Meet the Staff • GBCS

Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe

General Secretary

The Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe is the General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church. She has served as the social justice agency’s top executive since 2014 after 22 years at Emory University. Read more.

John Hill

Deputy General Secretary for Advocacy and Grassroots Organizing, Director of Economic and Environmental Justice

John oversees Church and Society’s advocacy and organizing department. In addition, he directs the economic and environmental justice program work. Read more.

Rev. Dr. Liberato (Levi) Bautista

Assistant General Secretary for United Nations and International Affairs

Levi draws from more than 35 years of experience in denominational, ecumenical and international affairs as our representative at the United Nations. He studied history, politics and international affairs at the University of the Philippines. Read More.

Rev. Neal Christie

Assistant General Secretary

Neal directs the agency’s educational opportunities including world-wide trainings, workshops, seminars, and internships. He also coordinates curriculum related to the UM Social Principles. Read more.

Frances Jett Roberts, PHR

Assistant General Secretary for Administration and Human Resources

Frances is a certified human resources professional. She serves as HR staff for Church and Society and Religion and Race. Frances is also the coordinator of information technology for both agencies. Frances grew up in The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She says the CME formed her faith, but it was her experience at a UMC that lead her to Church and Society. Read More.

Dr. Jessica M. Smith

Senior Executive Director Research, Planning and Spiritual Formation

Jessie advises Church and Society leadership on strategic decisions related to our ministry using the tools of research and theological reflection she honed while earning her doctorate. Read more.

Kurt Adams

Communications Director

Kurt Adams is responsible for leading the agency’s strategic communications, public relations, and messaging for United Methodist events and programs. Read more.

Leigh Ann Gong

Director of Finance and Treasurer

Leigh Ann provides oversight of all finance, accounting and reporting activities supporting the overall mission and goals of Church and Society. She earned a degree in accounting from the University of Maryland University College and is a CPA. Read More.

Aimee Hong

Senior Executive Director of Education and Engagement

Aimee facilitates and custom designs seminars for diverse groups on issues of justice and peace. She loves working with students of all ages but has a soft spot for engaging with young people. Read more.

Rebecca Cole

Director of Grassroots Organizing

Rebecca is an organizer for Church and Society. She connects, trains, and equips United Methodists all over the world with the tools to organize for justice in their communities. Read more.

Amber Feezor

Engagement Program Coordinator

Amber works with Annual Conferences to partner with the ongoing work of Church and Society. Read More.

Mark W. Harrison

Director of the Peace with Justice Program, Special Assistant to the General Secretary

The United Methodist Church stands for peace and justice. Mark brings that calling to life. He leads our peace and justice program and promotes Peace with Justice Sunday. Read More.

Laura K. James

Program Coordinator for Grassroots Organizing

Laura Kigweba James is the Program Coordinator for Grassroots Organizing at General Board of Church and Society. She is committed to building, strengthening, and equipping United Methodists to transform the church and community through faith-based community organizing. Read more

Rev. Katie Monfortte

Education Program Coordinator

Katie works with Church and Society’s interns and seminar participants creating educational and formational opportunities to connect faith to social issues related to justice and peace. Katie previously served as a Global Mission Fellow. Read more.

Rev. Michelle M. Beadle

Executive Assistant to the General Secretary

Michelle provides administrative and project support to the General Secretary. She is a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary and is an ordained minister with The United Church of Christ. Read more.

Marvlyn B. Scott

Administrative Assistant, Education and Leadership Formation

Marvlyn assists the Education and Leadership Formation staff to ensure that educations programs run smoothly. She has devoted the last 25 years to the work of Church and Society, and has decades of experience as an office manager. Read more.

Iris E. Walker

Accounting Associate

Iris is the accounting associate in the finance office of Church and society. She works with venders and staff to ensure reimbursements and payments happen accurately and timely. Read more.

Quinn Wonderling

Senior Coordinator, United Nations and International Affairs

Quinn coordinates Church and Society’s United Nations Ministry. A Pennsylvania native, she previously worked as a journalist covering elections and political news for MSNBC and various other print/digital publications. Read more.