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Montreat Conference Center Grateful for VP’s Service
Montreat Conference Center remains grateful for John Richardson’s service as Vice President for Development during his three year tenure at the conference center. After a time of sabbatical leave for Mr. Richardson, which was agreed to be a time of discernment to consider his sense of call and relationship with the conference center, Montreat Conference Center deemed it best to end the relationship effective December 31, 2008.
Frank Spencer, Chairman of the Board for Montreat Conference Center said, “John Richardson has helped the conference center imagine its ministry in the context of the changing Presbyterian Church (USA) and has appropriately pressed us to embrace young adult leaders at the conference center and in the Presbyterian Church. I remain deeply grateful for his love of Montreat and his passion to serve Jesus Christ.”
In Richardson’s time at the Montreat Conference Center, the annual fund reached an all-time high with almost $800,000 in cash gifts. In 2007-2008 the donor base grew by 94 new patrons and 23 new donor churches. His passion for the College Conference led to its revitalization from one with a small number of attendees to an event that will hit 1,000 participants in January 2009. Richardson encouraged the conference center to consider technological improvements that have led to on-line giving, video promotion for the Annual Fund, and movement toward further website communication capabilities demanded by the church’s youth constituencies.
“The conference center is deeply grateful to John for his service,” said Pete Peery, Montreat Conference Center president. “John remains one of great promise in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and I pray him Godspeed as he continues to discern his call.”
Montreat Conference Center President Pete Peery will begin the search process for a Vice President of Development immediately. In the meantime, Bill Straughan will continue to serve as the interim Vice President of Development.