The United Methodist Church Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The United Methodist Church has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and marketing.

Driven by a commitment to global outreach, The United Methodist Church is dedicated to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, fostering faith in action through service and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at The United Methodist Church

  • Chief Executive Officer - Levi Morrow
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Sheena Wright
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jessica Ellis
  • Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer - Martha Collins
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer - Larry Wallace
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sherri Thiel
  • President, United Methodist Campus Ministry-Rio Grande - Jose Vega
  • Global President, Indiana Conference Board Ministries (North) - Lou Imler
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Director, Missions & Community Engagement - Katherine Dickriede
  • Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer - Alice Bowman
  • Levi Morrow - Chief Executive Officer

    Levi Morrow, the Chief Executive Officer at The United Methodist Church, directs the overarching strategy and vision for global operations. Morrow ensures alignment with the core mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This leadership involves guiding the organization's efforts in community engagement and faith in action. Morrow's focus remains on fostering connections among congregations worldwide and promoting the church's values. The Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in setting the direction for all functional areas. Morrow oversees the implementation of programs designed to support spiritual growth and social justice advocacy. This executive's leadership ensures the church's continued impact across diverse communities. Morrow drives initiatives that promote health and wholeness, alongside disaster relief efforts. The strategic direction established by Morrow impacts clergy, laypeople, and those new to the faith. Levi Morrow's executive oversight is fundamental to the church's global presence and mission effectiveness.

    Sheena Wright - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Sheena Wright, the President & Chief Executive Officer at The United Methodist Church, spearheads the organization's strategic direction and global outreach. Wright's leadership ensures the church's mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world is effectively executed. This involves driving initiatives focused on faith in action, community engagement, and social justice advocacy. Wright oversees the development and implementation of programs that support spiritual growth and provide vital resources for worship. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role is central to fostering connections among congregations worldwide and promoting the church's core values. Wright's executive purview extends to ensuring the church's impact across diverse populations, including clergy, laypeople, and individuals new to the faith. Sheena Wright's strategic guidance is essential for advancing the church's commitment to health and wholeness, as well as disaster relief efforts. This leadership position is pivotal in maintaining the church's global presence and its dedication to service.
    Sheena Wright

    Jessica Ellis - Chief Financial Officer

    Jessica Ellis, the Chief Financial Officer at The United Methodist Church, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management to support the church's global mission. Ellis ensures that resources are allocated effectively to advance the making of disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This involves overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and reporting for all church operations, including community engagement and faith in action initiatives. Ellis's financial stewardship is crucial for sustaining programs that offer worship resources, spiritual growth opportunities, and social justice advocacy. The Chief Financial Officer's role is vital in maintaining the financial health necessary for global outreach and disaster relief efforts. Jessica Ellis's expertise ensures the church can continue its work in promoting health and wholeness. This executive's oversight provides the financial foundation for fostering connections among congregations worldwide and serving clergy, laypeople, and those new to the faith.

    Martha Collins - Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer

    Martha Collins, the Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer at The United Methodist Church, provides integrated leadership over fiscal management and operational execution. Collins ensures that financial resources are strategically deployed to support the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This dual responsibility involves overseeing budgeting, financial planning, and the efficient delivery of programs related to community engagement and faith in action. Collins's operational oversight guarantees that initiatives promoting worship, spiritual growth, and social justice advocacy are effectively implemented. The Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer's role is essential for maintaining organizational efficiency and financial stability across global operations. Martha Collins's leadership ensures robust support for health and wholeness programs and disaster relief efforts. This executive's integrated approach is critical for fostering connections among congregations and serving the diverse needs of clergy, laypeople, and those new to the faith.

    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, leads integrated financial and operational strategies to advance the church's global objectives. Wallace ensures that fiscal resources are optimally managed to support the core mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This comprehensive role involves overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and the efficient execution of programs focused on community engagement and faith in action. Wallace's operational management is critical for the effective delivery of worship resources, spiritual growth opportunities, and social justice advocacy. The Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer's position is vital for ensuring seamless operations and financial integrity across worldwide congregations. Larry Wallace's leadership provides essential support for health and wholeness initiatives and disaster relief efforts. This executive's dual expertise is fundamental to fostering global connections and serving clergy, laypeople, and individuals new to the faith.

