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Leadership & Board

Senior Leadership

Mark Lenhard

President & CEO

Appointed President & CEO of United Methodist Communities in 2022, Mark Lenhard describes himself as a “servant leader called to the ministry of caring for others.” He joined UMC with nearly 30 years’ service in senior living, with a breadth of leadership and management experience involving multi-site operations, financial management and oversight, fundraising, project development, strategic planning, team building, public policy, and more. Mark has also served in various volunteer leadership positions with Leading Age Texas, local chambers of commerce, and industry advisory boards.

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Cynthia Jacques

Senior Vice President for Programs & Services

Cynthia D. Jacques

David Glenn

Senior Vice President for People & Culture

Travis Gleinig

Vice President for Innovation & CIO

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David Rayha

Vice President of Operations

David S. Rayha

Bob Peterson

Chief Financial Officer

Bob Peterson

Marlene Baldinger

Corporate Director of Compliance & Risk Management

Julie Ellis

Corporate Controller

Julie-Ellis

Gary Engelstad

Director of Transformational Opportunities

Pam Garofolo

Corporate Director of Tapestries

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Patty Koepplinger

Executive Assistant

Patty-Koepplinger

DaLinda Love

Corporate Director of Clinical Services

DaLinda-Love

Jacquie Miller

Corporate Director of Marketing and Sales

Gage Jackson

Corporate Director of IT

Russell Nagy

Corporate Director of Building Services

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Board of Directors

Nona Ostrove

Chair

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Rosa Williams

Vice Chair

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Joseph Zigler

Secretary

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Doug Fullman

Treasurer

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Bishop John Schol

Greater New Jersey Annual Conference

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Karen Barch

  

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Rev. Edward Carll

  

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Kathy Devine

  

Betty Brown Joynes

  

Jana Purkis-Brash

  

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Rev. Brian Roberts

  

Rodney Ross

  

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Gavin Stobie

  

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Rev. William Williams, III

  

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Foundation Board of Trustees

Rev. Edward Carll

Chair

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Mark Lenhard

Treasurer/Secretary

Tracy Bartlett

  

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Doug Fullman

  

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Virginia Tesch

  

Joseph Zigler

  

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Executive Directors and Housing Administrators

Jeanette Edghill

Corporate Manager of Housing – Home Office

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Jeff Lisk

Executive Director – Bristol Glen

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Michele Matthews

Executive Director – Pitman

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Tamara Moreland

Executive Director – Collingswood

Dominique Phillips

Housing Administrator – PineRidge of Montclair

Tanya Sweet Preston

Housing Administrator – Bishop Taylor

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India Santos

Housing Administrator – Covenant Place

Kathryn Speer

Housing Administrator – Wesley by the Bay

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Jim Zauner

Executive Director – The Shores

Directors Emeriti

John W. Bishop

Rev. David E. Dutcher

Dean Livingston

Rev. Virginia Samuel Cetuk

Rev. Dr. H. Alden Welch


CORPORATE OFFICES

205 Jumping Brook Road
Neptune, NJ 07753
Phone: 732-922-9800

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Mark Lenhard

Appointed President & CEO of United Methodist Communities in 2022, Mark Lenhard describes himself as a “servant leader called to the ministry of caring for others.” He joined UMC with nearly 30 years’ service in senior living, with a breadth of leadership and management experience involving multi-site operations, financial management and oversight, fundraising, project development, strategic planning, team building, public policy, and more. Mark has also served in various volunteer leadership positions with Leading Age Texas, local chambers of commerce, and industry advisory boards.

Mark holds a Master of Science in Gerontology with a concentration in Management of Organizational Behavior and Public Policy from Baylor University (Waco, TX). He has maintained Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) credentials since 1996.

Mark has a deep affinity for faith-based nonprofits and feels very blessed to be part of the United Methodist Communities family. “I am honored to have been selected to lead this great ministry and excited to be joining the United Methodist Communities family. I look forward to working with UMC’s leadership and associates as we develop new and inspired ways of providing abundant living for seniors,” he shares.

