Meet Kevin Feltz, NYAC’s New Chief Financial Officer and Director of Administration

By NYAC Communications


The impending retirement of Ross Williams, New York Annual Conference (NYAC) Chief Financial Officer and Director of Administration, left a pair of very big shoes to fill.  
 
With this in mind, finding Ross’ successor became an immediate priority, explains Rev. Jason Radmacher, Chair of the 12-person CFO Search Committee. What followed, Radmacher says, was a thoughtful, nationwide, eight-month search that included outreach and multiple interviews with prospective candidates. 
 
One, Kevin Feltz—a finance and administration executive with over two decades working in the non-profit and faith communities—rose to the top of the pile. Among other things, Feltz provided financial and technical leadership to a multimillion-dollar service provider for individuals with disabilities; held the position of Vice President of Finance and Administration for a Washington, DC-based agency that serves women and children without homes; and directed financial planning, execution, and personnel at a consulting services firm in the nonprofit sector.
 
Today, we’re proud to announce Feltz is our new NYAC Chief Financial Officer and Director of Administration. He officially came on board today, Monday, May 17, 2021, to work side-by-side with Ross Williams until his retirement
on July 1. 
 
 “I am very pleased to welcome Kevin to our team,” says Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton.  “As we make this major transition in our conference staff, it is good to have someone join us who brings experience and commitment.  Kevin feels a deep sense of call to be here and we welcome that spirit as we build relationship with our churches and people.”
 
Even before he was offered the job, Kevin Feltz says he felt at home. Citing the “instant rapport” he established with search committee members who interviewed him online, and understanding the NYAC’s mission, vision and core values, Feltz knew he could do good work in the NYAC if given the opportunity. “I’m open to using my gifts to serve God and the conference in whatever way I can.”
 
Feltz stood out as a highly engaged leader who empowers staff to succeed. Given the tasks that lie ahead for the NYAC conference, his leadership acumen is both needed and wanted.
            
Radmacher says he’s “thrilled that the search led to Kevin Feltz,” citing his professional expertise, knowledge of The United Methodist Church and a “commitment to realizing our mission and building relationships.”  In Kevin, he adds, “our Conference has found the skilled, thoughtful, and creative leader needed during this season of incredible change.”    
 
Feltz’s faith-based career connections include leadership positions with Christ House, work with The UMC on Relief/Katrina Aid Today efforts (where he led compliance efforts on behalf of FEMA-funded case management project that benefitted survivors) and the Jewish Council for the Aging (where he helped protect the financial health of this multimillion-dollar social service organization). 
 
Feltz, who hails from Coldwater, a small town in Western Ohio, earned both his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration in Operations Management  from Wright State University. He had hoped to become a consultant, but then “fell in love with God” and decided to attend seminary.
Feltz earned a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in 2002.  He was a candidate for ministry and served as an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Hickory, NC for two years before taking a leave of absence to explore other forms of service.

It was during that leave that Feltz began his work in a range of faith-filled spaces like St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families, the United Methodist Committee on Relief/Katrina Aid Today and Christ House. And now, his heart for service has found a home at the New York Annual Conference.  

“I love working with clergy and laity,” Feltz says. “This role in the NYAC blends everything together and supports all the things I’m passionate about. I’m excited about this new season.”