Outgoing Board Chair Anne Martin announced a contribution of $279,000 to Conference initiatives, the largest amount since the Foundation began the practice of tithing to the Annual Conference. The funds come from a 10% tithe of operating income as well as 2024 surplus operating cash.
Speaking at the Annual Meeting of the Membership on Saturday, June 21 in Stuart Auditorium, Anne connected the Foundation’s theme for the year, …And God does the rest, to doing our part as people of faith, sustained by the confidence that comes from believing in God’s promises.
Hebrews 10 puts it this way: “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,” Anne told the gathering.
Meet new, returning leaders
Jennifer Davis is projected to be the next chair of the Foundation board.
Known for her relatable, plainspoken style, Jennifer’s leadership stretches from Epworth UMC in Gastonia to the highest levels of the United Methodist Connection. She joined the board in 2018 and most recently served as Vice-President. Jennifer will be the first person of color to chair the board.
“We are blessed beyond measure to have you in this role,” David said while joined by Jennifer at the podium.
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; and Sara Williams as an ex-officio board member serving in her capacity as president of the WNCC Council on Finance & Administration.
Five board members have been re-elected as part of the Class of 2028: Mark Bailey; Dave Mildenberg; Wanda Musgrave; Irish Spencer; and 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
The Annual Meeting included a time of remembrance for 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 across the Conference. The Foundation would not be where it is today without his influence — 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’s expertise as a Certified Public Accountant 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. The board named Rob an honorary board member in 2024.
Answering the call after Helene
As Western North Carolina moves toward longer-term clean-up and recovery, Anne shared how the Foundation is helping partners fulfill God’s promise of deliverance.
Within weeks of the storm, the Foundation sent $800 checks to 127 churches and ministries in the most affected counties. The immediate, no-strings-attached gifts totaled $101,600.
In January, a check for $166,000 helped purchase propane and carbon dioxide detectors for homes in the area. The funds also covered training for a group of WNCC staff and volunteers at a disaster academy in Florida.
The 2025 budget makes a multi-year commitment to support the work of clergy and ministry professionals, including the WNCC Disaster Ministries team, which has grown from two people to a staff of 17 since Helene.
“Your belief in the Foundation enables us to give back,” Anne said. “And, hopefully, bring a spirit of healing and renewal to Western North Carolina.”
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