Leah serves the North Carolina Conference with a passion for equipping laity and clergy for vibrant, shared ministry in local United Methodist churches. Since 2017, she has served as Director of Leadership Development and Christian Formation through the Center for Leadership Excellence, after beginning her conference work in 2009 as Associate Director of the Academy for Leadership Excellence.
Leah’s ministry includes working alongside committees and task forces, facilitating leadership transition conversations with congregations, and helping leaders deepen their understanding of tools such as the Intercultural Development Inventory and MissionInsite. She finds particular joy in helping leaders discover new skills, connect with meaningful resources, and grow into their calling through the Center’s work.
Prior to joining the conference staff, Leah spent a decade managing artist selection processes for public art and built-environment projects in Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. She later served as Director of the Raleigh Arts Commission, overseeing grantmaking, public art initiatives, the Raleigh Medal of Arts, and partnerships with community arts organizations. She holds an MA in Arts Administration from the University of Oregon and a BA in Humanities (Art History and Spanish) from the University of Colorado.
As a layperson, she has served on missions and leadership development committees and has been known to participate in a skit or two in North Raleigh UMC’s vacation bible school. Leah enjoys hiking, classes at the YMCA, and brunch with friends.