Your Mission Advocates
UMF is proud to boast an amazing team of passionate individuals who are committed to our mission of equipping the church to become a leading force for good in our state.
Chris Spencer
President and CEOChris Spencer helps churches, ministries and individuals align their financial resources with their faith through planned giving, stewardship and investment management. His financial expertise, passion for helping churches cultivate generosity and collaborate leadership style equip him to strengthen ministries and inspire faithful generosity for generations to come.
Reach out to Chris to explore a partnership with UMF and discover what's possible for your ministry.
Susan Cothern
Susan Cothern brings expertise in nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy and organizational growth. With a career spanning foundation leadership, higher education advancement and faith-based consulting, she has helped organizations strengthen philanthropy, expand capacity and align resources with mission. Susan is passionate about equipping churches and ministries to build lasting impact through generosity and strategic vision.
Reach out to Susan to start building a Planned Giving strategy for your ministry.
Director of Development Ministry
Tamara has been keeping UMF's accounting running smoothly since 2002, and her warmth is often the first thing our partners notice. Whether you need a document notarized or a question answered, Tamara makes the details easy.
Reach out to Tamara for help with account questions, statements, or notary services.
Accounting AssistantTamara Bello
Britney Winn Lee oversees the Foundation’s grants program and builds relationships with pastors and church leaders across the region. She works closely with congregations to support stewardship education, answer financial questions and encourage a deeper understanding of legacy giving and ministry impact. With a lifelong connection to the United Methodist Church and a background in nonprofit leadership, writing and theological education, Britney brings creativity, insight and a deep commitment to strengthening the church.
Reach out to Britney to find out how you can take advantage of the UMF grants program.
Grants Outreach Coordinator & Dev. Director for No. LABritney Winn-Lee
Rachel has spent 15 years making sure every trust UMF manages is handled with precision and care. A CPA who genuinely loves a good spreadsheet, she's the quiet expert working behind the scenes so your church's trust funds work exactly as intended.
Reach out to Rachel to learn how UMF Trust Services can steward your church's long-term gifts.
Director of TrustsRachel Baio
Tracie Wharton has been part of the Foundation team since 1998, overseeing financial operations with the insight and steadiness that come from nearly three decades of experience. A CPA by training, she works closely with churches across Louisiana on loans, endowments, planned gifts, scholarships and sound financial practices. Tracie’s deep institutional knowledge and practical guidance have made her a trusted partner to congregations seeking financial strength for ministry.
Reach out to Tracie to find out how UMF Investment Services can equip your church for long-term financial health.
Controller/CPATracie Wharton
For 23 years, Kelly has been the storyteller behind UMF's voice — from newsletters to web content to the resources our partner churches use every day. If you've been moved by a UMF story, Kelly probably told it.
Reach out to Kelly for communications resources or to share your ministry's story
Director of CommunicationsKelly Johannessen
A former small business owner with deep roots in the Louisiana Conference, Jodi is the person who makes sure every visit, call, and request lands in the right hands. She's usually your first point of contact — and your fastest path to the right answer.
Reach out to Jodi to connect with the UMF team or schedule a visit.
Office Manager