Woman’s Missionary Union names search committee leader

Woman’s Missionary Union, the national missions-support organization for the Southern Baptist Convention, has launched its search to replace retiring Executive Director Wanda Lee.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Woman’s Missionary Union, the national missions-support organization for the Southern Baptist Convention, has launched its search to replace retiring Executive Director Wanda Lee.

National WMU President Linda Cooper issued a call to prayer for the search committee charged with identifying the successor to Lee, who has led the organization since 2000.

Search committee members are Chair Joy Bolton, executive director of Kentucky WMU; Debby Akerman, national WMU president, 2010-15; Jill McNicol, president of Illinois WMU; Kathy Sheldon, president of Pennsylvania/South Jersey WMU; and June Tate, president of Colorado WMU.

“Above all, I am confident these women will take this task very seriously, seeking the Lord’s guidance in all they do in every step of this process,” Cooper said. “I encourage every Southern Baptist to pray intentionally and daily for the committee, for me and for the one whom God already has selected who will lead WMU forward.

“I also ask you pray for Wanda, who will continue to lead WMU in the meantime. She has given her all to lead us for the past 16 years and is committed to a seamless transition in leadership. I thank God for her and for other strong missions leaders in our churches who know firsthand how God uses missions discipleship through WMU to change lives.”

Including Lee, national WMU has had seven leaders since its inception in 1888: Annie Armstrong, 1888-1906; Edith Campbell Crane, 1907-1911; Kathleen Mallory, 1912-1948; Alma Hunt, 1948-1974; Carolyn Weatherford Crumpler, 1974-1989; and Dellanna O’Brien, 1989-1999.

The committee will begin its work immediately. Recommendations and resumes may be sent to WMU Search Committee, c/o Joy Bolton, Kentucky WMU, 13420 Eastpoint Centre Drive, Louisville, 40223; or by email to [email protected], to be received no later than May 1.


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