EXCOM Continues Process for Selection of AEC’s New President

AEC’s Executive Committee (EXCOM) gathered on June 8th and 9th to complete the second special meeting of its presidential selection process. The committee held its first special meeting on zoom May 14 to establish the process of finding the conference’s 11th president.

This second meeting commenced in-person Saturday evening with an hour-long vespers and prayer service. Afterwards, the special committee, chaired by Columbia Union Conference Executive Secretary Celeste Ryan Blyden, reflected on some of the great things about Allegheny East – from notable achievements to what has been accomplished during the last 18 months.

On Sunday, the committee reviewed feedback received in a survey that was completed by employees and EXCOM members.  They met in small groups to review, discuss, and chronicle common themes revealed by participants of the survey, including challenges and opportunities for AEC. Much time was spent identifying the qualities a president would need to best serve AEC at this time.

“As you seek to find the person God is calling to lead Allegheny East at this time, this process allows you to determine what is needed, who is best positioned to lead the team to effectively address the challenges and opportunities identified, and who is already demonstrating the ability to move the mission forward,” Blyden said.

As a result of the survey, 37 names were submitted for consideration. Through a secret-ballot process that included two rounds of voting, the committee narrowed the list to five candidates, as follows:

• Dr. Gene Donaldson, Ministerial Director

• Patrick Graham, pastor of the Glenridge Church in Glenridge, MD

• Dr. Trevor Kinlock, pastor of the Metropolitan Church in Hyattsville, MD

• Dr. Emil Peeler, pastor of Capitol Hill Church, Washington, DC

• Gary Wimbish, Vice President for Administration

On Sunday, June 23rd, at its final meeting in the process, each candidate will be invited to make a presentation to the committee, which then expects to elect the next president.