Mark and his wife Karen met at Baylor University and have been blessed with three amazing children, Alex, Jack, and Avery. Their family is made complete with Ellie, their ½ Border Collie ½ Australian Shepherd mix. The family enjoys cooking and playing games together. Mark is a martial artist and has studied in multiple forms of armed and unarmed styles. He has served his church as a Sunday school teacher, assisting with communion, and scripture reading. Mark is a big fan of Science Fiction and an avid reader. Upon Mark’s appointment at UMC, they were excited to relocate to Karen’s home state of New Jersey.

Cynthia Jacques

“Working with seniors has been so enjoyable throughout my career. I find their honesty, vulnerability and composure charming. I completely respect and enjoy the richness they add to life,” states Cynthia.

Cynthia is a Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA) and Certified Social Worker (CSW) with over 25 years’ experience in senior care, housing and social work. An associate of United Methodist Communities since 2000, Cynthia brings a wealth of knowledge to the organization.

“I appreciate that I am encouraged to use my best and most natural skills to contribute to such a quality organization. I am also proud that my work directly impacts issues important to older adults, who are often marginalized and powerless. I feel a fierceness when I speak on their behalf.“

Cynthia has her B.A. in Psychology, M.A. in Counseling and Human Services, and specialized training in dementia care, mental health and counseling.

Her hobbies include art, socializing and listening to new music. Cynthia and her husband Bob, enjoy the beach and vacations a few times a year.

Cynthia explains, “Working hard at something you love is very fulfilling. Being appreciated for what you do is precious, and I am blessed to have both.”

David Glenn

Dave’s passion for healthcare was spurred by surviving cancer 35 years ago. Having been so impressed with the care, he made it his goal to work at the very hospital where he was treated. Five years later he became the Assistant Director of Personnel at Riverview Medical Center.

From that point forward, Dave’s career has focused on not-for-profit healthcare. His high regard for his grandparents, the most influential people in his life, helped steer him toward senior service and United Methodist Communities. Now, he serves as the Vice President of Human Resources and loves supporting and encouraging associates.

Dave graduated with a B.S. in Economics from Rutgers University and earned his M.B.A. in Management from Monmouth University. He has more than 35 years of generalist and administrative human resources experience and considers his work his mission.

Dave says, “Working for a faith-based, values-driven organization with so many talented and genuinely nice people is a privilege and a pleasure. I look forward to what the future holds for United Methodist Communities.” Dave cherishes every opportunity to spend time with his granddaughter Sophia.

Travis Gleinig

Travis Gleinig has over a decade of Information Technology experience and has worked at United Methodist Communities for 8 years, serving the last 3 years as the Corporate Director of Information Technology and CIO. Travis provides leadership to ensure the continued development of a robust and secure IT environment throughout UMC. Having helped lead the digital transformation at UMC, Travis has a passion for innovation and strives to keep UMC at the forefront of technology in aging services.

“For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for technology. My cybersecurity background is very useful in the heavily-regulated healthcare world. Using new technology to create solutions to unique problems and seeing its impact on our residents’ quality of life is very rewarding,” says Travis.

From his perspective, a strong, proactive IT department enables other departments to take care of their responsibilities in more efficient and streamlined ways and translates to better care to our residents.

In his spare time, Travis likes to read about history and psychology, the outdoors, cooking, and fitness. He is also a six year veteran of the New Jersey National Guard.

David Rayha

Dave has strategic oversight and management of UMC’s four full-service communities. He has spent the bulk of his career working for faith-based, not-for-profit organizations and brings over 34 years’ experience in management and senior level leadership. This includes eight years as vice president of operations/chief operating officer at Brethren Village Retirement Community in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Previous positions as an administrator or executive director at Bellingham Retirement Community and Willow Valley Retirement Communities, also in Pennsylvania, add to his extensive experience. Skills in strategic planning, project management, oversight of renovation and new construction, regulatory compliance, accreditations and surveys, contract management and negotiations, benchmarking, and more, complement Dave’s academic degrees.

He holds a Master of Public Administration with concentration in Health Care Management from the Pennsylvania State University and two degrees from York College of Pennsylvania: a Bachelor of Science in Long Term Care Administration and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation. Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) and Personal Care Administrator certifications add to his credentials.

“I am excited to be part of an organization with a strong history of a successful commitment to the community and a forward-thinking approach to resident care,” comments Mr. Rayha.

