Frontier Foundation Announces New President/Executive Director

The Board of Directors of the United Methodist Frontier Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Ellen Knudsen of New York City as the new President/Executive Director, effective March 14, 2016.

Ellen was selected for the position after a year-long, nationwide search with the help of the Novak Consulting Group. She is a native of Ohio and life-long United Methodist, who has served the church with the General Board of Global Ministries for 21 years. She brings with her an extensive management experience serving first as Assistant to the General Secretary then became the Executive Secretary/Liaison, Community and Institutional Ministries; and then moving on as the Executive Secretary, Section on Mission Opportunities; of the Woman’s Division, Project Manager for The Advance; and is currently the Director of Advance Projects for The Advance. In that capacity she provides visionary and strategic leadership for The Advance, the designated giving program of the United Methodist Church with more than 800 projects around the world. She has a vast amount of national and international experience through her work with the General Board. She is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, and holds a Professional Certificate in Fund Raising from New York University. She and her husband live in Manhattan.

In making the announcement, Rev. Robert Knebel, UMFF Board chair said, “We are thrilled to have Ellen leading the Foundation at this time in our history. She brings visionary leadership, a wide range of experience, extensive knowledge and experience in the United Methodist Church, and exceptional skills in building relationships with ministry partners throughout the world. She is a world-class individual who will move the Foundation to greater excellence in serving the UM Churches and individuals in New York and Connecticut.”

The United Methodist Frontier Foundation encourages, empowers and supports stewardship in churches and individuals throughout New York and neighboring states. Our mission is supported by a vision of asset management, education, tool provision, and competent stewardship leadership to both churches and clergy. The UMFF offers reasonable returns for reasonable rates for local churches in New York and Upper New York Annual Conferences.

For further information on how the United Methodist Frontier Foundation can serve you and your church, contact the Foundation office at 914-615-2239.