Rev. Doreen Smalls to join GA United Methodist Foundation staff on September 1

The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley, President and CEO of the Georgia United Methodist Foundation, in collaboration with Bishop David Graves and the South Georgia Cabinet, announces the appointment of Rev. Doreen Smalls as the Foundation’s new South Georgia Regional Vice President and Director of Lending. Rev. Smalls will begin her appointment at the Foundation on September 1, 2024.  
 
Rev. Smalls will assume responsibilities previously held by Mr. Jim Pope, whose retirement from the Director of Lending position was announced in January 2024. She will also succeed the Rev. Dr. Laudis H. “Rick" Lanford, who will retire from his position as Regional Vice-President in June 2024. 
 
Dr. Coppedge-Henley expresses her appreciation for Dr. Lanford’s work with the Foundation since 2020. 

“Rick has been an instrument of God’s grace for Methodists in South Georgia for decades,” said Dr. Coppedge-Henley. “Rick seems to know everyone in South Georgia. Not only does he know them, he loves them. 
 
“In our short time of shared ministry, I have been inspired by a man of integrity and deep commitment to the cause of Christ. We wish Rick and his wife Kim many years of family, fishing, and fun,” said Dr. Coppedge-Henley.
 
Bishop Graves adds his appreciation for both Dr. Lanford’s work on the Foundation and also expresses his appreciation for the work of Rev. Smalls as a District Superintendent.
 
“Doreen is a highly capable person in our conference and has added tremendous value to the South Georgia Conference through her work on the Cabinet,” said Bishop Graves. “I know she will continue to provide outstanding leadership as she transitions to the Foundation in September.”
 
Rev. Smalls was appointed to serve as the Southwest District Superintendent in 2018. In 2023, she was appointed as the District Superintendent of both the Northwest and Southwest districts. In addition to serving several local churches in South Georgia, she previously served as Associate Director of the Office of Connectional Ministries as well as Conference Secretary of Global Ministries for the South Georgia Annual Conference. Rev. Smalls has served on the Georgia United Methodist Foundation Board of Trustees since 2020.
 
Prior to ordained ministry, Rev. Smalls had a career in healthcare finance. As both clergy and as an experienced finance professional, Rev. Smalls brings a valuable set of skills that uniquely align with the Foundation’s ministry.  
 
“Rev. Smalls is the perfect addition to the ministry of the Foundation, and I look forward to the financial and relational growth that her new role will help us unlock,” said Dr. Coppedge-Henley. “She has not only the skill and expertise to advance our financial offerings and possibilities for partnership, but also the experience of and heart for church ministry. We are grateful Rev. Smalls has answered the call to this new ministry on behalf of Methodists in Georgia.”
 
Rev. Smalls earned a bachelor’s degree in management and finance from the University of South Carolina and is a graduate of The Interdenominational Theological Center/Gammon Seminary in Atlanta. She completed her theological studies with academic honors in 2005 and graduated with a master of divinity degree in pastoral care/psychology of religion. She was ordained an elder in full connection in the South Georgia Conference in 2008. 
 
Rev. Smalls begins her work with the Foundation on September 1. Any announcements regarding a South Georgia Cabinet appointment will be announced by September 1.