During leisure time, Dave enjoys watching and attending sporting events, golfing, fishing, organic gardening, and spending time with his family.

Bob Peterson

“I love working to bring together the clinical, operational and financial apects of an organization together. I believe that bringing these areas together so that they are all moving in the same direction is the key to success” says Bob.

Bob is a CPA with over 30 years of experience in various aspects of finance and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting. He has spent most of his career working with not-for-profit organizations and has always liked their mission based aspect. Bob oversees the financial operations of UMC that entails working closely with the management team at the home office as well as the teams in our communities and home care division.

Bob is a big sports fan and have coaching youth recreation and travel baseball since 2006. He is married and has two sons who have been playing baseball since they were 5 years old.

Marlene Baldinger

Coming soon...

Julie Ellis

Julie is the Corporate Controller for United Methodist Communities. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of San Diego and has 25 years of experience in both non-profit and public accounting.

Julie enjoys the challenges of accounting, especially pulling together pieces of data to reveal a financial story. She loves that her work contributions positively impact everyone organization-wide. When not working, Julie enjoys kayaking, camping, the beach, and spending time with her family.

Gary Engelstad

Coming soon...

Pam Garofolo

Coming soon...

Patty Koepplinger

Patricia has over 25 years’ experience as an executive assistant to high level personnel. She earned her B.A. in Sociology from Queens College, City University of New York. Patricia holds an active New Jersey Real Estate License, is a Notary Public and volunteers at ARC.

Patricia’s passion for a rewarding profession serving the public good was found at United Methodist Communities. Further, she is pleased to work for an organization with a culture committed to demonstrating compassion and unsurpassed care for seniors.

“When I get up every morning I look forward to starting my day and engaging with great ethical people,” says Patricia. When not working Patricia likes to spend time with her two children, family and friends and visit the ocean.

DaLinda Love

Nursing is a calling for DaLinda Love, corporate director of clinical services. “As an act of service, I chose nursing because I wanted to enable people to help themselves,” affirms DaLinda.
After earning a B.S. in Nursing and Biology from The College of New Jersey, she focused on individuals with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses in acute rehabilitation settings. As a rehab nurse, she helped patients achieve and maintain their optimal levels of function, including self-care, and promoted their physical, psycho-social and spiritual health.
Working in outpatient and inpatient settings in the long-term care and rehab, DaLinda has accumulated extensive knowledge regarding the treatment of disabilities and chronic illnesses. Her broad knowledge of state and federal regulatory requirements, ensures compliance within UMC.
In her current role, she serves as a resource and provides clinical guidance to UMC’s directors of nursing, directors of residential life and other key clinicians. She supports and guides them during regulatory surveys and assists with follow up. As healthcare changed, she assumed different roles in long-term care. For the last 17 years, DaLinda has overseen clinical services in nursing homes and ensured assisted living resident satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
To stay current in the field, she belongs to numerous professional nursing and health organizations including, American Nursing Informatics Association, American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination, American Assisted Living Nursing Association, National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration, Association for Professionals in Infection Control and National Association for Healthcare Quality.
“Person centered care has given me the opportunity to know residents as individuals, how they lived and functioned before they came to us and to incorporate those same ways into the daily care and focus on wellness instead of sickness,” observes DaLinda. When not working, DaLinda enjoys time with family and friends, music, concerts, watching old classic movies and going to church. She loves watching football, especially the Dallas Cowboys.

Jacquie Miller

Jacquie joins the United Methodist Communities Steering Group with over 20 years of experience in senior living, in roles ranging from finance and developing marketing budgets to directing community sales and marketing functions. Jacquie led the UMC at Collingswood sales team before serving as Managing Director of Hamlyn Marketing. She maintained a strong relationship with UMC during her service with Hamlyn, providing expert sales and marketing consultation for UMC at Bristol Glen. Jacquie is thrilled to return to UMC full time.

“I love helping families and prospective residents find safe, secure senior living solutions that enhance their lives,” Jacquie shares. “At UMC, we are focused on providing an abundant lifestyle to our residents by offering opportunities for spiritual, social, and physical wellness. It is extremely rewarding, and when I see a new resident chatting and laughing with their new neighbors, I truly feel that I am where I am supposed to be.”

