Drenner Chosen To Lead NTC’s Center For Connectional Resources

Longtime accounting executive begins new role Jan. 1

Christy Drenner, a certified public accountant and businesswoman with more than two decades of experience in accounting in numerous capacities, has been named director of the North Texas Conference's Center for Connectional Resources. In this role, she also will serve as the conference’s treasurer and chief benefits officer.

An SMU graduate with degrees in Finance and Religious Studies as well as a Master of Science in Accounting, Drenner also has earned an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Governance from The University of Texas at Dallas.

“After serving the NTC for 20+ years as a clergy spouse and working as an accountant with various churches in our conference, I am thrilled to begin a new chapter of service in this position,” said Drenner, whose husband, Frank, is senior pastor at Grace UMC Sherman. “The Center for Connectional Resources has so many things to offer the local church. I am excited for the opportunity to work with more churches across the connection.”

Said Bishop Michael McKee: “I welcome Christy to the North Texas Conference staff and am confident that her skills and expertise will continue to provide resources for the work of the North Texas Conference and its churches.”

Prior to founding her own accounting and advisory firm in 2017, Drenner worked for two regional firms, was an assistant business manager for the SMU athletics department and held financial roles at Christ’s Foundry UM Mission and Christ UMC Plano.

Drenner, who begins Jan. 1, succeeds Rev. Jodi Smith, who is retiring after serving in this role since 2011. Rev. Smith also previously served in four NTC churches.

“I hope to follow in Jodi’s footsteps and bring some new ideas about how technology can streamline and equip churches of all sizes to be more efficient stewards of their financial resources,” Drenner said.

Published: Wednesday, December 16, 2020