Help Us Welcome New Susquehanna Conference Staff

We’re excited to welcome two new staff members to the Susquehanna Conference team! Each brings unique gifts to help us love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Please join us in celebrating and praying for them as they begin their work among us.

Sunshine Sassano - Administrative Assistant Freedom Trail District

Sunshine is excited to work alongside those who are making a difference in God’s Kingdom. She finds inspiration in Christ’s endurance to the end, which gives her hope and strength to persevere through challenges. A fun fact about Sunshine - she loves making voices for stuffed animals!

Kelly Stoner - Executive Assistant to the Board of Trustees

Kelly is eager to put her administrative skills to work in meaningful ways for an organization that has been part of her life for many years. She’s inspired by faith-filled conversations with people she respects, which deepens her understanding and commitment.

Celebrating Patricia Frye and Her 10 Years of Ministry in CRM

Camp and Retreat Ministry Administrative Assistant Tricia Frye will be retiring at the close of 2024. She manages a varied and complex range of leadership responsibilities including registering summer campers, being an information hub for the ministry, organizing staff and volunteer paperwork, and so much more. We have all been blessed by Tricia and her many gifts and abilities. Tricia remembers how it began and reflects on what it has meant for her. 

“Earlier, I worked for travel agencies. I was between positions when a colleague showed me a job opening at the Conference office for the Camp and Retreat Ministry Registrar and Admin. It was perfect timing. I thought to myself that if I could send people to the Caribbean, I could send kids to camp! 

It is a joy to serve in a way that is truly beneficial for others. I have really cherished working with the people at the Conference. The atmosphere is uplifting and collaborative. We care about each other and it’s like family.

Getting kids to camp is deeply gratifying, especially for those who really need a loving camp experience. It makes such a difference in their lives.”

Conference Staff Changes

The Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Douglas Hoy, has taken a job with the PA Emergency Management Agency and has had to step away from his role with the Conference. We’re sorry to see him go, but glad that we will probably still work with him through various disaster response needs.

Helen Meyers, the State College Area Administrative Assistant will be retiring on May 1. Congratulations Helen! Alexis Perry will be the new State College Area AA and began training with Helen on April 22! Welcome Alexis!

Elsa Rodriguez, the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Area Administrative Assistant relocated to the Lebanon area and stepped away from her position effective April 18. Valerie Simmons is the new Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area AA and began April 15. Welcome Valerie!

Jill Johnston, the Williamsport Area Administrative Assistant, was recently promoted to Senior Supervisory Area Administrative Assistant. Her wealth of experience makes her a knowledgeable training resource for all of our Area AAs. Congratulations Jill!

Rev. Jason Mackey will be leaving the Conference Benefits Administrator role and heading to Camp Hill UMC as a part-time associate pastor effective July 1. Thank you for your ministry among us at the conference office Jason! Chris Sims, Director of Seedling Ministry, will replace Jason.

Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis, Altoona Area Superintendent, will be heading to First UMC, Hollidaysburg. She will be replaced by Rev. Lillian Smith, who comes to us from the Baltimore Washington Conference.

Rev. Dr. Paul Amara, Williamsport Area Superintendent, will be heading to Trucksville UMC. He will be replaced by Rev. Daniel Wilt, who is leaving St. Paul’s UMC, Lewisburg.

New Harrisburg District AA

The Harrisburg District is happy to announce that on February 13, 2023, Ms. Ilene Swartz began her employment as the Administrative Assistant of the Harrisburg District. 

A resident of Enola (with her two cats), Ilene is currently a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Hummelstown. In addition to having previously served on staff at Grace Church, Ilene is also currently employed as a Pharmacy Technician at Rite Aid. 

From her previous work experience, Ilene brings skills and experience in customer service, office management, communications, and administrative and clerical work. She has both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Arts in English/Communication-Journalism degree.

Effective immediately the Harrisburg District Office hours will be 8:15 – 2:45 Monday – Friday. The contact information remains the same at harrisburg@susumc.org and 717-766-8124.

New Administrative Assistant for Harrisburg District

Rev. Barry Robison, Harrisburg District Superintendant

I am happy to announce that Ms. Sheila Y. Noss has accepted an offer to become the next Administrative Assistant of the Harrisburg District. A resident of Harrisburg, Sheila is currently a member of The Journey and has been active at Grace UMC in Harrisburg as well. In addition, Sheila graduated from local pastor’s school this spring where she was trained to be a Certified Lay Minister, which will build upon her certification as a Lay Servant and a Lay Speaker. And, this summer Sheila began her first year as chairperson of the District Lay Servant Ministry Team. 

From her secular work experience, Sheila brings skills and experience in customer service, leading and training staff, improving the production of and exceeding the goals set for her department, and managing offices well. She has both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit Management degrees. We welcomed Sheila into the District family as our Administrative Assistant beginning August 30, 2021.

The new office hours for the Harrisburg District will be Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Email harrisburg@susumc.org