The United Methodist Church Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

The United Methodist Church has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and community engagement.

Committed to global transformation through faith, The United Methodist Church fosters spiritual growth and social justice. This organization drives health, wholeness, and disaster relief initiatives across diverse international congregations.

Leadership Roles at The United Methodist Church

  • Chief Executive Officer - Karen Riel
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Sheena Wright
  • Chief Financial Officer - Scott Selman
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer - Larry Wallace
  • Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer - Martha Collins
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sherri Thiel
  • President - James Swanson
  • Senior Vice-President-Retired - Pa Carpenter
  • Mutare UMYF President - Vimbainashe Mawoyo
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Director, Missions & Community Engagement - Katherine Dickriede
  • Karen Riel - Chief Executive Officer

    Karen Riel, the Chief Executive Officer at The United Methodist Church, directs the overarching strategic vision for global ministry and organizational health. Riel architects long-term growth plans that align with the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ. By coordinating with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all spiritual and social justice advocacy programs maintain consistent standards of excellence. Riel manages the expansion of community engagement resources, focusing on the delivery of support services to diverse congregations. This leadership role involves navigating complex international landscapes to foster unity and connection among members. Through the implementation of robust governance frameworks, Karen Riel secures the stability of the organization. The Chief Executive Officer prioritizes the development of sustainable outreach models that address modern societal needs. Ultimately, Riel drives the transformation of the world through faith-based action and dedicated service.

    Sheena Wright - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Sheena Wright, the President & Chief Executive Officer at The United Methodist Church, oversees the executive administration and the execution of core religious mandates. Wright leads the development of resources for worship and spiritual growth, ensuring accessibility for all congregants. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Wright manages the integration of social justice advocacy into the daily operations of the church. This role requires constant collaboration with regional leaders to promote health and wholeness across global territories. By optimizing the allocation of resources for disaster relief, Sheena Wright strengthens the capacity of the church to respond to humanitarian crises. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on fostering deep connections between laypeople and clergy. Through strategic planning and effective communication, Wright ensures that the mission remains central to every initiative. This leadership position demands a commitment to excellence in service and community engagement.
    Sheena Wright

    Scott Selman - Chief Financial Officer

    Scott Selman, the Chief Financial Officer at The United Methodist Church, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability of the organization. Selman architects comprehensive budgeting strategies that support global mission work and disaster relief efforts. By overseeing the allocation of funds for spiritual growth resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar contributes to the transformation of the world. Selman monitors financial performance across international regions, providing the necessary data for informed decision-making by the executive team. This role involves maintaining transparency and accountability in all monetary transactions related to social justice advocacy. Scott Selman directs the financial planning processes that enable the church to expand its reach and impact. Through rigorous analysis of economic trends, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risks and identifies opportunities for growth. Ultimately, Selman secures the resources required to sustain the diverse ministries and community engagement programs.

    Larry Wallace - Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

    Larry Wallace, the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at The United Methodist Church, manages the intersection of fiscal discipline and operational efficiency. Wallace architects integrated systems that align financial resources with the daily execution of ministry programs. By overseeing the operational logistics of disaster relief, the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer ensures that aid reaches communities in need with precision. Wallace directs the financial reporting processes that support the church's commitment to transparency and social justice. This role involves balancing the demands of global expansion with the necessity of maintaining a stable financial foundation. Larry Wallace monitors the performance of administrative functions to ensure that all resources serve the mission of making disciples. Through strategic oversight, the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer drives the growth of the organization's capacity to foster health and wholeness.

    Martha Collins - Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer

    Martha Collins, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer at The United Methodist Church, directs the dual responsibilities of financial stewardship and operational excellence. Collins architects robust frameworks for managing the church's assets while simultaneously optimizing the delivery of spiritual and community services. By overseeing the financial health of disaster relief initiatives, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization maintains the capacity to respond to global needs. Collins manages the operational workflows that support social justice advocacy and congregational engagement. This leadership role requires a focus on efficiency and the effective deployment of resources across diverse international regions. Martha Collins monitors the alignment of operational activities with the overarching mission of making disciples. Through the integration of financial and operational data, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer drives the long-term sustainability of the church's diverse ministries and outreach programs.

