a Master of Business of Administration from the University of South Carolina. Before becoming a member of the Foundation team, Donna managed the finances of churches in Charlotte and Huntersville.

Donna is a native Charlottean who currently lives in Huntersville with her husband, Elando and their two sons.

The ministry of the Foundation is more than money...it's about relationships...it's about faithfulness and recognizing the blessings God has given to grow the church. It is for this reason that I believe so strongly in the mission of the Foundation to build the church for generations to come.

David joined the Foundation team in February 2002 after having served as Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church, Lexington and Minister of Administration & Finance at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in High Point. He earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from the University of South Carolina, Coastal and a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. David has also completed the certification program in Church Leadership through Wake Forest University and completed The Royce and Jane Reynolds Program in Church Leadership, a collaborative program with The Divinity School, Duke University and The Center for Creative Leadership. David has been an ordained elder in full connection in The Western North Carolina Conference since 1996.

David and his wife, Debbi, live in Huntersville and have two daughters, Grace Snipes and Lindsay Hampton, a son-in-law, Chris Hampton, and a dog, Gizmo.

Being on the client side of nearly every possible relationship with the Foundation has made me a passionate believer in this ministry. I believe in this work because I have experienced it! I am deeply honored to be part of this ministry, and look forward to working with our current and future clients to build the church for generations to come.

A.J. joined the Foundation team in June 2019. He is a pastor’s kid, pastor’s spouse, and pastor himself, and was ordained an elder in the Western North Carolina Conference in 2008. Prior to coming to the Foundation, A.J. served as the Founder & Principal of Joyful Giving Group LLC, a consulting ministry dedicated to cultivating a culture of generosity. Previously, he served pastoral appointments in Greensboro, Charlotte, and Boone. He grew up in Niagara Falls, NY, and holds degrees from Roberts Wesleyan College (B.A. Communication) and the Divinity School of Duke University (M.Div).

A.J. is married to Rev. Ashley Pickerel Thomas. They live in Highland Creek with their cat, Paxton.

I feel blessed to be a part of a Christ-centered organization that invests in the Church for future generations.

Janice Umbarger joined the Foundation team in December 2023. She felt called to the opportunity after finding that our core values (relationships, integrity, innovation and excellence) closely align with her personal beliefs. Janice grew up outside Indianapolis and lived for 20 years in Tampa. She recently moved to Mooresville to be closer to a new grandbaby. Janice earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities with an American Studies concentration from Eckerd College. Away from the office, Janice enjoys journaling, drawing and watercolor painting. She’s a big fan of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team dating to her time in Florida.

Janice enjoys visits from her grown children and spending time with her cat, Percy, and dog, Finlay.

I feel honored to be part of the Foundation team because of how it prioritizes the needs of the Church - now and for generations to come.

Candace Williams joined the Foundation team in January 2024. With an extensive background in administration, hospitality, project and event management, Candace is grateful that ministry and career have dovetailed on her professional journey.

Originally from Washington, DC, Candace grew up as the youngest of three siblings in a tight-knit family. She moved to the Charlotte area in 2018 and resides in Concord with her husband, Noel, and 2-year-old son, Jaxson. On the weekends, you can find Candace immersed in teaching herself calligraphy, a passion that complements her interests in arts and crafts, fitness and journaling.

I’ve seen firsthand how the Foundation invests in and transforms lives. I know what it means to congregations, pastors, and their communities. I feel blessed to have an opportunity to be part of such vital ministry.

Caroline joined the Foundation team in March 2024. During her 16 years in the Western North Carolina Conference, she served in various leadership positions, including Director of Connectional Ministries and, most recently, District Vitality Associate.

For many years, Caroline has been a friend and supporter of the Foundation, having served on the Board of Directors in an ex-officio capacity while on Conference staff.

Caroline works closely with the President and Director of Reynolds Ministries and Programs to carry out the Foundation’s strategic vision and live more fully into our mission to build the Church for generations to come.