Nashville, TN –  The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) and the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) announce that Bruce Blumer will join the staff of the United Methodist Church Development Center as the Executive Director of Development to support the Scholarship Program of GBHEM.  Given the rising cost of higher education, GBHEM has partnered with the UMC Development Center to engage local churches and conferences of the denomination to support the scholarship program and assist more students.

Photo courtesy of the General Board of Higher Education and the General Council on Finance and Administration.

In his role, Blumer will serve as a Development Consultant for the Office of Loans and Scholarships of GBHEM. Blumer brings extensive knowledge and years of experience in institutional fundraising and The United Methodist Church.  He will assume the position on August 1, 2016.

Allyson Collinsworth, Executive Director, Loans and Scholarships for GBHEM said, “Bruce is a dynamic addition to our team. His leadership skills, fund development experience and familiarity with our office will be a tremendous asset. We are delighted to work in partnership with the UMC Development Center. Together we will make new connections throughout the denomination while telling the story of students who need additional support as they pursue their call.”

Rhodes Logan, Chief Development Officer for the United Methodist Church Development Center said, “This agency partnership merges the administrative and fundraising experience of GCFA through the UMC Development Center with the higher education financing expertise of GBHEM.  Bruce was an obvious choice for this position, having previously served as a Board member for GBHEM, and his years of experience in fundraising. He understands the ministry of GBHEM and the structure of The United Methodist Church so he will be a great addition to our team.”