As UMC continues its mission of helping older adults live with purpose, connection, and choice at every stage of life, the UMC Foundation is recognizing the leaders helping make that mission possible.
The Foundation, which advances UMC's work through philanthropy, donor engagement, and community partnerships, has announced the promotions of Gary Englestad to Senior Director of Giving and Rebecca Roe to Senior Foundation Director.
“One of the things that inspires me most about Gary and Rebecca is that they never lose sight of why we do this work,” says Jim Roberts, Vice President of the UMC Foundation. “Every donor relationship they cultivate and every initiative they lead helps strengthen UMC's ability to provide compassionate care and critical services to families. I’m grateful for all they have done and excited to see the impact they will continue to make in their new roles.”
Englestad brings more than three decades of experience in nonprofit senior housing and a diverse background spanning philanthropy, sales, community resources, pastoral ministries, social work, wellness, and volunteer programs. Since joining the UMC Foundation in 2015, he has played a significant role in expanding fundraising efforts and building relationships with donors and community partners whose generosity helps strengthen UMC's programs, services, and communities.
“In all my extensive work history, I have never felt the level of purpose that I have had for the last 11 years with the UMC Foundation,” Engelstad shares. “This is a first-class organization that lives its mission every day.”
As Senior Director of Giving, Englestad will focus on deepening donor engagement, supporting major gift strategies alongside Melanie Dixon, Director of Major Gifts, and collaborating with Maureen Stern, Director of Special Events, to expand corporate sponsorship opportunities.
Roe joined the UMC Foundation in December 2013 and has served in a variety of roles supporting donor engagement, communications, stewardship, grant funding, and organizational operations. Her broad experience and institutional knowledge have helped deepen engagement with donors and partners while advancing initiatives that support UMC's mission and the people it serves.
In her expanded role as Senior Foundation Director, Roe will continue overseeing communications and stewardship efforts while taking on additional responsibilities related to strategic planning, staff leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.
“I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside the Foundation for nearly 13 years, and that experience has given me an appreciation for where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and the opportunities ahead,” reflects Roe. “I’m excited to build on my work while bringing that perspective to the broader strategic conversations that will help shape what comes next.”
