Former Otterbein Homes president named interim UMA president

VANDALIA – The Rev. Dr. Mearle L. Griffith retired as president and CEO of the United Methodist Association (UMA) on June 1. While a search has been undertaken for a replacement, Donald L. Gilmore, former Otterbein Homes’ president and CEO, is filling in during the interim. 

“We are grateful to Mearle for his leadership and to the special gifts he brought to his position. UMA has benefited from his knowledge of the United Methodist Church and how it relates to its health care and human service ministries,” said Teresa Trost, vice president and EAGLE commission director for the United Methodist Association.

Griffith became president and CEO on Nov. 1, 2003. Prior to that, he was a United Methodist clergyman and served as a senior pastor with several United Methodist congregations.

According to Trost,  “It is my understanding that he will do some consulting work in the area of fundraising with the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home in Enterprise, Fla.”

Gilmore assumed the duties as interim president and CEO on the day Griffith retired. Gilmore will be representing the UMA at various functions at a variety of venues, including conferences, committee meetings and general church functions during his tenure. He also is lending his expertise with operations of the association.
 
“The staff is excited about working with Don,” said Trost, noting that he has long been a very ardent supporter of the UMA. “He will bring a fresh perspective to our operations and the UMA Board of Directors is very thankful to Don for sharing his expertise and his passion with the association.”

The search for a new president/CEO is underway, utilizing the Ted Otto Group consulting firm under the direction of a UMA search committee. The board is committed to taking as long as is necessary to find the appropriate person for this position and they are very encouraged by the interest in the position, Trost said.
 
 

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