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Montreat Conference Center Announces Staff Changes
The Senior Leadership Team of Montreat Conference Center is pleased to announce an exciting series of position transitions in the Programming and Marketing department. Lauren Mathews, currently Director of Program Services at the conference center, has been named the new Director of Church Communication and Outreach. Mathews’ responsibilities will focus on forming, building, and strengthening relationships between the conference center and constituent churches and presbyteries. She will also oversee the Montreat “Bridges,” an organization of volunteers representing the conference center at Presbytery meetings and other events within the Presbyterian Church (USA). “I am truly excited about the opportunities this position will surely offer up,” said Mathews about her new role. “In many ways,” she continued, “I believe that I have been preparing all along for this new venture.”
Emily Causey will move from her current position as the Youth Conference and Clubs Registrar to take on Mathews’ former duties. As the new Associate for Conference Services, Causey will serve as staff liaison to a number of adult conferences at Montreat, working closely with the conference planning teams. “Emily’s prior experience with conferencing, her leadership skills, and her coolness under pressure make her a perfect fit for this position,” said Merri Bass, Vice President for Program Development and Marketing.
The position of Youth Conference and Clubs Registrar vacated by Causey will be filled by Susie Watson Burns. Burns, a Montreat resident since 2005, has served as a summer staffer assisting with Clubs registration for the past 3 years, and will bring a blend of experience and familiarity with the community to the full-time position. “As a mother, myself,” explained Burns, “I know what it’s like to entrust your child into the care of someone else. You want information; you want answers to your questions; you want to know everything is going to be ok. And that’s why I’m here.”
Montreat Conference Center is one of three national conference centers of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The conference center hosts approximately 45 conferences, programs, and retreats each year and is visited annually by over 35,000 people.