Jacquie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor is Business and Finance from Mt. St. Mary’s University (Emmitsburg, MD). She currently sits on the Board of Directors for Interfaith Caregivers, and enjoys gardening, spending time outdoors, and taking walks with her husband and children in her downtime.

Gage Jackson

Coming soon...

Russell Nagy

Coming soon...

Nona Ostrove

Currently in her second term on the Board of Directors and vice chair, Nona L. Ostrove has been in private law practice for over 35 years. After earning a B.A. magna cum laude from Allegheny College and election to Phi Beta Kappa, she pursed a J.D at Rutgers Law School. Located in Voorhees, her practice focuses on bankruptcy and community association law.

Nona’s volunteerism truly reflects her outlook. She remarks, “I believe in service to the community and I am drawn especially to the mission of United Methodist Communities to serve those who are among the most vulnerable — our senior citizens. All of us may need that care someday.”

At her local church, she chairs the building team and is secretary for the The United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey Board of Trustees. As an active member of the Rutgers Camden Pro Bono Project, Nona accepts assignments from South Jersey Legal Services and New Jersey Legal Services.

In 2001, the New Jersey State Bar Association recognized her as the Pro Bono Award winner. Appearances on local television programs; speaking on panels, forums and conferences; and organizing legal conferences, also allow her opportunities for service.

Beside two bar associations, the New Jersey State Bar Association and the Camden County Bar Association, Nona’s professional memberships include the American Bankruptcy Institute, Community Associations Institute and the New Jersey Bankruptcy Trustee Association. As a testimony and demonstration to her community commitment, she is a charter member and trustee of the New Jersey Bankruptcy Lawyer’s Foundation.

During leisure time, she relishes outdoor activities including skiing, biking and gardening.

Rosa Williams

Retired director of nursing at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center, Rosa continues using her gifts and skills, which motivate her volunteerism on the United Methodist Communities Board of Directors. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pace University and Master of Science in Nursing and Administration from Seton Hall University, Rosa brings extensive knowledge including certification in five areas of Adult Nursing including Geriatrics. She cites, “The board is a group of people that love United Methodist Communities and the people they serve,” as her inspiration for joining its board of directors.

As a volunteer, her skills and experience complement the organizational focus: teaching, program development, public speaking, healthcare management and administration, and nursing. In addition to serving the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey, retired as conference lay leader after 10 years of service in 2020, Rosa currently service on the Meadowland Superintendency Committee, Poverty Taskforce and BMCR/Journey of Hope Internship Program for Youth and Young Adults of African Descent who would like to go into Ministry. Rosa loves connecting and serving God’s’ people!

Joseph Zigler

Coming soon...

Doug Fullman

Douglas C. Fullman serves on the Finance Committee of the UMC Board of Directors, as well as the UMC Foundation Board of Trustees. He holds a BA in History from Emory and Henry College (Emory, VA), and brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit administration, finance, and philanthropy. He shares that UMC’s “top-notch quality in administration, mission achievement, and quality of care” compelled him to lend his expertise to UMC’s boards.

Doug spent many years working with Boy Scouts of America in a variety of leadership roles, including Regional Program Director of the Northeast Region (Jamesburg, NJ), Finance and Public Relations Director of the Robert E. Lee Council (Richmond, VA), and the District Executive M/M for the National Capital Area Council (Washington, D.C.). During his time with BSA, he was honored with the Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope awards for council level and regional level service. He also achieved the Distinguished Eagle Award, which recognizes Eagle Scouts who have gone on to serve their community for 25 years. Doug is still involved with BSA and currently sits as Advancement Chairman of the Washington Crossing Council.

Doug’s commitment to serving seniors extends beyond his involvement with UMC. He currently chairs the New Jersey State Committee for AARP, and he serves as President of the Plainsboro Senior Citizen Club. He also volunteers with Princeton United Methodist Church’s Worship and Nominating Committees.

When Doug is not volunteering, he enjoys geocaching and spending time with family. He and his late wife, the Rev. Margaret G. “Peggy” Fullman, were blessed with two children and three grandchildren.

