DATE: Monday, October 18, 2010

TO: West Ohio United Methodists

FROM: Lisa Streight, Director of Communications

SUBJECT: New Director of Connectional Ministries

West Ohio Bishop Bruce R. Ough and Mr. George D. Williams, Sr., Chair of the Connectional Ministries Leadership Team, announce the selection of Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey as the new Director of Connectional Ministries for the West Ohio Conference. Rev. Kibbey succeeds Mr. George Howard, who will leave the position in November.

Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey

Mr. Williams chaired the Search Committee, a diverse group of conference, district, and local church clergy and lay representatives. Early in the search process, Mr. Williams and the Search Committee learned of the interest of Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey, Executive Pastor at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City. The Search Committee saw the opportunity to interview, and potentially hire, an exceptionally qualified and nationally known candidate already serving in Ohio as outweighing the need for a lengthy nationwide search.

"After the interview, the vote of the Search Committee to hire Sue was unanimous. Not a single member of the Search Committee could contemplate another candidate more qualified and ready for this important leadership role in the West Ohio Conference," stated Mr. Williams.

Rev. Kibbey is a nationally known United Methodist pastor who has served for 10 years in West Ohio. Her 22 years in ministry clearly demonstrates an exceptional record of success in leading and growing missional based ministry, lay servant leadership and congregational development in the local church. During her interview, Rev. Kibbey said that she was "passionate about transformation through the power of Jesus Christ. I can't think of a better place to advance that passion than in the West Ohio Conference." As the creator of Ministry by Strengths, which equips churches to deploy staff and unpaid servants into ministry, Rev. Kibbey has served as a trainer, consultant and coach to conferences and clergy gatherings across the country.

"The news of Sue's interest brought numerous calls from my fellow bishops across the denomination asking about her availability," said Bishop Ough. "I am excited to be able to work with someone whose ability to implement a vision of ministry in the local church has made her an in-demand consultant across the denomination and an ideal selection for facilitator of our conference mission and vision."

Rev. Kibbey holds a Master of Divinity degree, is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, and a clergy member of the West Ohio Annual Conference. She has authored several books and is an adjunct faculty member at United Theological Seminary in ministry leadership. Rev. Kibbey begins her new position as Director of Connectional Ministries for the West Ohio Conference on November 1.

Lisa Streight

Director of Communications | West Ohio Conference

The United Methodist Church | 32 Wesley Blvd | Worthington OH | 43085

(614) 844-6200x229 | (800) 437-0028x229 | fax (614) 781-2642

westohioumc.org | facebook.com/westohioumc |twitter.com/westohioumc

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

The people of The United Methodist Church

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
This electronic mail transmission and any accompanying documents contain information belonging to the sender which may be confidential. This information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or action taken in reliance on the contents of the information contained in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you received this transmission in error, please notify the sender at (614) 844-6200 ext 229 and delete the message and its contents. Thank you.