Come July 1, we will officially welcome to the Glenn staff the Rev. Jennifer Hansen, who will join us as our new executive minister.
An ordained deacon (like Susan Pinson and Brent Huckaby), Jennifer comes to us from nearby St. Mark UMC, where she served for eight years as minister of mission and outreach. From 2011-13, Jennifer worked with the General Board of Global Ministries in Uganda and Atlanta.
Before answering the call to ministry and earning her M.Div. degree from Candler, Jennifer had a career in accounting, with a degree in Business Administration from Auburn and a Master of Business Administration from Emory. During her business career, she worked as an accountant, financial analyst, manager, and controller with such companies as Ernst and Young, Superior Telecom, and Turner Network Sales.
Jennifer’s background has provided unique preparation for a unique ministry. The position of executive pastor succeeds that of church administrator, the post previously held by Pam Gwinner, who moved to a new position in March. So, as you think of the work Jennifer will do among us, think of the tasks previously handled by Pam, with an added pastoral and missional dimension. Bringing an accountant’s eye for detail and a pastor’s sense of community and congregational possibilities, Jennifer will work closely with staff and lay leaders in planning and coordinating meaningful ministry, while assuring wise use of resources. She will also work to enhance our relationship with Emory and assist with stewardship education and long-range planning.
A native of Birmingham, Alabama (born of native Midwesterners), Jennifer is married to Bob Geier, who is originally from Rochester, NY. They’ve been married eight years and have a son, Grant, who is now elementary-school age. Jennifer loves the outdoors and staying active, whether playing tennis, gardening, hiking, or walking the family dog, Lily. She appreciates good food and enjoys trying new recipes and interesting restaurants, and she’s a fan of Auburn football and Braves baseball.
I’m delighted that Jennifer Hansen will be joining our pastoral staff. She is a “people person” with a caring attitude, a welcoming personality, a marvelous spirit for ministry, and an outstanding background in business and accounting that will serve her wonderfully in her work among us. I know you will offer Bob, Grant, and Jennifer a warm Glenn welcome, and I look forward to seeing the great good unleashed as she joins us in sharing the hope, grace, and peace of Christ with neighbors and world.
- Rev. Mark Westmoreland