Discipleship Ministries Welcomes Rev. Claudine Leary as New Director of Fund Development

NASHVILLE, Tenn. February 12, 2024/Discipleship Ministries/ - Discipleship Ministries is thrilled to announce the appointment of Rev. Claudine Leary as the new Director of Fund Development. With a deep commitment to our mission and an impressive background in both ministry and fundraising, Rev. Leary brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this vital role.

Rev. Claudine Leary, a graduate of Africa University, is an ordained elder in the West Ohio Annual Conference and holds an MBA from Fairmont State University and a Master of Divinity Degree from Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO). Her extensive experience includes roles in fundraising and development, most notably as the Director of Development at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. There, she significantly advanced the school's mission through strategic development programs, including major gift solicitation and scholarship fund building. Rev. Leary is also known for her entrepreneurial leadership, having founded Watoto Read, an initiative aiding education in African refugee camps. Her global perspective and commitment to social justice and diversity make her an exceptional fit for leading our fund development efforts.

"We are immensely fortunate to welcome Rev. Claudine Leary as our new Director of Fund Development. Her experience within the United Methodist connection and her deep understanding of our mission make her a perfect fit. Claudine's impressive track record in fundraising and development, coupled with her entrepreneurial leadership, positions her uniquely for success in this role. Her gifts and innovative approach are exactly what we need to navigate the evolving landscape of fund development during this unique time in the church and to achieve Discipleship Ministries' strategic priorities," said Scott Hughes, Associate General Secretary (World Service), Discipleship Ministries.

Echoing this sentiment, Rev. Leary expressed her readiness and enthusiasm, “I am exceedingly grateful for this opportunity to join Discipleship Ministries to advance the mission of equipping world-changing disciples of Jesus Christ. ‘Here I am, send me.'”

The appointment of Rev. Leary as Director of Fund Development is a cornerstone for strengthening the World Service arm of Discipleship Ministries. This role is pivotal in supporting the agency's strategic priorities, which focus on creating intentional disciple-making processes in every church, enhancing community engagement, and cultivating locally relevant resources.

Rev. Leary's leadership will be instrumental in emphasizing relationship-building through impactful storytelling and comprehensive messaging campaigns. Her entrepreneurial approach aligns perfectly with Discipleship Ministries' mission to adapt and respond to the evolving needs of stakeholders, ensuring that the agency’s efforts in disciple-making are both effective and transformative.

Starting on February 19, 2024, Rev. Leary will assume her responsibilities as the Director of Fund Development at Discipleship Ministries. We eagerly anticipate the vision and leadership she will bring to Discipleship Ministries, driving our mission forward with her wealth of knowledge and passion for service.

You can send a congratulatory and welcome note to Claudine Leary at [email protected].

The mission of Discipleship Ministries is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, Discipleship Ministries is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit www.UMCdiscipleship.org, the Press Center at www.UMCdiscipleship.org/about/press-center or call the Communications Office at (877) 899-2780, Ext. 1726.