Bishop John Schol

Bishop John Schol was consecrated a bishop in 2004 after 25 years of experience as a pastor, denominational executive and nonprofit executive director. He has led global initiatives, the development of affordable housing and grown congregations and ministries during each of his assignments.

As a bishop, he first led the Baltimore-Washington Conference, where he guided the conference in new health and vitality initiatives. In 2012, he was assigned to lead The United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey and in that role, has assisted church leaders in developing and implementing a strategic plan to create vital congregations. Already, the conference has or is near achieving its 2018 goals.

Under his leadership, the conference created new resources for clergy and laity, including coaching and cohort groups and Team Vital, a comprehensive resource for congregations on the path to vitality. In response to Superstorm Sandy, A Future With Hope formed and has repaired more than 210 homes using more than 10,500 volunteers. Hailing from 37 states, they have logged in 250,000 hours of volunteer service and raised more than $12 million for this five-year effort.

He and his wife Beverly have three children and one grandchild.

Karen Barch

Coming soon...

Rev. Edward Carll

Rev. Edward Holmes Carll holds a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion from Western Maryland College, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has also taken graduate classes in the Holocaust and Genocide program at Stockton University.

Growing up in the Elmer area and a member of the Elmer United Methodist Church, he answered a call to ministry and worked as an ordained clergyperson for 37+ years.

“I love building up relationships within congregations and communities which draws the circle of God’s love wider and wider and sharing the grace of Jesus Christ with everyone God places on my path,” reflects Ed.

As a pastor, he has been involved in Domestic Violence Community Response in Ocean County, disaster response work through Church World Service and has held leadership positions in Habitat for Humanity.

Beside serving as vice chair on the UMC Foundation board, Ed also enjoys fly fishing, salt water angling, singing in choral ensembles and church choirs, canoeing, kayaking, international travel for mission education, family beach vacations with his grandchildren, and playing trumpet in the Community Jazz Band.

Kathy Devine

Dr. Devine is responsible for professional nursing practice across the continuum of care to ensure safety, service, and quality outcomes for Cooper University Health Care's diverse patient population. In addition, she has administrative and operational leadership responsibility for Nursing, Patient Care Services and Surgical Services Institute. As SVP/CNE, Dr. Devine continues to advance nursing practice by engaging nurses in re-defining a professional practice model and shared governance structure that are grounded in theoretical tenets which align to organizational mission, vision, and values.

Dr. Devine has held various leadership positions during her tenure at Cooper. Prior to her current role, she served as Executive Director for the Centers of Urgent and Emergent Services, Critical Care, and Hospital-Based Services, managing a comprehensive range of clinical programs. As a professional nurse, she has a diverse clinical background with experiences in adult and pediatric critical care nursing, emergency and trauma nursing, as well as flight nursing. She obtained her Master's in Nursing and Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Drexel University, and obtained her Nurse Executive Advanced Certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from Villanova University.

Dr. Devine is an active member of the Organization of Nurse Leaders of New Jersey, serving on the Board of Directors, By-Laws Committee, and Nursing Workplace Environment and Staffing Council (NWESC).

Betty Brown Joynes

A college professor and registered dietician and nutritionist, Betty Brown Joynes joined the UMC Board of Directors in September 2022 and serves on the Governance and HomeWorks committees. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Organizational Management from Virginia State College (Petersburg, VA), and earned her Master of Arts in Nutrition & Higher Education from NYU (New York, NY).

Betty has received several awards and recognitions for her innovative teaching methods and expertise in the food and nutrition field, including the Excellence in Teaching Award at Camden County College and the Teaching Excellence Medallion from the University of Texas at Austin. She has served as President of Camden County College Faculty Association, Program Director of the Dietetic Technology Program from 1976 – 2001, and has been the Program Coordinator of CCC’s Allied Health Partnership Programs since 2015. In addition to her teaching roles, Betty counts her Nutritionist work with the Somerset County Head Start Program and the Stratford Nursing Home as her career highlights.

Discussing her board service with UMC, Betty shares, “I was inspired by UMC’s Christian approach in offering and delivering services to seniors and how the ministry creates an atmosphere of hope and dignity for all residents and associates.” She is motivated by her desire to give to others and advocate for the needs of seniors.

