UNITED METHODIST CHURCH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Director of Education
- Senior Executive Director of Education and Engagement
Aimee Hong is the senior executive director of Education and Engagement at the General Board of Church and Society, where she designs and facilitates educational seminars, webinars and curriculum to deepen the connection between faith and justice. Read more.
Aimee Hong is the senior executive director of Education and Engagement at the General Board of Church and Society, where she designs and facilitates educational seminars, webinars and curriculum to deepen the connection between faith and justice.
Her goal is to transform minds and hearts for advocacy for a just world. She loves working with students of all ages and has a soft spot for engaging young people.
Before joining the General Board of Church and Society, Aimee served as an education director/pastor, shepherding the spiritual formation of elementary, youth and college students for 1.5-generation/2nd-generation Korean Americans in a large Korean immigrant church. She also served as a local pastor and education director, actively incorporating justice and peace into faith formation.
"Growing up in the church, I felt God's call to walk the walk in Micah 6:8; but felt the church was silent on how to engage in social justice," Aimee said. "My faith calls me to work in solidarity with others to create a just-filled world where all can thrive and live in and as the Beloved Community."
Aimee holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Oberlin College, Master of Theological Studies and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, Emory University.
Aimee enjoys spending time with her family (spouse, two children and their imaginary dog) and friends, usually cooking or eating.
Job Titles:
- Engagement Program Coordinator
Amber Gaines is the Engagement Program coordinator at the General Board of Church and Society with responsibility for connecting United Methodists to the agency's ministry. She guides United Methodists in creating Church and Society Committees in their conferences and congregations. She also leads GBCS donor engagement efforts and fundraising initiatives. Read More.
Amber Gaines is the Engagement Program coordinator at the General Board of Church and Society with responsibility for connecting United Methodists to the agency's ministry. She guides United Methodists in creating Church and Society Committees in their conferences and congregations. She also leads GBCS donor engagement efforts and fundraising initiatives.
Before joining the GBCS staff, Amber served as the director of communications and programming for a small, faith-based nonprofit organization in Arkansas. There she created and led campaigns to address homelessness, addiction and childhood hunger.
"I live out my social justice and faith-based commitments by participating in the Black Lives Matters movement and Fire Drill Fridays for climate justice," Amber said. "Another passion is supporting the protection and advancement of rights for women and the LGBTQ+ community."
Amber holds a Bachelor of Liberal and Fine Arts from Arkansas Tech University.
Amber loves playing fetch with her dog, Stella, and working with charcoal, watercolor and pastels to create artwork for fun, friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Bishop
- Member of the Board
Job Titles:
- Bishop
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Executive Committee
- at Large Executive Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Bishop
- Member of the Executive Committee
The Rev. Camille Henderson-Edwards is director for Economic, Health and Gender Justice at the General Board of Church and Society. She is responsible for legislative and policy advocacy in support of economic, health and gender justice. She works with decision makers in the government and faith coalitions to advance GBCS strategic priorities.
A provisional elder within the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, Camille served as an associate pastor at Cascade United Methodist Church, Atlanta Georgia before joining the General Board of Church and Society. She also has previous experience with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the Children's Defense Fund, and The Carter Center's Human Rights Program.
"My ministry within GBCS allows me to journey with faith communities in creating comprehensive responses to unjust conditions," Camille said. "I am particularly concerned with issues of gender-based violence and committed to ensuring that the Church curates sacred space for women and girls to flourish."
"As a womanist theologian and practitioner," Camille said, "I'm inspired and motivated by the witness of Black women. Ultimately, it is my desire to serve as a public theologian to further develop the intersection of social justice and the life of the Church."
Job Titles:
- Staff Accountant
- Staff Accountant at the General Board of Church and Society
Christopher Melkonian is the staff accountant at the General Board of Church and Society. In his role, he manages the agency's financial ledger for donations, investments, payroll, staff spending and building-related transactions. He also supports accounts payable and accounts receivable. Read more
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Educating Work Area Chair
Job Titles:
- Specialist for Advocacy, Administration
- Specialist for Advocacy, Administration and Operations
- Specialist for Advocacy, Administration and Operations at the Board
Dorene Hubbard is the specialist for Advocacy, Administration and Operations at the Board of Church and Society. In that role, Dorene supports the Advocacy team, oversees the United Methodist Building property management firm, supervises front desk staff, manages facility bookings and implements building policies and procedures. Read more
Dorene Hubbard is the specialist for Advocacy, Administration and Operations at the Board of Church and Society. In that role, Dorene supports the Advocacy team, oversees the United Methodist Building property management firm, supervises front desk staff, manages facility bookings and implements building policies and procedures.
Before joining the General Board of Church and Society, Dorene worked in administrative operations for a healthcare nonprofit organization, which served the academic medical community.
"I believe in pursuing practical ways to put my faith into action," Dorene said. "Being a volunteer for various food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters in the District of Columbia offers me opportunities to serve. I also enjoy leading the women's ministry at my Church, where we equip, encourage and empower women to fulfill their purpose in life."
