Women’s Division Elects New Treasurer
by YVETTE MOORE*
Martha Sherman Knight is the new treasurer of the Women’s Division of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, effective April 3. Division directors elected the former chief financial officer of the United Methodist Baltimore-Washington Conference to the post during the opening plenary of their annual spring meeting in Stamford, Conn., March 7-10.
“I’m so honored to be affirmed by this group of women and to be in ministry with them,” Ms. Knight said after her election. “I’ve known the United Methodist Women organization all of my life, but this deepens the feeling that God has led me to this place to serve.”
Ms. Knight began serving in the Baltimore-Washington Conference as associate financial officer for administrative services in 1997, was promoted to director of finance and administration in 2004, and became its chief financial officer in 2006. In that capacity, Ms. Knight directed the conference’s finance and benefits functions and teams, led its $32 million annual budget process, and oversaw its long- and short-term financial planning, analysis, policy development and implementation. She developed funding strategies for the conference’s health and pension plans, and directed administration of the organization’s 1,500-participant benefits plans in conjunction with local and national pension boards. Ms. Knight also trained local churches in proper accounting and financial practices.
Prior to working professionally for the church, Ms. Knight was chief financial officer of Personal Communications Industry Association in Alexandria, Va., 1979-1996, overseeing its $14 million budget, $6 million investment reserve and financial reporting functions.
Ms. Knight holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology with emphasis on physiological psychology and statistics from Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., and continuing education experience in accounting, cost accounting, financial management, computer management and operations, computer networking and data communications, team management, customer service, and health and pension plan management.
*Yvette Moore is an executive secretary for communication for the Women’s Division of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries.
Date posted: Mar. 10, 2008
