UMA Selects New Leader

The United Methodist Association (UMA), a nationwide family of more than 380 health and human service organizations and professionals headquartered near Dayton, Ohio, announces the selection of Stephen L. Vinson as its new President and CEO. He was selected after a national search led by the Ted Otto Group of Chicago. Vinson received unanimous endorsement from the Association search committee chaired by the Reverend Nancy Hull, President and CEO of Flat Rock Homes, a UMA member organization in Ohio, and by the UMA Board of Directors. Hull said, “Steve, a United Methodist minister, is uniquely qualified for the position because of his calling and experience. His selection is exciting!”

Vinson has been active in the Association since 1992 after being appointed Executive Director of the Circle of Care, a child and family services agency in Oklahoma. He said, “I spent twenty years in pastoral ministry and quickly realized that the local church cannot address every need. That’s why institutional ministries are so important.”

He has held senior management positions in other United Methodist-related children’s homes and retirement communities. Vinson currently serves as Vice President for Development at Methodist Senior Services (MSS) in Tupelo, MS, a network of twelve campuses providing a continuum of care for older adults. “I love Senior Services, but UMA is in my blood,” said Vinson. “The fundraising, public relations and marketing skills I have sharpened here at MSS will be invaluable in my new position.”

Steve McAlilly, President and CEO of Methodist Senior Services, serves as Chair of the UMA Board of Directors. He offered condolences to MSS for “losing this valuable servant!” He went on to say, “Steve’s passion for the work of UMA will guide the organization as it transitions into the future. He is perfect for the job since he has experience with many of the stakeholders: clergy, children and family ministries, as well as older adult ministries.” In addition, Vinson has served as a chaplain and trustee for community service ministries and has been active as a United Methodist Church leader. A dynamic speaker, he has also made numerous presentations at regional and national conventions. His many gifts include creativity, vision and a keen ability to assess situations quickly then develop workable solutions.

Vinson has held a variety of leadership positions in UMA, most recently as Chair of the EAGLE Accreditation Commission. He led EAGLE through an extensive strategic planning process and developed it into a premiere organization that recognizes and promotes excellence, effectiveness and sustainability in faith-based health and human services organizations.

Vinson will join the UMA team by October 1.
UMA Snapshot

  • A network of 380 Methodist-related organizations.
  • The Association is divided into seven membership sections:
  • Chaplains are located in myriad institutional settings, such as hospitals, children’s homes and nursing homes.
  • Children, Youth and Family Services offer a range of educational, residential, counseling and family support services.
  • Community Services Ministries provide a range of social and family services, including crisis intervention.
  • Conference-related Units consist of health and welfare representatives from Methodist Annual Conferences.
  • Hospitals and Healthcare Systems offer extensive health and wellness services and treatment.
  • Ministries to Persons with Disabilities offer housing and services to persons of all ages who struggle to overcome physical and/or mental disabilities.
  • Older Adult Ministries provide myriad residential and daycare services.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT UMA
Visit the Association’s website at www.umassociation.org or call UMA Board Chair Steve McAlilly at 662.844.8977.