Suzanne Jones named new Conference Director of Administration

The South Georgia Conference Council on Finance & Administration is pleased to announce the new Director of Administration and Treasurer for the South Georgia Annual Conference. Mrs. Suzanne Jones will begin her service to the conference on January 1, 2023. 

Jones is currently the Director of Administration and Treasurer for the Alabama-West Florida Conference. She will continue working for Alabama-West Florida while also giving financial leadership to the South Georgia Conference as part of a contractual agreement. 

The Rev. Dr. Shane Green, chair of South Georgia’s Conference Council on Finance & Administration, is excited about the possibilities of contracting with Alabama-West Florida.

“Suzanne is very competent and already familiar with the finances of an annual conference and what operational measures are needed,” said Dr. Green. “She is well respected by those in Alabama-West Florida because of her work effectiveness and non-anxious spirit, which will be welcomed by South Georgia.”  

With the retirement of Dr. Derek McAleer, current Director of Administrative Services, for South Georgia, on Dec. 31, 2022, this new direction in financial leadership allows South Georgia to be proactive about its future in cost controls and budget reductions.

“We are all thankful for Derek’s service to South Georgia, and I know that the great working relationship he and Suzanne already have established will be critical during this time of transition,” said Dr. Green.

Bishop David Graves, episcopal leader of both the South Georgia Conference and the Alabama-West Florida Conference, has worked with Jones since she was hired in Alabama West-Florida in 2018. 

“I am thrilled Suzanne will be joining our team here in South Georgia,” said Bishop David Graves. “I have worked closely with Suzanne since 2018. I immediately recognized her gifts and graces, and she will continue to use those gifts and graces to serve us well in South Georgia. I highly value her expertise and am thankful she will provide much needed stability in this time.”

Jones will have offices in both Montgomery, AL and Macon, GA. 

Jones received her undergraduate degree from Auburn University and her MBA from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. Prior to her work for The United Methodist Church, Jones worked in various corporate leadership positions where she managed finance, human resources, and other administrative staff located across multiple locations in the US and Mexico. She brings with her experience in mergers and acquisitions and corporate restructuring. Jones is married to Bubba. She has two adult daughters from a former marriage, a stepson who is a freshman at Auburn University, and three wonderful and nearly perfect grandchildren. In her downtime, Jones enjoys camping, playing the piano, and spending time with family. She is a member of Wetumpka First United Methodist Church.

The South Georgia Conference’s Director of Administration is responsible for all financial responsibilities in accordance with the appropriate sections of the Book of Discipline of The UMC. In addition to overseeing the financial and benefit functions of the Conference, the Director also supports the overall administrative office functions of the Conference and manages the administrative office staff. The Director relates to the Council on Finance and Administration, Board of Pension and Health Benefits, Board of Trustees, Personnel Committee, and Equitable Compensation Commission. The Director serves on the Extended Cabinet, as the Conference Statistician, and on other conference teams and committees when appointed or requested to do so.