Giving thanks for the faithful leadership of Anne Martin

Anne’s tenure as board chair coincided with a season of change for the Conference and broader denomination. She was the right leader at the right time.

Speaking to Annual Conference attendees in Lake Junaluska, Anne described how the Foundation’s theme for the year, …And God does the rest, alludes to doing our part as people of faith, sustained by the confidence that comes from believing in God’s promises.

“People often describe the Foundation as a steadying influence in times of uncertainty,” Anne said. “Disaffiliation, political division, and economic worries have caused all of us in this room to be challenged. And yet we are here today, declaring our trust in God’s faithfulness.”

During Anne’s 15 years on the Board of Directors, including the past three as chair, the Foundation sought to help churches and ministries adapt to changing circumstances.

• A strategic visioning process brought together clergy, lay servants, professional staff, and colleagues to discern God’s vision for how the Foundation should evolve in the future.
• The UMF Development Fund reached all-time highs in outstanding loans, allowing United Methodist churches to benefit from low-interest financing for land acquisition, new construction, renovation, and refinancing existing debt.
• In 2024, the Foundation reached an all-time high of $347 million in total assets, a testament not only to strong leadership, but also the trust and faithfulness of those we serve.
• Healthy returns translated into a 10% tithe of income to the Western North Carolina Conference over each of the past four years.
• Of particular note, the Foundation has made a multi-year commitment to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Loans, grants, leadership development, and other Foundation offerings “are all tools of the Holy Spirit to meet the needs of today, and to position the Church for all that will come tomorrow,” Anne said.

Deep roots in the church

Starting with William Hammet, her great-great-great-great grandfather, Anne’s family tree includes eight generations of Methodist ministers. She’s married to Dan Martin, a retired elder in the WNCC. Her son, Duncan, is lead pastor at Hawthorne UMC in Charlotte, and daughter-in-law, Meredith, is also a United Methodist pastor.

“My United Methodist faith is about more than family heritage,” Anne said after stepping into the role. “It is about the Church’s commitment to serving ALL the people of our diverse world.”

Anne holds a unique place as the first female board chair in the Foundation’s 45-year history. What a time to serve in that role, President David Snipes told attendees at Annual Conference.

“I think it’s fair to say,” David said, “that she has made all her family – and all of us – proud.”