E. James Roberts II Appointed Vice President, Foundation for UMC
United Methodist Communities (UMC), a New Jersey-based senior living and care organization, is pleased to announce the hiring of E. James Roberts II as Vice President for the Foundation. Mr. Roberts brings over three decades of extensive leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and strategic planning. As a member of UMC’s senior leadership team, he will play a critical role in raising funds and creating connections that support the organization’s ministry of compassionately serving seniors and promoting abundant life.
Most recently, Mr. Roberts served as a consultant at The Roberts Consulting Group LLP in Branchburg, NJ, where he provided expert services in nonprofit management, fundraising, and special events. His prior roles encompass several Executive Director positions, including at the Foundation for the New Jersey Hall of Fame, where he spearheaded a successful capital campaign leading to the recent opening of the NJHOF’s Education & Learning Center at American Dream in East Rutherford and expanded the organization’s reach through strategic partnerships and televised events, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s New York City Chapter. Additionally, Mr. Roberts held leadership positions at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for Northern New Jersey and Rockland/Orange Counties, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s NJ Metro Chapter, and the American Diabetes Association’s Northern NJ affiliate. He is especially proud of his work with the Atlantic City LPG Benefit Association, which staged the successful ShopRite LPGA Classic.
Mr. Robert’s exceptional record of strategically revitalizing philanthropy departments and exceeding goals makes him an ideal fit for this stage of UMC’s fundraising journey. UMC’s board and leadership feel Mr. Roberts is the perfect person to oversee and expand the UMC Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives, which include annual giving, major giving, planned and estate giving, fundraising events, and corporate partnerships.
Mr. Roberts holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and began his career at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. His participation on numerous boards, including Fairleigh Dickinson’s Center for Excellence in Leadership, Governance & Philanthropy and Special Olympics New Jersey, underscore his commitment to community service.
“I am honored to have been selected to join UMC as Vice President for the Foundation and look forward to serving in this role,” said Roberts. “Having a father, Rev. E. James Roberts, who serves as a retired United Methodist minister, brings my career in philanthropy full circle and makes our mission of providing seniors with abundant life and continuing UMC’s tradition of charitable care all the more important to me.”
“Genuine – that was the word that immediately came to mind when I first met Jim,” reflected UMC President and CEO Mark Lenhard. His evident passion for creating relationships that enliven the spirit of donors make him a gifted fundraiser. He has the ‘spark’ that will engage our friends and partners in supporting all whom UMC serves to live abundantly. Our strong leadership team is further fortified by his presence and commitment to ministry.”
For additional information about UMC’s services, please visit UMCommunities.org.
