Gil Hanke congratulates Martha Davis, operations manager of the General Commission on UM Men and the first woman to be receive the Susanna Wesley Award

NASHVILLE, Tenn.––Questions about who would be the first recipient of the newly created Susanna Wesley Award were answered when the National Association of Conference Presidents presented the award to Martha Davis, operations manager of the General Commission on United Methodist Men.

UM Men from across nation contributed funds for the award that was presented during the Feb.27-March 2 meeting of the National Association of Conference Presidents of UM Men.

“I could not agree more that Martha should be the first to receive this award,” said Harold Yannayon, secretary/treasurer of the Western Pennsylvania Conference UM Men. “I can’t think of anyone who has put in as much time and energy into the General Commission on UM Men.”

“It is with deep appreciation and respect for Martha’s continuing love and care for our ministry that I send along my contribution to make this happens,” said Ron Hardman, former president of Southeastern Jurisdiction UM Men.”

“To me she is the queen of UM Men,” said Eldon Gracy, former president of the South Central Jurisdiction of UM Men.

“In some organizational charts, Martha Davis is listed as my assistant,” said Gil Hanke, top staff executive of the commission. “In fact those on our board quickly realize some of the other tasks that she completes with a servant heart. Martha’s skills include HR, IT, video editing, operations, systems organizer, meeting planner, hostess, CFO, accounts manager, supply coordinator, adviser, editor, registration guru, designer, data manager, musician, problem solver, mentor, artist and friend. She has 30 plus years of experience within the agencies of the United Methodist Church, and learns new tasks all the time. In addition she is a servant leader within her church and community.”