Rick Cherry, Holston Conference's long-time controller, has been selected as director of administrative services and treasurer.

The announcement was made Dec. 13 by Terry Muse, president of the Council on Finance and Administration, and Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor.

The search committee led by Mike Eastridge, Personnel Resources Committee chair, released the following statement: 

After an intensive search this fall, Rick Cherry has been named to replace John Tate as the Holston Conference Treasurer and Director of Administrative Services.
 
Following John Tate’s announcement that he would be stepping down as Conference Treasurer at the end of this year, a Search Committee was formed to search for a successor to continue the high level of commitment, knowledge and organization that characterized John Tate’s tenure as Treasurer.
 
The search committee, comprised of representatives of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration, Board of Pensions and Benefits, Board of Trustees, the Cabinet, the local church, Personnel Resources Committee, Conference Staff and Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor, received over 70 applications for the position.
 
Over the course of the past several months, the search committee closely examined applications, conducted multiple in-person interviews and deliberated over the numerous qualified applicants to find the person who had the right combination of skills, knowledge and experience for this position. Given recent developments in the financial structure of Conference funding, including transitions in direct billing and tithing at the local church, the search committee felt it was important that the candidate possess a broad range of experience and skills along with a familiarity with the United Methodist connectional system to insure a smooth transition in leadership.
 
The search committee was also challenged by the large number of highly qualified applicants. The committee was impressed by the high level of competency and dedication of persons – both inside and outside of Holston Conference -- who expressed willingness to serve the Conference in this capacity. After much reflection and discussion, the committee felt that Rick Cherry was the right person to lead the financial administration of the Conference at this time. The decision of the search committee was unanimous.  The final decision rested with the Holston Conference Council on Finance and Administration, which quickly approved the selection of Rick Cherry as Conference Treasurer.

"It is apparent that Mr. Cherry has earned the trust and support of many Conference leaders and staff during his service to Holston Conference over the past decade. We look forward to his leadership in this new role in financial administration in the years to come," Mike Eastridge stated.

Cherry, age 47, has served as conference controller since 2002. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, majoring in accounting. He is a member at Fountain City United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tenn., and has two sons, Peyton, age 16, and Paxton, age 13.

See also:
"John Tate resigns as treasurer" (The Call, 8/5/12)