VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/22/12)—The Board of Directors for the Center for Career Development and Ministry in Dedham, Massachusetts is pleased to announce the appointment of Reverend Margaret E. Lewis as its next Executive Director, effective January 1, 2012. Rev. Lewis succeeds Rev. Dr. Stephen Ott who is retiring after more than twenty years as the Center’s Director. Dr. Ott will continue to serve as a consultant to the programs at Samuel Proctor School of Theology in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Patricia Criste will become the Center’s Clinical Director and Dr. Douglas Wheeler will continue as the senior counselor on the staff.
Rev. Lewis is currently the Pastor at First Baptist Church in Nashua, New Hampshire where she will continue to serve. At the Center, Ms. Lewis will be traveling within the New England region to develop and enhance relationships with the various judicatories which the Center serves. In addition, she will work with the board to foster strategic planning and the development of funding sources.
Rev. Lewis has an impressive background within the American Baptist Churches USA. From 1999-2010 she worked at The Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board in New York serving as Education Director, Relationship Manager, Fundraising Director and Corporate Secretary. She was Pastor at The Bristol Baptist Church in Connecticut from 1996-1999 and at Danville Congregational Church in Vermont from 1992-1995. Lewis earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern University, a Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Business Administration at Cornell University.
Maggie, as she is known, is excited to continue the supportive work and ministry for which Dr. Ott has become widely known and respected. She is familiar with the services which the Center provides as someone who has experience with its programs. “I am truly honored to be called to this position,” said Maggie. “I have participated in the Center’s programs at various points in my ministry and know what meaningful work takes place there. The experiences I had at the Center positively impacted my work as a professional church leader in more ways than I can count. I will always be grateful to Stephen Ott, in particular, for his wisdom, guidance, and influence. It is my privilege to follow him as Executive Director.”
The Board is eager to support a new strategic direction for the Center and has confidence that Maggie has the skills, experience and passion for this new leadership role and calling.
Please join us in welcoming Reverend Margaret E. Lewis as the next Executive Director of the Center for Career Development and Ministry in Dedham, Massachusetts.
The Center for Career Development and Ministry is a not-for-profit, ecumenical, church-related agency working with individuals in any occupation who are facing career decisions. Clients from professional and non-professional backgrounds that range in age from pre-college to retirement have found our services helpful. The Center was founded by American Baptist Churches USA in 1968 to provide career development services for its personnel.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.