Betty has been blessed with “two beautiful children, five wonderful grandchildren and the greatest, supportive and loving family anyone could have.” In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with them, painting, watching Star Trek, Agatha Christie, and Hallmark movies, and playing games on her tablet.

Jana Purkis-Brash

Jana has 35 years of pastoral ministry experience in diverse settings within GNJUMC and is currently the the District Superintendent for the Cape Atlantic District for the GNJUMC. Previously, she was Executive Director of the GNJ Stewardship Foundation. She holds a master’s degree in Divinity.

“In all the time that I have served in ministry I have had a commitment to support the ministry of United Methodist Communities. Now, serving on the board, I see even more clearly the commitment of leadership and staff to live out the mission of abundant living through a ministry of service” says Jana. She is inspired by UMC’s commitment to serve residents compassionately and respectfully and a dedication to always be looking at ways to offer the best available services to residents.

Jana is married to Donald Brash, a professor at Palmer Theological School. They have one daughter, Leah, and two grandchildren. She enjoys days at the Jersey shore, cooking, walking and hiking trails in NJ and PA, and adventures with the grandchildren.

Rev. Brian Roberts

Brian C. Roberts joined the United Methodist Communities board in 2021. He is the Executive Director for the United Methodist Stewardship Foundation for Greater New Jersey United Methodist Church. Previously, he was the District Superintendent – Greater New Jersey United Methodist Church, serving Cape Atlantic District for 7+ years and has also served portions of Delaware Bay District and Gateway South District. Brian served as Senior Pastor at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Ocean City from 2005-2014, Senior Pastor at Absecon United Methodist Church from 1994-2005, and Lead Pastor at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Trenton, a multi-cultural congregation, from 1989-1994.

Brian is inspired by United Methodist Communities’ culture of striving for excellence to serve residents as well as support and celebrate staff and the many dynamic residents, dear saints, who he respected and cared for as members of congregations he served that lived at The Shores. “As a pastor of a local congregation I have long been an active supporter of the mission and ministry of the United Methodist Communities. I have regularly visited with church members in various homes. As Senior Pastor of St. Peter’s in Ocean City I realized the importance of United Methodist Communities at The Shores and was a strong partner with them in serving the island.” Brian was recognized for leadership in Ocean City, NJ following Hurricane Sandy as co-citizen of the year, along with the co-chair of Ocean City Cares, a newly formed non-profit that helped with recovery, renovations, and care for residents on the island.

Brian earned a Bachelor of Arts from Colgate University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Master of Business Administration from Rutgers Graduate School of Management.

Brian is married to Sandra DeForest Roberts and has two adult children, Alyson Roberts and Nathan Roberts. He enjoys exercise, cooking and gardening, whether spirit gardening and growing disciples or flower and vegetable gardening. In the last 4 years he and a couple of friends have kayaked from their headwaters to Ocean City, the Maurice River, the Mullica River, the intercoastal waterway from Ocean City to Cape May, and the Great Egg Harbor Rivers.

Rodney Ross

Coming soon...

Gavin Stobie

Gavin holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rutgers University. He works as an IT project manager for Prudential. A career highlight was being a member of the team that brought Japanese business systems into Prudential managed data centers, a challenging four-year project. It gave Gavin the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and business practices.

Gavin is inspired by the excellent care, the thoughtful leadership in a constantly changing environment of senior care, and the mission focus and compassion of leadership and staff in caring for seniors. “I have personally witnessed the need for senior care and the excellence with which UMC provides that care through my in-laws. In addition, as Christians we are called to help widows and orphans. UMC cares for seniors, many of whom are widows and widowers, so I see serving on the board as one way to fulfill this mission” says Gavin.

Gavin has been married to Susan Mearns Stobie for 35 years. They have four adult children (three are married) Megan and Nate, Gavin, Bethany and Jacob, Hannah and David, and one grandchild, Lucy. Gavin and Sue are thankful to serve in their church, leading marriage and family classes, and serving as small group leaders. In his spare time Gavin enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, and biking.