    Sherri Thiel - Chief Operating Officer

    Sherri Thiel, the Chief Operating Officer at The United Methodist Church, manages the day-to-day operational execution of the church's global mission. Thiel ensures that programs focused on making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world are efficiently delivered. This involves overseeing the logistical aspects of community engagement and faith in action initiatives. Thiel's operational oversight supports the provision of resources for worship, spiritual growth, and social justice advocacy. The Chief Operating Officer's role is critical in coordinating efforts across various departments to maximize impact. Thiel focuses on streamlining processes that promote health and wholeness and facilitate disaster relief efforts. Sherri Thiel's leadership ensures that the church's diverse clientele, including clergy, laypeople, and those new to the faith, receive consistent support. This executive's management is key to fostering connections among congregations globally and maintaining operational excellence across all church activities.

    Jose Vega - President, United Methodist Campus Ministry-Rio Grande

    Jose Vega, the President, United Methodist Campus Ministry-Rio Grande at The United Methodist Church, directs specialized ministry efforts within the Rio Grande region. Vega's leadership focuses on extending the church's mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world to university and college campuses. This involves overseeing campus outreach programs, fostering spiritual growth among students, and promoting faith in action within academic communities. Vega ensures that resources are available to support campus ministry activities and address the unique needs of young adults. The President, United Methodist Campus Ministry-Rio Grande's role is crucial for establishing and nurturing faith communities in higher education settings. Jose Vega's efforts contribute to the broader church's goal of engaging diverse populations. This executive's dedication is key to developing future leaders and supporting students navigating their faith journey.

    Lou Imler - Global President, Indiana Conference Board Ministries (North)

    Lou Imler, the Global President, Indiana Conference Board Ministries (North) at The United Methodist Church, leads strategic initiatives for ministry within the northern Indiana conference. Imler's focus is on advancing the church's mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world through localized ministry efforts. This involves overseeing a broad range of programs that support faith in action, community engagement, and social justice advocacy within the region. Imler ensures that resources are effectively utilized to provide worship opportunities and foster spiritual growth among congregants. The Global President, Indiana Conference Board Ministries (North)'s position is vital for coordinating ministry activities and strengthening connections among congregations in the specified area. Lou Imler's leadership contributes to the church's broader goals of promoting health and wholeness and responding to community needs. This executive's commitment is essential for impactful regional ministry.

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

    Katherine Dickriede, the Chief Marketing Officer & Director, Missions & Community Engagement at The United Methodist Church, leads the strategic communication and outreach efforts. Dickriede drives the messaging that supports the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This dual role ensures that marketing initiatives amplify the impact of faith in action, community engagement, and social justice advocacy. Dickriede oversees the development of campaigns that highlight worship resources, spiritual growth opportunities, and the church's global presence. The Chief Marketing Officer & Director, Missions & Community Engagement's position is key to fostering connections among congregations and engaging diverse clientele. Katherine Dickriede's leadership ensures effective promotion of health and wholeness programs and disaster relief efforts. This executive's focus is on broadening the church's reach and deepening its engagement with clergy, laypeople, and those new to the faith.

    Alice Bowman - Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

    Alice Bowman, the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at The United Methodist Church, directs comprehensive marketing strategies to advance the church's global mission. Bowman ensures that communication efforts effectively convey the core purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This leadership involves overseeing brand management, public relations, and digital outreach to enhance community engagement and faith in action. Bowman's strategic marketing vision supports the dissemination of worship resources, spiritual growth materials, and advocacy for social justice. The Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer's role is critical in building awareness and fostering connections among congregations worldwide. Alice Bowman's expertise is vital for promoting initiatives related to health and wholeness and disaster relief. This executive's focus is on expanding the church's influence and support base among clergy, laypeople, and individuals exploring faith.

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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 Levi Morrow (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sheena Wright (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Jessica Ellis (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 Levi Morrow (Chief Executive Officer), Sheena Wright (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jessica Ellis (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, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer.