Mary’s Message – A Leap of Faith
Ten Years and a Leap of Faith
Dinner with board members to kick off the 2026 Annual Meeting - The Gathering.
The association team enjoys time together in Indianapolis.
A recent campus visit with Joe Bernard, Chair of the EAGLE Accreditation Commission.
September 2026 marks my tenth year with our association. As I reflect on the past decade, the word that repeatedly comes to mind is gratitude. I feel fortunate to serve such a dedicated network of ministries and to work alongside truly passionate leaders.
Over the past decade, we have made tremendous progress in strengthening our Network.
We’ve strengthened the value of membership through the LCS Group Purchasing Program and by enhancing the frequency, breadth, and quality of our peer networks and education offerings. We continue to innovate with new learning opportunities such as the Learning and Collaborative Tours. We partner with others to make an impact as reflected in The Gathering and the Interfaith Coalition Building Project. We have remained steadfast in our dedication to excellence as demonstrated through the EAGLE Accreditation Program’s growth.
Together, we’ve navigated a historic pandemic and difficult Methodist split. In 2024, we successfully rebranded to welcome all expressions of Methodism and other faith-based ministries that share our compassion for serving others.
And so, I have much for which to be grateful. I am grateful to:
…past Chairs Kim Williams, Greg Peters, Debbie Reed, Steve Fetyko, Kitwana McTyer, and Andrew Applegate, and current Chair Allison Ashe who have helped lead the association through challenges and opportunities.
…current and past board members who have worked alongside us to strengthen our association.
… Larry Minnix, retired CEO at LeadingAge, who consulted for our association and, with the board, trusted me to lead the association forward.
…our annual sponsors who support the association’s members and mission throughout the year and continue to share their expertise.
…Asbury and, more recently, Shineforth for generously giving us office space and treating us as part of their family.
…our small and mighty team - Emily, Susan, Kadi and Laura who are passionately dedicated to our members and mission. They have the “we’ll find a way” attitude that makes our work interesting, energizing and fun.
…my husband, Bill, who continues to be my greatest supporter and advocate.
Above all, I thank God for his strength, wisdom, and guidance in our work.
To our members, thank you for the work you do and your support for me and the rest of our team. You generously share your expertise, faith, passion, and resilience. I continue to be in awe of your compassion for the seniors, children, youth and families you serve. I truly feel blessed and look forward to our continued work together.
Former association Board Member Greg Peters, pictured above with Mary and fellow former board member Debbie Reed reflected on Mary's years of service to the association.
"When we met and interviewed Mary it was clear that her skills, passion for our mission, and her perseverance would move our organization to the next level. I was the incoming Chair and knew there were many challenges and opportunities facing Mary, her staff, the Board and membership. Some of the challenges were declining membership, changes within the United Methodist Church, financial shortfalls and weak value proposition.
The Board and I believed she would lead the association to address these challenges. There have been many positive changes to updating the name and mission statement, improved training, accreditation and member connections. As the retired CEO and current Board member of Shineforth, I have watched our new CEO join the Board of MMN and develop an exciting partnership with Everstand in Maryland. Mary, thank you for your 10 years of servant leadership. We are so fortunate to call you our colleague and friend."
Enjoying fellowship with members and partners at the Wespath Investment Forum.
LA Spagnola, President/CEO, Everstand, shares Mary's impact as a friend, colleague and leader.
"I first met Mary at an Alliance for Families and Children conference in Los Angeles—or at least I think that’s where our story begins. Fittingly, Mary met LA in LA! From the moment I walked into her room, I knew I had encountered someone extraordinary. She was comfortably settled into a spectacular space with a breathtaking view, a happy upgrade that came after an unexpected hotel mishap involving a mouse! Ask her about that one - I am sure it still lingers.
What I remember most, though, was not the room itself. It was Mary. The room was filled with snacks and treats that could have sustained a small army, but it was her generosity, quick wit, and genuine warmth that made the strongest impression. She has a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and instantly at ease. Within minutes, I felt as though I had known her for years.
Even in that first meeting, I sensed that Mary was exactly the kind of leader our organization needed. She brings vision, heart, and an unwavering commitment to the mission. At a time when the association was facing significant challenges and an uncertain future, Mary helped guide it with courage and purpose. Her leadership was instrumental in transforming an organization on the verge of closing into the vibrant, thriving network it is today.
Mary’s impact extends far beyond the accomplishments we can measure. She inspires people, builds connections, and strengthens a community that continues to flourish because of the foundation she helped create. I am grateful for that first meeting—and for the team that hired her and sustains her for the privilege of witnessing the difference Mary makes in my life and in the Methodist Ministries Network."