Our Board of Directors

Control of Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, Inc. is vested in a volunteer Board of Directors which has overall responsibility for the property, finances, and operation of the non-profit corporation. The Board is responsible for the selection and oversight of a President/CEO. The Chair of the Board, the President of the Corporation, all officers of the Board and Chairs of all Standing Committees of the Board serve as an Executive Committee which meets on call.

Ex-Officio Members

Effective July 1, 2024

Resident Bishop of the Louisiana Area – Rev. Delores J. Williamston
Chair of the Board of Laity – Mr. John Smith
President of the Conference United Women in Faith – Mrs. Brenda Thomas-Nero
President of the Conference United Methodist Men – Rev. Mark Lubbock
District Superintendent of North District – Rev. Karl Klaus
District Superintendent of Southeast District – Rev. Karli Pidgeon
District Superintendent of Southwest District – Rev. C. Francis Hooton
Pastor of Grace Methodist Church – Rev. Kevin Smith
Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church – Rev. Doug de Graffenried
President and Chief Executive Officer, LUMCFS – Mr. Rick Wheat

Regular Board Members

CLASS OF 2025
Mr. Gordon Bartage
Mrs. Marjorie Franklin
Mr. Bill McIntyre
Dr. Bryan Sibley
Mrs. Cindy Surles
Mr. Robert Temple, Secretary

CLASS OF 2026
Mr. John Allen
Dr. Ramonalynn Bethley, Vice Chair
Mr. Steve Burkhalter
Ms. Babs Mollere
Mr. Curtis Pellerin
Ms. Betty Rowell

CLASS OF 2027
Mr. John Fetzer
Mr. Bill Goforth
Mr. Richard Lewis, Treasurer
Rev. Brian Mercer
Mr. Austin Robertson
Rev. Bill Willis

CLASS OF 2028
Dr. Dennis Dillon
Mr. Brandon Ewing
Mrs. Veronica Freeman-Douglas
Mrs. Joanna Hauser
Mr. Billy James, Chair
Mr. Matt Vincent

Life Members of the Board

Life Members of the Board have rendered distinguished service. These persons are non-voting members of the Board and may not be elected as officers. Life Members may serve as members of committees of the Board. Life Membership is limited to no more than twelve members.

Mr. Chris Andrews
Rev. Bob Burgess
Mr. Terrel DeVille, President Emeritus
Mrs. Rosemary Ewing
Dr. William “Bill” W. Hutchinson
Mr. Jimmy Love

The Board of Directors is assisted by Board Committee Members. All Board Members also serve as Committee Members.

Past Board Leaders

From the beginning, our organization has benefited from an uninterrupted history of effective Boards of Directors. The individuals listed below have served as Chairpersons of the Board.