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, Program Manager and Donor Relations Associate, and utilizes the services of the Conference Chief Financial Officer, Controller 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, CAP®
Executive Director
Fundraising consultant, author and speaker Susan O’Donnell Black, CFRE, CAP® accepted the role as Executive Director of the United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio in September 2020. In addition to her active, lifelong involvement in the United Methodist Church, Susan brings over 30 years of experience as a professional fundraiser, board trainer, and nonprofit governance expert to her role as Executive Director. At the Foundation, Susan is responsible for overseeing the Foundation’s $97 Million in assets which includes congregational endowments from across the Conference, as well as the clergy pension fund. Susan has served the Church in several capacities for many years. She served on the boards of United Methodist Community Ministries and the West Ohio Conference Council on Development and participates as a member-at-large of Annual Conference for the Olentangy River District. In her local church, Lithopolis UMC, Susan serves as President of her women's circle. You can contact Susan at sblack@wocumc.org or 380-223-9257.
Madeline DeWitt
Program Manager
Maddy DeWitt joined the Foundation in January 2021. Maddy brings nine years of nonprofit experience to her role as Program Manager. 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 investor relations, Endowment Program support, and Foundation grantmaking.
You can reach Maddy at at 380-223-9339 or mdewitt@wocumc.org
Angela Grooms
Donor Relations Associate
Andrea joined the staff in February 2025 and provides donor relations services, database management, and support for events, communications, and office management. Andrea brings a varied background in retail management and front office administration.
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. Angie Cox
Senior Pastor, Livingston UMC
Olentangy River District
Rev. Mary Kay
Archbold UMC
Maumee River District
Mr. William Lutz
New Path, Inc.
Western Lakes 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. Richard Stuhmer
Christ UMC Marietta
Hocking River District
Rev. Melissa Steinecker
Retired Clergy
Maumee River District
Ex-Officio Members
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
Bishop of the Ohio Area
Susan O’Donnell Black, CFRE, CAP
Executive Director
UMFWO
Bill Brownson
CFO and Conference Treasurer
West Ohio Conference