Dorene holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Strayer University in Washington, D.C.
Along with her church experience, she loves spending time with her family, reading and cooking.
Job Titles:
- Senior Executive Director of Research
- Senior Executive Director of Research, Planning
- Senior Executive Director of Research, Planning and Spiritual Formation
Dr. Jessica M. "Jessie" Smith is the senior executive director of Research, Planning and Spiritual Formation at the General Board of Church and Society. Jessie develops organization-wide systems for planning and monitoring activities. She analyzes how organizational activities align with the agency's mission and conducts research on its social witness from the 20th century to the present. Read more.
Dr. Jessica M. "Jessie" Smith is the senior executive director of Research, Planning and Spiritual Formation at the General Board of Church and Society. Jessie develops organization-wide systems for planning and monitoring activities. She analyzes how organizational activities align with the agency's mission and conducts research on its social witness from the 20th century to the present.
As chair of the Simpson Memorial Chapel Committee, she also leads and supports organizational and ecumenical worship and spiritual reflection.
Before joining the GBCS staff, Jessie led Christian history and theology education for high school, college and seminary levels at Emory University. She also led education reflection courses on immigration and refugee services and was the co-editor of the online Practical Matters Journal.
"I believe in the redeeming love of God, the hope in the Resurrection, and the power of the Spirit's presence working for God's justice and peace in the world," Jessie said. "One thing I love about this work is I get to meet people of faith and conscience every day who are striving to make the world more loving and more just."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Vice President of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- General Secretary
- General Secretary at the General Board of Church and Society
The Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe is the general secretary at the General Board of Church and Society. From the authority of the United Methodist Church, she oversees the agency's vision, mission and mandate for witness and action on issues of human well-being, justice, peace and the integrity of creation. She leads the agency in responding to critical social issues, facilitates the church's legislative advocacy, and coordinates its priorities for the U.S. Congress.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director, Peace With Justice
Holly Metcalf is the director, Peace with Justice at the General Board of Church and Society with responsibility for advocacy efforts on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, disarmament and nonproliferation, and gun violence prevention. She also engages with Peace with Justice coordinators at UMC annual conferences. Read more
Holly Metcalf is the director, Peace with Justice at the General Board of Church and Society with responsibility for advocacy efforts on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, disarmament and nonproliferation, and gun violence prevention. She also engages with Peace with Justice coordinators at UMC annual conferences.
Before joining the GBCS staff, Holly was a foreign service officer with the U.S. State Department, working on human rights, religious freedom and refugee issues. Previously, she also served as a Peace Corps volunteer and a high school teacher.
As a foreign service officer, Holly worked with persecuted religious minorities and victims of human trafficking and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She supported American citizens incarcerated abroad and worked with asylum-seekers in Greece fleeing war and violence.
"We encounter God through the vast diversity of global humanity, each of us made in the image of God," Holly said. "I am passionate about the interconnectedness of our world and the ways we are called to serve one another across racial, cultural and national boundaries."
Holly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and French from Auburn University and a Master of Arts degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Mississippi. She is completing her Master of Divinity studies at Wesley Theological Seminary and is a candidate for ordination in the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference.
Holly enjoys traveling, playing board games and relaxing at the beach.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Representative
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications
- Director of Communications at the General Board of Church and Society
Jeffrey "Jeff" Corey is the director of Communications at the General Board of Church and Society with oversight and management of strategic communications, branding and creative execution to promote and amplify the agency's overall mission and advocacy work. Implementing a mix of digital, social, print, video, event and news media, Jeff leads a multifaceted communications effort for audiences around the world. Read more
John is the deputy general secretary at the Board of Church and Society where he oversees all programmatic efforts for the agency's advocacy, organizing, education and engagement mission on Capitol Hill and across the world. Read more.
Job Titles:
- Education Program Coordinator at the General Board of Church and Society
The Rev. Katie Monfortte is the Education Program coordinator at the General Board of Church and Society where she designs and facilitates educational programs. Working directly with interns, seminar participants and educational partners, she creates learning opportunities that unpack social issues related to justice and peace. Read more.
The Rev. Katie Monfortte is the Education Program coordinator at the General Board of Church and Society where she designs and facilitates educational programs. Working directly with interns, seminar participants and educational partners, she creates learning opportunities that unpack social issues related to justice and peace.
Prior to GBCS, Katie served as a Global Mission Fellow with the General Board of Global Ministries, where she focused on educational programming. She is a strong advocate for education as a tool for transformation and formation.
"I am passionate about walking with people and creating opportunities to look at justice as a spiritual discipline," Katie said. "My hope is to equip young leaders as they live out their faith and commit to serving the church and their communities."
