Leadership
The Foundation employs a professional and administrative staff to implement and oversee daily operations. The staff of the Foundation operates under the supervision of the Foundation Board.
Currently the staff includes an Executive Director and Donor Relations Manager, and utilizes the services of the Conference Chief Financial Officer and Staff Accountant. The staff works closely with the Foundation Board and its committees including the Foundation Investment Committee, as well as the Conference Trustees.
Susan O’Donnell Black, CFRE
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Susan Black leads the ongoing strategic vision of the Foundation. She oversees the leadership development, planned giving, fund management, and financial stewardship services of the Foundation. Susan administers the Foundation in ways that promote clergy excellence, the spiritual discipline of generosity, and value-aligned, socially responsible investing.
Ms. Black has been involved in the United Methodist Church throughout her life. She is currently an active member of the Lithopolis UMC and is an at-large member of the Annual Conference. Susan is coming to this new work with over 25 years of experience in professional fund raising including having her own consulting firm in the field. She is skilled in board training and governance of nonprofits. She will be overseeing the work of the Foundation which includes over $80 Million in assets.
Contact Susan for consultation regarding United Methodist philanthropy, stewardship, planned giving, and endowment administration.
Contact Susan at 380-223-9257 or sblack@wocumc.org
Madeline DeWitt
Donor Relations Manager
Maddy O’Malley joined the Foundation in January 2021. Maddy brings five years of nonprofit experience to her role as Donor Relations Associate. She is the Founder of the Lesotho Nutrition Initiative, and prior to joining UMFWO, Maddy held program and development positions at Make-a-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana; and Alvis, Inc.
Maddy is responsible for overseeing key donor interactions including gift processing, data management, Endowment Program support, and Planned Giving marketing support.
You can reach Maddy at at 380-223-9339 or momalley@wocumc.org
The United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of 14 persons who are elected for staggered four-year terms. The Bishop of the Conference, the Chief Financial Officer of the Conference, and the Foundation Executive Director serve as ex-officio members of the Foundation Board.
UMFWO Board Members
Rev. Calvin Alston
District Superintendent
Scioto River District
Rev. Todd Anderson
Senior Pastor, Hyde Park Community Church
Great Miami River District
Mr. Bruce Boyd
Retired Business Owner
Western Lakes District
Rev. Camisha Chambers
Deacon
Olentangy River District
Rev. Mary Kay
Napoleon Christ UMC
Maumee River District
Mr. Eric Olsavsky
Director, Pelotonia
Olentangy River District
Mr. David Pennington
Retired Business Owner
Olentangy River District
Mr. Eric Rice
VP-COO, Capital Asset Management, Inc.
Capital Area North District
Mrs. Karen Smith
COO, Gem City Church Collective
Miami Valley District
Mrs. Shannon Spencer
VP for Advancement, Ohio
Northern University
Northwest Plains District
Mr. Michael Stoner
President, True North Financial Advisors
Capital Area South
Rev. Melissa Steinecker
Aldersgate UMC
Maumee River District
Ex-Officio Members
Bishop Gregory V. Palmer
Bishop of the West Ohio Area
Susan O’Donnell Black, CFRE
Executive Director
UMFWO
Bill Brownson
CFO and Conference Treasurer
West Ohio Conference