“For most of my professional life, the United Methodist Foundation has given me the privilege of serving His church, people of faith, and the ministries of this annual conference. It has been far more than a job; it has been a calling, and one I have treasured every day. For years I have prayed faithfully for the right person to carry on the work and ministry of the Foundation, which I hold so dearly. God answered those prayers in Billy McCarthy. Having worked alongside Billy, I have seen firsthand his rare blend of experience, knowledge, creativity, and a true servant’s heart. I could not be more confident in placing the Foundation in his hands. Please join me in welcoming Billy and getting to know him and the many ways he and the Foundation can serve you.” — Terri Turner, outgoing Foundation Executive Director
We are pleased to announce that Billy McCarthy has been named as the next Executive Director of the Foundation, effective August 1, 2026. Billy succeeds Terri Turner, whose faithful leadership over 35 years has shaped the Foundation’s ministry of generosity across Alabama and West Florida.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve at the Foundation and to build upon the legacy Terri, the staff, and the Board have established. It’s a privilege to support the churches and organizations who share the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. I look forward to what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.” — Billy McCarthy, Foundation Executive Director
In 2025, Billy joined the Foundation as the Director of Development. In that role, he built relationships with pastors and church leaders, taught stewardship and financial readiness, and helped congregations and individuals understand how planned giving can extend their faithfulness for generations. Those relationships remain at the heart of his work as he steps into this new role.
Billy’s career experiences are unique and span many aspects of supporting, interacting with, and working inside churches. He served on two separate leadership teams starting churches in both Dothan, AL, and Franklin, TN. In these churches, Billy served as the Service Program Director, where he was responsible for creating environments that encouraged and equipped adults to pursue a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Billy also has 13 years of experience in the financial services industry as a financial advisor, where he worked to help private clients and 401(k) participants achieve their best financial lives.
Billy and his wife, Mary Lisa, live in Dothan. Mary Lisa is an artist whose work is featured in homes and businesses across the Southeast. They have been blessed with four young men: Nicholas, MD, who lives in Knoxville with his wife, Laura Lee; William and Callahan, who are both college students; and Charles Henry, who is in high school.
“Billy has demonstrated the leadership, vision, and commitment needed to serve as the Foundation’s next Executive Director. Since joining the Alabama-West Florida United Methodist Foundation, he has built trusted relationships across the conference, earned the confidence of clergy, laity, and ministry partners, and approached his work with integrity, energy, and purpose. His ability to listen, communicate, and connect people and resources reflects a deep understanding of the Foundation’s mission and the ministries it serves.
Billy leads collaboratively, pairs strategic vision with practical follow-through, and is committed to helping others succeed. His sound judgment, enthusiasm for the church, and care for congregations, ministries, and individuals position him to lead with both vision and humility.
The Board of Directors and Executive Committee have great confidence in Billy’s ability to guide the Foundation in this new season. We believe he will expand its reach, deepen its impact, and strengthen understanding of how faithful stewardship sustains ministry throughout the Alabama-West Florida Conference. We look forward to how God will use his leadership to build on the Foundation’s strong foundation, cultivate lasting relationships, and ensure its resources continue supporting vital ministry for years to come.” — Laureen Lynn, President of the Foundation Board
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