The Rev. Kendal L. McBroom is the director of Civil and Human Rights at the General Board of Church and Society. He is responsible for managing and developing the agency's legislative and policy advocacy in support of civil and human rights. He also works as a strategic thought partner and collaborator with United Methodist faith and secular coalitions to develop and implement strategies that advance GBCS priorities. Read more
Job Titles:
- Director of Grassroots Organizing at the General Board of Church and Society
Laura Kigweba James is the director of Grassroots Organizing at the General Board of Church and Society. In her position, she builds, strengthens, and equips United Methodists to transform the systemic conditions of injustice in both the church, community and world through faith-based community organizing.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Financial Officer at the General Board of Church and Society
Leigh Ann Gong is the chief financial officer at the General Board of Church and Society with oversight of all finance, accounting and reporting activities supporting the agency's overall mission and goals. Read More.
Leigh Ann Gong is the chief financial officer at the General Board of Church and Society with oversight of all finance, accounting and reporting activities supporting the agency's overall mission and goals.
Prior to the General Board of Church and Society, Leigh Ann was a senior staff accountant at a medical association in Maryland. Being at GBCS for 22 years, she worked in various financial roles before serving as the chief financial officer.
Leigh Ann grew up in Vietnam during and after the Vietnam War. Speaking three languages fluently, she and her parents came to the U.S. to join her sister.
"Having grown up under an oppressive regime," Leigh Ann said. "I'm proud to be at Church and Society because of the work we do for justice and peace. I see Church and Society as contributing to a strong witness of faith and transforming the world to make people's lives better."
Leigh Ann holds a degree in accounting from the University of Maryland and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Virginia.
Job Titles:
- Assistant General Secretary for United Nations
- President of the Conference of Non - Governmental Organizations
Levi Bautista is the assistant general secretary for United Nations and International Affairs at the General Board of Church and Society. Located in the New York City office. Levi leads, manages and represents international priorities for The United Methodist Church at the United Nations and other international settings. Read More.
Levi Bautista is the assistant general secretary for United Nations and International Affairs at the General Board of Church and Society. Located in the New York City office. Levi leads, manages and represents international priorities for The United Methodist Church at the United Nations and other international settings.
Levi also serves as President of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations, which has some 600 NGOs accredited with the UN, including GBCS.
Prior to GBCS, Levi served in a variety of leadership positions at national, regional and international levels, with church ecumenical and social movement groups.
Levi has taught in college, university and seminary settings. He is a sought-after speaker on issues that he has published on multilateralism, international relations, civil society, social and political ethics, theology, religion and ecumenism, human rights and human dignity, migrants and indigenous peoples, peace, justice, and human security.
Levi did undergraduate studies in Political Science, History, and International Affairs at the University of the Philippines and graduate studies in Christian Social and Political Ethics and Religion at Drew University. He is a Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science and holds a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, from Union Theological Seminary (Philippines).
"My work at both local and global arenas has shown me the widest expanse of God's love and concern for the world and God's people." Levi said. "I feel fortunate working at GBCS because it addresses peace and justice concerns using faith convictions."
Levi enjoys traveling, photography and time with family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Treasurer of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- at Large Executive Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Senior Coordinator of Administration and Programming for the United Nations and International Affairs Ministry at the General Board of Church and Society
- Senior Coordinator, Administration and Programming
Quinn is the senior coordinator of Administration and Programming for the United Nations and International Affairs Ministry at the General Board of Church and Society. She/they coordinate all-around resource support at the New York City office and serve as the grants processor for the Peace with Justice fund. Read more.
Quinn is the senior coordinator of Administration and Programming for the United Nations and International Affairs Ministry at the General Board of Church and Society. She/they coordinate all-around resource support at the New York City office and serve as the grants processor for the Peace with Justice fund.
"My favorite part about supporting witness and advocacy at the United Nations is continually discovering more ways that our Social Principles overlap with the UN Charter and Agenda 2030's 17 Sustainable Development Goals," she said. "The very first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly was held at the Methodist Central Hall Westminster, London in 1946 and it's an honor to carry on our peacebuilding work today."
Prior to GBCS, Quinn worked as a journalist covering elections, energy policy, and political news for MSNBC and various other print/digital publications.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Alfred University and a Master of Public Administration and Policy from American University.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Trustees Committee Chair
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- California - Pacific
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Advocating Work Area Chair
The Rev. Michelle Beadle is the executive assistant to the general secretary at the General Board of Church and Society. She provides administrative support for the general secretary, manages board meetings and correspondence, serves on the Development Work Team, and advocates for disability rights on behalf of The United Methodist Church as part of the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition. Read more.
The Rev. Michelle Beadle is the executive assistant to the general secretary at the General Board of Church and Society. She provides administrative support for the general secretary, manages board meetings and correspondence, serves on the Development Work Team, and advocates for disability rights on behalf of The United Methodist Church as part of the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition.
Before joining the General Board of Church and Society, Michelle served in congregational and community ministries from 2002-2017. Ordained clergy with the United Church of Christ, she continues to serve as a pulpit supply pastor.
"I'm grateful that God called me to ministry," Michelle said. "It's a joy to share the good news of universal human dignity revealed through Jesus Christ and to challenge congregants to consider how cultural and systemic structures can be altered to better reflect that truth. I celebrate a particular calling to promote the rights of the disability community, both within faith organizations and in our overall society."
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- at Large Executive Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Secretary of the Executive Committee