The Board is charged to
- Foster an awareness of the role of the laity within the local congregations; and to promote and develop programs to cultivate an adequate understanding of the theological and biblical basis for lay life and work
- Develop and promote stewardship of time, talent, and possessions
- Provide for the training of lay members of the annual conference
- Provide support and direction for the ministry of the Laity on the local, district and annual conference levels and to promote the observation of Laity Sunday
- Provide organization, direction, and support for the development of local church lay leaders
Board Members
| Name | Position | Contact |
| Kim Brannon | Conference Lay Leader | |
| Dr. Mary Nickson | Conference Lay Leader Elect | |
| Dave Farish | Associate Conference Lay Leader | |
| Don Hamilton | Associate Conference Lay Leader | |
| Susan Anderson | Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries | |
| Julie Noel | Conference UMW President | |
| Cammy Gaston | Director of Center for Leadership Development | |
| Kelly Carpenter | Assoc. Director of Center for Leadership Development |
Lay Leaders
Stephen Gillem
Phone number: 214-683-7453
Email
Stephen and his wife, Kim, live in Sulphur Springs, with their sons Mason and Seth. Stephen was confirmed at Christ United in Plano, then his parents wanted to move “back home” to Sulphur Springs where he became active at Sulphur Springs FUMC (back in the MYF days). After graduating from Stephen F. Austin he started his career and family in Plano (again) and was a member at St. Andrews UMC where he was a volunteer speaker at CareerCare under Bill Brewer. Eight years ago Stephen moved his family “back home” to Sulphur Springs where he’s been an active member at Sulphur Springs FUMC. As the East District Lay Leader and participant on the Bishop’s core leadership team he’s enjoyed representing the East District and sharing with members the activities and resources of the North Texas Conference.
District Happenings
Holly Lee
Phone number: 214-552-3220
Email
Holly has been a member of First UMC Richardson for more than 20 years. She has served in many capacities, including Church Council Chair, Finance Committee, Building Executive Committee, Strategic Committee and Sunday School Leader. Holly was in the Sisters in the Spirit group, which brought women from Hamilton Park UMC and FUMCR together to bond and be open and honest about race relations. Holly recently rolled off of a six-year term as a board member for Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation. This is her second term as Metro District Lay Leader.
District Happenings
Kenneth Wolverton
Phone number: 832-428-8597
Email
Kenneth has served as the North Central District Lay Leader since 2016. He is a co-Founder of the Accelerated Church Expansion Program within the Conference. He was one of 10 people that started Grace Avenue UMC 21 years ago and has served on several church committees, including both vision committees. Kenneth was elected to be a 2020 General Conference delegate at Annual Conference 2019. He spent his career building and selling technology-based companies. He is currently the president of a non-profit called Frisco Fastpacs, which provides weekend meal bags to children on free and reduced lunch programs, and serves on several company boards. Kenneth is happily married to Suzanne, and is the father of three children and seven grandchildren. He is passionate about the church and loves to talk about how to make our churches, our district, our conference and our denomination better.
District Happenings
Anne Aaron
Anne grew up in Grandview and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin. She was raised in the Presbyterian Church but converted to Methodist shortly after marriage. Anne was a member at First UMC Burkburnett for 20 years before transferring to FUMC Wichita Falls, where she has been for 13 years. She has been active in the Northwest District as Chair of the Finance Committee for more than 12 years and a member of the Nominations Committee. At the conference level, Anne has been a member of Core Leadership, Board of Pensions and Health Benefits and CFA. She was recently elected to the Episcopacy Committee. Anne has been married to Randy for 35 years and they have three sons. She is a CPA with a small practice which allows her time to be involved in the church.