Rick Vance named director of operations for UM Men agency
NASHVILLE––Greg Arnold, chief staff executive of the General Commission on United Methodist Men, appointed the Rev. Dr. Rick Vance as the new director of operations for the commission.
Arnold made the announcement during a January 6-8 retreat with UM Men officers and commission staff members. The post becomes official immediately.
Vance, an ordained elder from the Peninsula-Delaware annual conference has served the agency as the director of the Center for Men’s Ministries for the last 6½ years. In that position, he developed “Amending Through Faith,” a 6-week course addressing domestic violence, expanded and refined the credentialing process for men’s ministry specialists, and created “Healing Circles,” a program to address racial inequities. He has also written and produced many digital and printed resources for the agency.
Arnold said, “The commission has been blessed with an outstanding operations officer over the agency’s 25-year history, with Martha Davis at the helm. Upon Ms. Davis’ retirement, we knew there would be the need for continuity, expertise, leadership, and innovation to fill her shoes.
“I’ve served alongside Rick for over six years and observed how he selflessly applies his gifts and talents benefiting many aspects of the commission’s daily operation,” said Arnold.
“Rick has a doctoral degree in leadership excellence as well as many years of management experience in both his church and secular careers. His training and experience offer him a broad perspective in management and leadership that will strengthen the commission’s efforts to coach men and youth to thrive through Christ.
“I’m overjoyed to welcome Rick into this new role. He’s the right person for the right time to help us move forward. We are also counting it a blessing to have his experience and insight to assist our search for a new director of men’s ministry in the coming months.”
“I’m excited about the new opportunities God is opening for the commission’s ministry to men and scouting ministries,” said Vance. “I understand that filling Martha Davis’ position won’t be easy, but I am up to the challenge and the opportunities to help the commission continue to thrive and serve.”
Information and an application process for the position of director of the Center for Men’s Ministries will be announced at a later date.