New Executive Coordinator Named for the United Methodist Appalachian Ministry Network

Hagerstown, Maryland: “Linking Hands Across Appalachia,” the theme of the 2009 Appalachian Assembly, was literally present during the spring meeting of the UM Appalachian Ministry Network with members attending from southern New York, northeastern Mississippi and many conferences in between.

The excitement of the meeting centered on the selection of a new Executive Coordinator. A Search Committee, working since the beginning of 2009 interviewed seven of the twenty-one applicants and recommended Rev. Robert “Bob” Wilkins to replace the retiring staff person.

Wilkins is an elder in the West Virginia Conference most recently serving in an appointment as the director of a conference mission project, Heart and Hand House in Philippi, WV. He has served as a member of the Network representing grassroots mission projects. Wilkins holds a Doctor in Ministry from United Theological Seminary and has certification in Non-Profit Management from West Virginia University.

As Wilkins described what he saw as challenges for the region and the Network, he said, “an encourager and an enabler are the hand and glove that are needed.” In Wilkins, the Network feels that it has found those qualities as well as experience in ecumenical settings, working with government agencies and cooperative efforts. Goals of the Network will move forward with the direction of the one who brings these gifts to the organization.

The Network’s office will be located in Buckhannon, WV. The Upshur Cooperative Parish, will provide space for the office. The official transition will occur sometime later in the fall.

Wilkins replaces N. Sharon Leatherman, who is retiring. She is completing her 15th years with UMAMN as the Executive Coordinator. Leatherman plans to continue to assist the Network as a consultant and trainer while enjoying more time to spend with her family and other volunteer roles.