Rev. William Williams, III

Term: September 2020

5 years of corporate and finance experience before entering vocational ordained ministry. Currently District Superintendent in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference and Chief Missional Strategist of the Gateway North District of United Methodist Churches. Recipient of the NAACP Freedom Fund Community Service Award

I am compelled to live my Christian calling by working with like-minded individuals to help ensure vulnerable members of our communities are cared for as they age. UMC is one of God’s gifts to our communities.

UMC is spiritually, mentally, and financially committed to ensuring all partners, staff, and board members live in practical ways the values of compassion, respect, stewardship, and service. These things are manifestations of love. I am inspired to do my part to ensure all are free to choose to live an abundant life of love.

In my spare time, I choose to laugh with my family –my wife Joyce, and three children, Julia, William, IV, and James. I enjoy gardening and learning new things.

Tracy Bartlett

Tracy graduated magna cum laude from Lycoming College with a degree in Economics and Business Administration in 1982. She worked as a Commercial Lender for Provident National Bank ( PNC Bank) before trading her finance career for a career in child-rearing, home project management, and interior design.

Over the years, Tracy has tutored and volunteered in schools, organized Music Department and Athletic Club fundraisers, organized and led large women’s Bible Study, created children’s curriculum for children’s ministry, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and managed multiple building and home renovation projects.

Tracy and her family hold a special spot in their heart for Pitman, NJ. The community was integral to her personal faith journey, and her parents lived at UMC at Pitman for nearly ten years. Tracy became involved with the UMC Foundation as a donor before joining the UMC Foundation Board of Trustees. She desires to share the message of Christ’s love through providing quality, Christian care to all elders.
When she isn’t busy volunteering, Tracy enjoys spending time with her six grandchildren, helping her children with their own home projects, playing tennis, and traveling with her husband of 40 years, Gary.

Virginia Tesch

Virginia H. Tesch, assistant secretary on the UMC Foundation board, has over 30 years’ experience in the banking industry. She began as a full time teller with a small community bank and worked her way up through various positions in Provident Bank. Positions as branch manager for single and multiple locations from Brick Township to Ocean Grove and working as a team leader, led to her current job as area manager for Provident Bank’s Wall Township, Manasquan and Ocean Grove offices.

Following graduation from Manasquan High School, she earned a B.A. in English with a minor in Psychology from Montclair State University. Since Virginia has always enjoyed working with money, she landed in the financial environment. Complementing her banking skills, she is also a notary for the State of New Jersey.

With a commitment to public service, she has served on the boards of the YMCA Camp Zehnder and the Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce, and sits on the Staff Parish Relations Committee at the Manasquan United Methodist Church.

“I love my job because it allow me to get out and meet people. I love learning their stories and helping them to achieve their dreams. I love it when a vision becomes a reality— it’s so rewarding to know that I have helped to make that happen,” beams Virginia.

In her spare time she enjoys travel, especially to the Caribbean, dancing, gardening, and watching plays and movies. She lives in Brick, NJ with her family.

Jeanette Edghill

Jeanette’s qualifications and experience contribute to her reputation as the go-to person among United Methodist Communities’ senior housing staff. An Associate’s Degree in Business from Union County College complements her credentials: Certified Professional of Occupancy, Fair Housing Compliance, Homeland Security Emergency Management and Planning. This background and her position as a Housing Commissioner for the City of Plainfield make her highly respected by management, peers, associates and residents.

Dedicated to her duties, Jeanette considers it more of a ministry than a job. “I view myself as a servant and I am attracted to serving the most vulnerable,” states Jeanette.

In her position as United Methodist Communities’ corporate manager of housing, Jeanette brings over 18 years’ experience in senior housing, including many as administrator of Covenant Place. She oversees, trains and provides technical support to the housing administrators; verifies processing and payment of HUD vouchers; and assists the vice president of senior housing with developing new properties and projects.

Jeanette likes to spend time cooking, entertaining family and friends and reading.

Jeff Lisk

Jeff attended Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Entrepreneurship and an Associate in Science Culinary Arts. Gaining valuable experience in senior living and healthcare since 2004, Jeff earned two licenses, Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA) in 2010, and in 2014, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA).

With extensive experience in hospitality management and senior care and several years as healthcare administrator of the Harris Healthcare Center, he gained valuable experiences, propelling him to become the Executive Director of Bristol Glen.

In his spare time Jeff enjoys cooking, hiking and golfing, however, he especially loves spending time with his two little daughters.

Michele Matthews

Michele Matthews has been with United Methodist Communities at Pitman for over 10 years, first at the Assisted Living Administrator, and is presently the Executive Director. Her career has been spent in the senior living field starting in high school. Michele immediately fell in love with the residents. “These folks are living history. I learn so much from their life stories compared to a history book,” says Michele. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Purdue University Global, is a Certified Assisted Living Administrator, and is currently pursing a Nursing Home Administrators License.

When asked what she loves about her job, Michele states “Sometimes families struggle with seeing their loved ones move into nursing homes or assisted living. I love working to help with those struggles and having a family and/or resident come to me and says thanks for listening and helping find them a solution.

Michele has been happily married for 20 years and in her spare time enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, and entertaining.

Tamara Moreland

Coming soon...

Dominique Phillips

Name: Dominique Phillips Education: Malcom X Shabazz High School Newark, NJ Essex County College Newark, NJ (Business Office & Administration) Newark Business Training Institute of NJ (Business Administration) East Wick College Nutley, NJ (Medical Assistant) Background/Experience: Background -Business Administration Experience: Office Management, Sales Coordinator/Office Administration Certifications: Associate degree Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO) Why are you involved in this field: This field have been an interest of mine since I was a young girl. Assisting people is something I’ve always done it’s always been my passion. Being a people person lead me in this direction and field. Plus, I always loved working with people especially the seniors. What you love about your job: I love the interaction with the seniors and my team members. Seeing smiles on my residence face makes my day. You can always get some great knowledge and words of wisdom from the seniors, and this is a big bonus for me. What do you like to do in your spare time (hobbies, interests, clubs, organizations): I assist my sister with her Realty Business as The Chief financial officer (part-time) I’m a part of a non-profit organization called (The Giving Foundation)

Tanya Sweet Preston

In 2000, Tanya joined the United Methodist Communities organization as a social service coordinator. In 2004, she was promoted to housing administrator with the responsibilities of overseeing the daily operation of Bishop Taylor and managing the Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP). CHSP is funded by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and provides a wide variety of supportive services for eligible seniors to live independently.

Tanya, certified by National Affordable Housing Management Associates as a Certified Professional of Occupancy, Fair Housing Compliance – Section 504, and Assisted Housing Manager.

India Santos

India states, “I did not chose this field … it chose me. I guess the Lord knew what He wanted me to do.” India has over 13 years of experience in various senior housing roles and attended Hudson County Community College. She is a Certified Professional of Occupancy and Accredited Residential Manager.

Experience as both an administrative assistant and assistant housing administrator at Bishop Taylor, and housing administrator at PineRidge of Montclair, most recently led to her current position as housing administrator at Covenant Place. “I love having the freedom to express my creativity and provide good service to residents. I still encounter the thrill of the unexpected each day.”

In her spare time, India appreciates nature and loves the outdoors, particularly on sunny days. She has a natural love for the arts and enjoys spending time with her family.

Kathryn Speer

Kathryn Speer, Housing Administrator of United Methodist Communities at Wesley by the Bay brings more than 30 years’ experience managing property, 11 of those as a senior property manager. Some of her past responsibilities include billing, leasing, processing legal filings, day-to-day operations, budget management, maintenance, supervising renovation projects, and new property construction.

She attended Montgomery County Community College, in Blue Bell, PA. After taking many courses with the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), she observed, “It’s a national organization that teaches everything you ever wanted to know about property management.”

Kathryn was chosen Accredited Residential Manager of the year by IREM’s Delaware Valley Chapter for her work promoting ARM education and certification, conducting educational seminars, coordinating breakfast meetings with speakers, and for charity efforts.

“I have always enjoyed working with seniors and have a very soft spot in my heart for them. In my opinion, they make the best residents. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them,” stated Kathryn.

Outside of work, she enjoys time with her grandson and rescuing and securing homes for animals, especially hard-to-place dogs. Anyone looking for a dog should see Kathryn!

Jim Zauner

Coming soon...