Staff

I am so glad to have answered God's calling for me to join the foundation and become part of its mission. There is no greater gift than to be able to be in ministry with my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Suzanne joined the Foundation team in September 2018, after leaving the Real Estate industry. She is a life-long Methodist and “Preacher’s Kid.” Suzanne is a graduate of NC State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Language, Writing, and rhetoric; and earned a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship. She also holds a North Carolina Real Estate License.

Suzanne currently lives in Lincolnton with her husband Seth and their dog Paulsen.

I worked with a client organization of the Foundation for almost 16 years and, in that role, have always valued the Foundation's excellent customer service, professionalism and responsiveness. Because of this history with them, I am elated to have made the professional move to join the Foundation team. It excites me to be able to work with the Foundation's clients as we continue to provide the very highest level of support for them and their ministries.

Susan joined the Foundation in August, 2017. Previously, she worked in higher education development for over 20 years, most recently at Brevard College as their Vice President and Executive Director of Development. As the daughter of a petroleum executive, Susan didn’t grow up in any one place; she moved between Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Susan laughingly says, “It is a good thing I love to meet new people, moving so often forces you to be an extrovert!” She 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.

Susan is an avid runner and lives in Huntersville.

I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as Director of Reynolds Ministries and Programs. The marriage between the mission of the Foundation and the generous spirit of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds allows for such fruitful ministry in the Conference and beyond. I believe that I have been called to serve the Church, help build it for generations to come, and play a part in cultivating leaders who will make disciples for Christ.

Caroline joined the team of the United Methodist Foundation in July 2015. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a concentration in Education from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. She has completed the Reynolds Program in Church Leadership as well as the Duke Nonprofit Management Certificate Program. Her long-time passion for leadership development and experiential/peer learning was very much shaped by her own student experiences.

Caroline is a lifelong North Carolinian and member of the United Methodist Church. She lives in Huntersville with her husband, Brian, and their dog, Caddy.

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 Matthews with their two sons.

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.

I am blessed to be a part of this amazing team and to be provided the opportunity to serve as the Associate Director of Reynolds Ministries and Programs. This position allows me to see firsthand how Royce and Jane Reynold’s vision of making disciples of Jesus Christ plays out in our everyday lives. I am eager to learn and continuously help act on the Foundation’s mission of building the Church for generations to come.

Layne joined the Foundation team in January 2021. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with a concentration in Families and Intimate Relationships and a minor in Non-Profit Management from Appalachian State University. Being the previous Executive Director of The Mooresville Back to School Bash, she has always had a passion for missions, helping others, and having the community come together. Layne has grown up within the United Methodist Church, being a “Preacher’s Kid” and is involved in the community by serving within the children’s program at West Church. Layne currently lives in the area with her dog Moe.

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 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 and one dog.

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 am passionate about using my skills to make a difference in ministry and I’m honored to be able to help the Foundation fulfill its mission of building the Church for generations to come.

Patti joined the team in September 2020. For the 16 years prior to joining the Foundation, she served at Davidson United Methodist Church, first as the Director of Finance, and most recently as the Director of Finance and Administration. A lifelong United Methodist, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from UNC Chapel Hill. Patti is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the NCACPA. Her previous experience includes diversified accounting roles in public and corporate accounting.

Patti and her husband, Mark, live in Davidson and have two daughters and two sons-in-law. She enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with her family.

I feel so blessed to be part of this unique ministry where giving and sharing God's gifts is the focus. My job at the Foundation is to make sure folks get a cheerful welcome when they call or come into our office and that they are directed to the staff member who can best assist them. I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful organization and to support such a dedicated team.

Janey joined our team in August 2008. She has been a customer service specialist for nearly 20 years with several corporations including Federal Express. She is a member at Forest Hill United Methodist Church in Concord where she served as a Stephen Minister and on the Worship Committee. She also volunteers with UMAR and is a member of United Methodist Women. Janey’s cheerful personality is a great asset to the Foundation as the first point of contact for our clients.

Janey has a son, daughter-in-law, a grandson and granddaughter and a beloved dog, Hodge. She lives in Kannapolis.