Meet the Staff • GBCS

John Hill

Interim General Secretary

John is the interim general secretary at the Board of Church and Society. From the authority of the United Methodist Church, he oversees the agency’s vision, mission and mandate for witness and action on issues of human well-being, justice, peace and the integrity of creation. He oversees the agency in responding to critical social issues, facilitates the church’s legislative advocacy, and coordinates its priorities for the U.S. Congress and United Nations Ministry. Read more.

The Rev. Michelle M. Beadle

Executive Assistant to the General Secretary

The Rev. Michelle Beadle is the executive assistant to the general secretary at the General Board of Church and Society. She provides administrative support for the general secretary, manages board meetings and correspondence, serves on the Development Work Team, and advocates for disability rights on behalf of The United Methodist Church as part of the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition. Read more.

The Rev. Dr. Liberato (Levi) Bautista

Assistant General Secretary for United Nations and International Affairs

Levi Bautista is the assistant general secretary for United Nations and International Affairs at the General Board of Church and Society. Located in the New York City office. Levi leads, manages and represents international priorities for The United Methodist Church at the United Nations and other international settings. [Read more].

Leigh Ann Gong

Chief Financial Officer

Leigh Ann Gong is the chief financial officer at the General Board of Church and Society with oversight of all finance, accounting and reporting activities supporting the agency’s overall mission and goals. Read more.

Aimee Hong

Senior Executive Director of Education and Engagement

Aimee Hong is the senior executive director of Education and Engagement at the General Board of Church and Society, where she designs and facilitates educational seminars, webinars and curriculum to deepen the connection between faith and justice. Read more.

Dr. Jessica M. Smith

Senior Executive Director Research, Planning and Spiritual Formation

Dr. Jessica M. “Jessie” Smith is the senior executive director of Research, Planning and Spiritual Formation at the General Board of Church and Society. Jessie develops organization-wide systems for planning and monitoring activities. She analyzes how organizational activities align with the agency’s mission and conducts research on its social witness from the 20th century to the present. Read more.

Jeffrey Corey

Director of Communications

Jeffrey “Jeff” Corey is the director of Communications at the General Board of Church and Society with oversight and management of strategic communications, branding and creative execution to promote and amplify the agency’s overall mission and advocacy work. Implementing a mix of digital, social, print, video, event and news media, Jeff leads a multifaceted communications effort for audiences around the world. Read more.

The Rev. Laura Kigweba

Director of Grassroots Organizing

Laura Kigweba is the director of Grassroots Organizing at the General Board of Church and Society. In her position, she builds, strengthens, and equips United Methodists to transform the systemic conditions of injustice in both the church, community and world through faith-based community organizing. Read more.

The Rev. Kendal L. McBroom

Director of Civil and Human Rights

The Rev. Kendal L. McBroom is the director of Civil and Human Rights at the General Board of Church and Society. He is responsible for managing and developing the agency’s legislative and policy advocacy in support of civil and human rights. He also works as a strategic thought partner and collaborator with United Methodist faith and secular coalitions to develop and implement strategies that advance GBCS priorities. Read more.

The Rev. Camille Henderson-Edwards

Director for Economic, Health and Gender Justice

The Rev. Camille Henderson-Edwards is director for Economic, Health and Gender Justice at the General Board of Church and Society. She is responsible for legislative and policy advocacy in support of economic, health and gender justice. She works with decision makers in the government and faith coalitions to advance GBCS strategic priorities. Read more.

Colleen Moore

Director of Peace With Justice

Colleen Moore is the director of Peace With Justice at the General Board of Church and Society. In her position, she is responsible for developing and managing the agency’s legislative and policy advocacy in support of peace and justice. She works in coalition with United Methodist faith and secular coalitions to advance GBCS strategic priorities on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, nonproliferation and disarmament, and multilateralism. Read more.

James Kang

Senior Specialist of Communications

James Kang is the senior specialist of Communications at the General Board of Church and Society where he develops and manages Digital Communications, Evens, Video production and News Media initiatives. Read more.

Amber Gaines

Engagement Program Coordinator

Amber Gaines is the Engagement Program coordinator at the General Board of Church and Society with responsibility for connecting United Methodists to the agency’s ministry. She guides United Methodists in creating Church and Society Committees in their conferences and congregations. She also leads GBCS donor engagement efforts and fundraising initiatives. Read more.

Quinn Wonderling

Senior Coordinator, Administration and Programming

Quinn is the senior coordinator of Research and Planning at the General Board of Church and Society. They support the Senior Executive Director of Research and Planning with the administrative and programmatic functions of monitoring and evaluating the organization’s activities and impact. Read more.

Dorene Hubbard

Specialist for Advocacy, Administration and Operations

Dorene Hubbard is the specialist for Advocacy, Administration and Operations at the Board of Church and Society. In that role, Dorene supports the Advocacy team, oversees the United Methodist Building property management firm, supervises front desk staff, manages facility bookings and implements building policies and procedures. Read more.

Kyndra Jackson

Administrative Assistant, Education and Engagement

Kyndra Jackson is the assistant for Education and Engagement Administration at the Board of Church and Society. In that role, Kyndra provides support for GBCS seminar and education programs. She also manages administrative correspondence for all GBCS grants. Read more.

Christopher Melkonian

Staff Accountant

Christopher Melkonian is the staff accountant at the General Board of Church and Society. In his role, he manages the agency’s financial ledger for donations, investments, payroll, staff spending and building-related transactions. He also supports accounts payable and accounts receivable. Read more.

Anita Godfrey

Receptionist

Anita Godfrey is the receptionist at the Board of Church and Society United Methodist Building. Anita supports the United Methodist Building’s Front Desk operations and manages reservations for all conference rooms and facility rentals. Read more.