Barbara Certa-Werner New North West District Superintendent
The Reverend Barbara (Barb) Certa-Werner is appointed to serve as District Superintendent of the North West District, beginning July 1. She follows Rev. Kate Croskery Jones, who served as North West DS since 2015. Kate will assume the role of District Superintendent in the North East District.
Barb began her ministry in Wisconsin in 1995, and for the past fifteen years has served as the Executive Director of Harbor House Crisis Shelters in Superior, Wisconsin. Barb’s energy and spirit, her deep compassion and decisive nature, make her a wonderful addition to the Wisconsin cabinet, and her gifts will be a great benefit to our North West district churches, pastors and congregations.
Barb shares, “I am honored and humbled by the appointment to serve in this capacity. I pray and hope that God will continue to bless our ministry as we move forward as the Wisconsin Annual Conference.”
Kate Jones to Superintend in North East District
Effective July 1, the Reverend Kate Croskery Jones will move from the North West District to become District Superintendent in the North East District. Kate is beginning her fifth year as member of the Appointive Cabinet, and this move will allow her to be close to her home in Neenah. Kate is a competent, capable, and caring leader – an excellent mixture of gifts and talents for the work of District Superintendence. She brings a comprehensive knowledge of the Annual Conference and The United Methodist Church.
Kate comments, “It has been an honor and joy to serve as the North West District Superintendent. The United Methodists of the North West District taught me so much about being the church. I have been touched by the faithfulness of the people in this district and delighted by the collegiality of the clergy and their love and support of one another. The stunning beauty of God’s created world in the NWD has eased the burden of long drives and time away from my husband. Yet, I am ready to go home and live with my husband in Neenah and to serve the North East District. The pain of saying good-bye is eased by the appointment of Barb Certa Werner. She is wise and faithful, tough and tender-hearted. She will make a great DS. The North West District will be in good hands. I am looking forward to building new relationships and serving in the North East District (and living with my beloved!)”
Sue D’Alessio Returns to the Conference Staff as Director of Connectional Ministries
The Reverend Sue D’Alessio, currently District Superintendent in the North East District, will assume the role of Director of Connectional Ministries (DCM) for the Wisconsin Conference, effective July 1. Sue served as Interim DCM from 2007 to 2009, before serving four years in the California-Pacific Conference. She has been Nicolet-Winnebago/North East District Superintendent since 2014.
Sue brings excellent skills to the job of DCM and will provide oversight and support to the program ministries of the Annual Conference. A strategic and critical thinker, a visionary, and an innovator, Sue will bring dynamic leadership and stability to our Conference through a time of widespread transition.
“As Director of Connectional Ministries (DCM), I will continue to carry on the gifts from Sam Royappa's and Dan Dick's times as DCM and, building up Sharon Cook's ministry, to incorporate some aspects of Camping and Age Level ministries into this position. Each has developed creative ministries which have helped lead our Conference into healthier patterns for ministry and mission. Thank you,” reflected Sue. “This is a challenging time to serve in the church. Keeping the system-wide perspective of who we are called to be as we live and love together as Disciples of Jesus Christ by welcoming and affirming all, learning from and serving with all who are on the margins and working together to transform our local communities, our Conference and the world in which we live, are vital perspectives to keep in front of us. I look forward to joining the Cabinet and the capable staff at our Conference Center to serve in ministry with you to help us be healthy and vital in the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ in Wisconsin.”