GAMC executive deputy director for mission to head Presbyterian Foundation

LOUISVILLE — A familiar face within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is leaving the denomination’s General Assembly Mission Council to lead one of its sister agencies, the Presbyterian Foundation.

The Rev. Tom Taylor, executive deputy director for mission in the GAMC, will begin his new post as president and CEO at the foundation, based in Jeffersonville, Ind., Jan. 15.

“Because of his experience with the General Assembly Mission Council, Tom is in a unique position to appreciate the long-term stewardship of donors’ gifts and make the case between investment and return, because he has seen how gifts of previous donors have supported mission for generations,” said Marcia Porter, chairwoman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, in a Nov. 9 press release.

Taylor succeeds former president Robert E. Leech, who retired in June 2009 after nine years.

The foundation, as charged by the General Assembly, raises money and, through the New Covenant Trust Company, provides trust and investment management services for the mission of the PC(USA). According to its Web site, the foundation has $1.6 billion in assets, making it one of the largest religious foundations in the United States.

According to the foundation’s position description for its president and CEO, Taylor will divide his time and efforts among the foundation’s board, the national and local church, related/subsidiary boards, staff and clients/donors.

Taylor’s responsibilities will include building relationships with an emphasis on engaging the local church in mission, developing a unified vision and course of action and listening to requests, concerns compliments and criticisms, states the description.

Taylor began at the GAMC in 2007, when his position was created. In a Nov. 10 letter, Linda Valentine, executive director of the GAMC, praised Taylor’s work and said that he’ll continue at the GAMC until Dec. 15.

“Over the next few weeks, I will be developing a transition plan, as well as plans for filling Tom’s role, in consultation with the Personnel Committee (of the GAMC),” Valentine stated in the letter.

In a letter sent to members of the GAMC, Taylor called his work with the council “one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling experiences of my life.” He said he is confident that the good work done by the GAMC will continue.

“Know that one of the driving passions in my taking this new position at the Foundation is to ensure that even in our challenging times, the important and effective ministries of the GAMC continue to be funded in years to come,” Taylor said in the letter. “As I have witnessed firsthand so much the work done by and through the GAMC, I have developed a real desire both to tell our church about that work and to give opportunities for Presbyterians to support that work financially. At the same time, I am excited to serve the whole Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the many expressions of Christ's mission that our members carry out through their generous gifts.”