FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2017
Chicago, Illinois- The Connectional Table (CT) of The United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai as its new Chief Connectional Ministries Officer effective January 22, 2018.
The Rev. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai
"I am very pleased to welcome Rev. Bigham-Tsai as our new Chief Connectional Ministries Officer," said Bishop Christian Alsted, chair of the Connectional Table. "Rev. Bigham-Tsai is a seasoned leader in the denomination with extensive experience at every level of the church and first-hand knowledge of the multifaceted work of the Connectional Table. Her sharp analyzing mind, visionary thinking, and strong communication skills will provide excellent leadership to the Connectional Table. I look forward to working with her in this important time in the life of the worldwide United Methodist Church."
Rev. Bigham-Tsai has been a member of the Connectional Table since 2012. She served on the executive committee and the Worldwide Nature working group, working collaboratively with partners such as the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters and the Commission on the General Conference to provide leadership on vital Connectional Table initiatives. She is married to Kee Tsai and has two children, Keeton and Kamden.
"I am honored to be invited to serve as the Chief Connectional Ministries Officer of the CT," Rev. Bigham-Tsai said. "I am grateful for the work of my predecessor, Rev. Dr. Amy Valdez Barker, and look forward to working with Bishop Alsted, our excellent staff and the superb leadership of the CT and of our ministry partners throughout the connection to continue to cast vision, align to the mission and build trust. I welcome the opportunity to be a part of what the Spirit is doing in The United Methodist Church."
Rev. Ken Nelson, chair of the CT executive search committee, added, "With Rev. Bigham-Tsai's experience on the Connectional Table and familiarity with the staff, we are confident that she will advance the work of the Connectional Table. She is a strategic thinker who demonstrates an ability to build bridges and facilitate collaboration and group processes that invite persons to engage one another. I believe she will help us continue to discern our identity as United Methodists in a global context."
Rev. Kennetha Bigham-Tsai succeeds the Rev. Dr. Amy Valdez Barker who accepted a position as Executive Director of Global Mission Connections at the General Board of Global Ministries in June of 2017 after serving the Connectional Table for six years.
About the Connectional Table
The Connectional Table discerns and articulates the vision for the church, stewarding the mission, ministries, and resources as determined by General Conference and in consultation with the Council of Bishops. The Connectional Table includes 64 members from across the United Methodist connection.
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Media Contact:
Meredith Hoxie Schol
Director of Communication & Research for the Connectional Table of The UMC
(773) 714-1517 - [email protected]
