Legacies Editor: Kelly Johannessen kellyj@umf.org 2025 Board of Trustees
Rev. Jo Ann Cooper Chairman
Rev. Katie Black
Abby Cochran
Rev. Clifton Conrad
Rev. Jo Ann Cooper
Joe Crouch, Jr.
Bobby Fahey
Brent Graham
Drew Kennedy
Bob Kimbro
Eunice Val Lavigne
Richard Lewis
Rev. Mimi McDowell
Sen. Willie Mount
Troy Searles
Dr. Van Stinson
Rev. Drew Sutton
Chris Spencer President
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Executive Director of Mission and Ministry; Assistant to the Bishop of the Louisiana Conference noted, “That growth has come from the trusted relationships people have with the Foundation.” Each generation of staff, board members and executive leaders has brought unique gifts to the table, collectively shaping the Foundation into what it is today.
“It’s been the Foundation’s goal to raise money for churches through planned gifts and endowments,” said former board chair and longtime board member Omer Davis. “We’ve encouraged those endowments and then we’ve grown them. So that’s how we end up with nearly $250 million in assets.”
Lasting Legacies Through Planned Giving
At the heart of the Foundation’s mission is the practice of planned giving—gifts that outlive the donor and provide sustainable support for ministry. The Foundation’s first planned gift was a Charitable Gift Annuity created in 1990 by Nellie Rhoads Greer to benefit Christ United Methodist Church in Shreveport. That single act of generosity launched a movement. Today, 421 planned gifts totaling more than $50 million have been established through the Foundation.
These gifts support not only local congregations, but also ministries like the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home. As President Chris Spencer reflected, “Thanks to the generosity of Nellie and donors like her, hundreds of thousands of dollars are distributed annually to United Methodist churches all over Louisiana, ensuring a future legacy of hope and service.”
Bert Faulk, former Board Chair and longtime Foundation supporter, added, “The gifts that are given to the Foundation live well beyond the lifetime of the giver. These are designed to be multi-generational and perpetual funds.”
50 YEARS OF GROWTH
is like a business. It has to manage people, buildings and finances,” Fairly said. “We wanted to address that education gap.”
Participants like Rev. Allison Sikes and Rev. Sonya Lars praised the program for offering real-world tools such as budgeting, interpreting financial reports and stewardship best practices.
“The resources were truly priceless,” said Sikes.
“We talked about budgeting, how to read financial reports and stewardship strategies,” said Lars. Rev. Ronald J. Southall is thankful for the seminary scholarship he received through the Foundation’s Seminary Service Loan program.
“While I was in seminary, I was able to get financial assistance with tuition to keep the costs affordable, so therefore I could get my seminary degree and become an elder.”
A New Look for a New Chapter
As the Foundation steps into its next chapter, it has embraced a new look that reflects its growth and stability. The updated logo, shown throughout this publication, was unveiled in early 2025. It features blue to symbolize steadfastness and trust, and green to represent thriving growth.
“The new design honors the Foundation’s legacy and the road ahead, as well as the gifts of hope and opportunity still to come,” said Spencer.
“I’m so grateful for those who came before us. Their vision and generosity laid the foundation for everything we do today.”
Chris Spencer President 2021 - present
Dr. Clyde Clark Executive Director 1976-1980
Dr. James Caraway Executive Director 1980-1987 Patsy Barnes Executive Director
Dr. Ken Reed Executive Director 1990-1998
Ray Caraway President 1998-2000
Dr. Michael Reeves President
Rob Fairly President
Chris Spencer President
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Foundation Welcomes New Leadership
The Foundation is pleased to announce the election of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Rev. Katie Black, Brent Graham, and Dr. Van Stinson. Each will begin a three-year term on June 1, 2025.
Rev. Black currently serves as the senior pastor at First United Methodist Church of Houma. Graham is a financial advisor based in Baton Rouge, bringing valuable expertise in financial planning, and Dr. Stinson is the Executive Director of Mission and Ministry and Assistant to the Bishop for the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, offering a strong connection to the Conference’s broader vision and ministry.
The Board of Trustees meeting, held on April 23, 2025, also marked a transition in leadership. Bobby Fahey, a member of University UMC of Baton Rouge, concluded his term as Board Chair, passing the role to Rev. Jo Ann Cooper, senior pastor at Henning Memorial UMC in Sulphur. Additional leadership appointments include Rev. Drew Sutton, senior pastor at St. Andrews UMC in Baton Rouge as Vice Chair; Val Lavigne, a member of Camphor Memorial UMC in Baton Rouge as Secretary; Bob Kimbro of Gretna UMC as Investment Chair; and Rev. Mimi McDowell, who serves Gilliam UMC and Northpoint UMC in Shreveport, as Grants Chair.
Rev. Jo Ann Cooper (center) is welcomed as the new Chair of the Board by outgoing Chair Bobby Fahey (left) and Foundation President Chris Spencer (right) during a special moment at the 50th Anniversary Board Meeting.
We welcome our new leaders with gratitude and anticipation for the wisdom and energy they bring to the Foundation’s mission.
The Foundation also gives heartfelt thanks to the trustees rotating off the board. Omer Davis has served with distinction on and off since 2001, as both Board Chair and Investment Chair. Sandra Kuykendall, a dedicated board member since 2009, faithfully served most of her tenure as Secretary. Dianne Wilkinson concludes nine years of service, including her valued contributions on the grants committee.
