New Board Member, Chair Elected to Foundation Board

The United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana celebrated its 44th anniversary last month at its annual meeting. Usually a luncheon event, this year’s meeting was held virtually, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Omer Davis (L) was installed as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Rev. Doug deGraffenried (R) was elected to the Board at the 2020 Annual Meeting.

Board Chair Reverend Weldon Bares, senior pastor of First UMC of Lake Charles, installed Omer Davis of Baton Rouge as the new Board Chair. Also, Rev. Doug deGraffenried, senior pastor of First UMC of Natchitoches was elected to the Board of Trustees. They will begin their new terms in August.

deGraffenried has served 44 years in ministry, most recently as Senior Pastor of First UMC of Natchitoches. He previously served on the Foundation’s board from 2002 to 2011 and is a graduate of the Foundation’s Leadership Excellence Advancement Program. He has also served on the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry and the Board of Ordained Ministry.

Davis is a retired banker previously with Whitney/Hancock, and a member of First UMC of Baton Rouge. He served on the Foundation’s board for several years, most notably as Investment Committee Chair and Loan Committee Chair.

Foundation President Rob Fairly acknowledged and thanked departing board member Rev. Larry Stafford for his years of service, and recognized board member Debra Davis for her “above and beyond the call of duty” service over the last year.

Located in Baton Rouge, the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana was founded in 1975 and serves United Methodist churches, institutions and individuals within the Louisiana Annual Conference, providing financial guidance and education, loans and grants.  It is one of the largest United Methodist Foundations in the denomination.