The Year
in Review
Living Into the New Normal The year 2021 started with many of us working virtually from home, socially distancing from one another and wearing face masks, after COVID-19 altered our way of living and working. The pandemic, combined with natural disasters, new leadership and a possible denomination shift, has created a “new normal” for all of us.
Rob Fairly Announces Retirement
Early in the year, President Rob Fairly, who served the Foundation as a development officer from 1998 to 2005, Executive Vice President in 2005 and as President since 2006, announced his retirement, effective June 30. The Foundation hosted a retirement party in June, where friends, colleagues and family celebrated Rob’s 23 years of dedication and commitment to the work and ministry of the Foundation.
Tax Webinars for Clergy and Church Business Administrators
The Foundation was pleased to host two tax webinars featuring Rev. Nate Berneking in February, to help the nearly 100 clergy and church staff who attended prepare income tax returns, review features in the IRS tax code specific to clergy, and explore church financial issues. Berneking is Director of Finance and Administrative Ministries for the Missouri Annual Conference. New Board Members
Chris Spencer Named President
Val Lavigne
The Foundation’s Executive Committee named Chris Spencer President and CEO, to succeed Rob Fairly, effective July 1, 2021. Chris seemed a natural choice, having served as a development officer for four years. Foundation Board Chair Omer Davis said, “We are very fortunate to have someone with Chris’ experience and heart for the church to assume the presidency.”
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Rev. Drew Sutton
2021 Annual Meeting Held Virtually
The annual meeting, which was held by video teleconference on April 27, celebrated the Foundation’s 45th year and its growth to over $200 million in assets under management. Two new board members were elected: Val Lavigne, a lifelong member of Camphor Memorial UMC in Baton Rouge; and Rev. Drew Sutton, senior pastor of First UMC of Hammond. The following
United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana
