Caldwell named Interim Director of Communications for Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference

Kristen Caldwell has been named the Interim Director of Communications for the United Methodist Church in the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference, beginning July 1. During this time, the Greater Northwest Area will be reviewing its current communications approach and explore how to be more collaborative in developing an area-wide communications strategy.
 
Caldwell’s writing will be recognizable to people as she has served as the Conference’s Communications Associate for the past 18 months, writing stories about churches and people for the website and weekly UM Connector newsletter.
 
She has 15 years of experience working as a journalist and political communications director. A transplant from the Mountain Sky Conference, Caldwell served as the Imagine No Malaria field coordinator for the Yellowstone Conference in 2013-2014 (under Bishop Elaine Stanovsky’s leadership), visited Angola in 2012 to support the work of local United Methodist Churches.

Rev. Lowell Greathouse, the Mission and Ministry Coordinator for Oregon-Idaho, says that "Kristen is uniquely positioned to serve in this interim role, having been a part of our communications team for the past year and a half. She brings considerable skills and great experience with her to help the annual conference look for new ways to work as an area in the future.”
 
Caldwell will report to incoming Director of Connectional Ministries and Assistant to the Bishop for Oregon-Idaho, Laurie Day, and continue to tell the story of local churches, manage the Conference website, and be a communications representative for the Conference.

“I’m so excited to step into this leadership role through this transitional period and continue to keep our eyes on the prize: Being disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world,” Caldwell said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am confident the Gospel will continue to shine through.”
 
During the six-month interim period, she will work with others across the Greater Northwest Area to audit and review communication channels and processes. This review will focus on seeking ways to strengthen both annual conference and area-wide connections.
 
Caldwell calls Vancouver, Wash., home with her husband, Jonathan, and son, Turner. When not working or chasing around an eight-month-old, she attends Vancouver Heights UMC.
 
Caldwell is stepping into this interim position as Communications Director Greg Nelson retires in July. Greathouse will also be retiring in July.