The Board of Trustees of the Georgia United Methodist Foundation announces that its President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley, will step down. Bishop Ken Carter of the Western North Carolina Conference has asked Coppedge-Henley to return to her home conference to serve as Senior Pastor at Davidson UMC. Her last day leading the Foundation is June 30, 2026.
Incoming Board of Trustees Chair, Bill Daniel, reflected on Coppedge-Henley’s contribution to the Foundation: “Under her guidance, the Foundation has continued to grow in service to congregations throughout Georgia. Her ‘ministerial heart’ and gift of leadership have been wonderful blessings for the Foundation and our churches. She has continued the Foundation’s special focus on developing programs that will respond to the needs of our students, clergy and church families.”
Coppedge-Henley joined the Foundation in January of 2024 as the first woman to serve as President and CEO role in Foundation history. During this time, she has focused not only on meeting the needs of the day but also adapting to the changing realities of the church and continual pursuit of growing Foundation assets and ministry outreach. Additionally, she has worked on expanding the Foundation’s client base and recently celebrated an investment by the first African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in the Foundation Certificate Program.
Another hallmark of Coppedge-Henley’s leadership is demonstrating the added value of working with the Foundation as opposed to a secular institution. She notes that when churches partner with the Foundation it “not only serves the local church, it also supports ministry throughout the state, such as leadership initiatives, scholarships for higher education, and working within districts to encourage faithful financial stewardship and future ministry.”
As Coppedge-Henley moves toward a new chapter she shared, “It has been a privilege and a joy to serve those of the Methodist Family in Georgia. In my time at the Foundation, I have witnessed a staff and board who truly live into its purpose to support the mission of the church.” Daniel adds, “We are deeply grateful for Elizabeth’s service to the Foundation. We wish her the very best as her ministerial journey continues.”
The Executive Committee of the Board is currently identifying candidates to fill the President and CEO role. As the search begins, the Foundation Board and staff remain committed to the purpose of serving the mission of every client and potential client.
The Georgia United Methodist Foundation partners with churches, nonprofits, individuals, and families to support the ministries and mission of the church by offering advanced faith-based financial solutions for the Methodist family of Georgia. The Foundation elevates and advances the mission of the church and church-related nonprofits by providing faith-based financial solutions for investing, lending, training, and planned giving.