    Sherri Thiel - Chief Operating Officer

    Sherri Thiel, the Chief Operating Officer at The United Methodist Church, directs the internal operations and infrastructure that support the church's global mission. Thiel architects efficient systems for managing congregational resources and spiritual growth materials. By streamlining the delivery of disaster relief and community engagement services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization operates with maximum impact. Thiel coordinates with regional leaders to standardize operational procedures across diverse geographic markets. This leadership role involves optimizing the logistical framework that connects clergy and laypeople worldwide. Sherri Thiel monitors the effectiveness of internal processes to ensure alignment with the core mission of making disciples. Through the implementation of scalable operational solutions, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the capacity for social justice advocacy. Thiel drives the continuous improvement of administrative functions, ensuring that the church remains a supportive and effective faith community for all members.

    James Swanson - President

    James Swanson, the President at The United Methodist Church, directs the high-level leadership and governance of the organization. Swanson architects the strategic vision that guides the church's commitment to making disciples and transforming the world. By overseeing the alignment of regional ministries with the core mission, the President ensures that the church remains a cohesive and supportive faith community. Swanson manages the relationships with key stakeholders and board members to advance the goals of social justice and community engagement. This leadership role involves providing guidance on the implementation of resources for spiritual growth and disaster relief. James Swanson monitors the overall health of the organization, ensuring that all initiatives reflect the values of service and action. Through effective leadership, the President drives the expansion of the church's influence and impact. Swanson secures the long-term viability of the organization by fostering unity and purpose among all clergy and laypeople.

    Pa Carpenter - Senior Vice-President-Retired

    Pa Carpenter, the Senior Vice-President-Retired at The United Methodist Church, provides historical context and advisory support for ongoing organizational initiatives. Carpenter architects legacy programs that continue to influence the church's approach to community engagement and spiritual growth. By offering insights into past successes, the Senior Vice-President-Retired assists current leadership in navigating complex challenges related to social justice advocacy. Carpenter manages the preservation of institutional knowledge that supports the mission of making disciples. This role involves mentoring emerging leaders and ensuring the continuity of the church's core values. Pa Carpenter monitors the evolution of the organization's outreach strategies, providing guidance on maintaining the integrity of the mission. Through the application of extensive experience, the Senior Vice-President-Retired drives the stability and long-term vision of the church. Carpenter remains a vital resource for the executive team as the organization continues to foster health and wholeness across its global network.

    Vimbainashe Mawoyo - Mutare UMYF President

    Vimbainashe Mawoyo, the Mutare UMYF President at The United Methodist Church, directs the youth ministry and community engagement efforts within the regional context. Mawoyo architects programs that foster spiritual growth and active participation among young members. By overseeing the implementation of social justice initiatives, the Mutare UMYF President ensures that the youth are empowered to contribute to the transformation of the world. Mawoyo manages the connections between local youth groups and the broader church mission, promoting health and wholeness through service. This leadership role involves organizing events and resources that support the development of young disciples. Vimbainashe Mawoyo monitors the engagement levels of the youth, providing the necessary guidance to sustain their commitment to the faith. Through the promotion of active service, the Mutare UMYF President drives the growth of the church's youth-led outreach programs. Mawoyo ensures that the next generation remains central to the church's mission of community engagement.

    Katherine Dickriede - Chief Marketing Officer & Director, Missions & Community Engagement

    Katherine Dickriede, the Chief Marketing Officer & Director, Missions & Community Engagement at The United Methodist Church, directs the communication strategies and outreach efforts that connect the church with the world. Dickriede architects campaigns that promote the mission of making disciples and highlight the importance of faith in action. By overseeing community engagement programs, the Chief Marketing Officer & Director, Missions & Community Engagement ensures that the church's message of health and wholeness reaches diverse audiences. Dickriede manages the development of resources that foster connections among congregations globally. This role involves crafting narratives that inspire social justice advocacy and encourage participation in disaster relief efforts. Katherine Dickriede monitors the impact of marketing initiatives to ensure they resonate with both existing members and those new to the faith. Through strategic outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer & Director, Missions & Community Engagement drives the growth and visibility of the church's mission-driven activities.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The United Methodist Church Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The United Methodist Church?
    The United Methodist Church is led by Karen Riel (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sheena Wright (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Scott Selman (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of The United Methodist Church’s executive team?
    The executive team of The United Methodist Church includes leaders such as Karen Riel (Chief Executive Officer), Sheena Wright (President & Chief Executive Officer), Scott Selman (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The United Methodist Church have?
    The United Methodist Church has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The United Methodist Church’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The United Methodist Church includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer.