Cynthia Howard Named GBHEM’s Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, has named Cynthia Howard as executive director of marketing and communications in the Office of Strategic Leadership.

“Cynthia brings a wealth of experience and a passion for this critical work of our agency,” says Charles R. Bailey, associate general secretary for strategic leadership at GBHEM. “Through her strategic, creative and innovative leadership, she will achieve wonderful changes with a major impact for our marketing and communication vision. We are blessed and excited to have her on our team.”

Howard joined GBHEM this month and is responsible for planning, developing and implementing GBHEM’s marketing strategies, communications and public relations services in support of the agency’s strategic mission. She will direct the marketing, communications and public relations staff and coordinate strategic and tactical communications with GBHEM’s other functions. In this role, Howard will participate with the agency’s board of directors, executive cabinet and other management staff in charting the direction of the agency, maintaining its accountability to all constituents and ensuring its effective operation.

Before joining GBHEM, Howard spent 10 years directing strategy and planning efforts at DVL Seigenthaler/FINN Partners, where she oversaw development and marketing initiatives. She developed strategic, cross-channel marketing communications plans for local, national and global corporations in a variety of industries.

Howard holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Vanderbilt University.

About GBHEM: As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s mission is to build capacity for United Methodist lay and clergy leaders to discover, claim and flourish in Christ’s calling in their lives, by creating connections and providing resources to aid in recruitment, education, professional development and spiritual formation. Every elder, deacon and licensed local pastor benefits from our training and candidacy programs. Many young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call in their lives through our leadership and discernment programs. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @GBHEM.