ALCOA, Tenn. (April 5, 2017) -- Rev. Mary Carol Thompson will serve as the next executive director of Holston Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries.
Thompson, age 30, follows the Rev. Randy Pasqua, who will retire effective July 1. Pasqua has led Holston camps since 1994.
Thompson's selection was announced by the Rev. Mike Sluder, Holston director of connectional ministries, who said the search team's decision was unanimous.
Thompson is an ordained deacon and has served as minister of missions at Christ United Methodist Church in Chattanooga since 2013.
She previously served nine years in various staff positions at Camp Lookout (2003-2011), including starting the camp's horseback-riding program.
Thompson attended Emory & Henry College (2005-2007) and graduated in 2009 from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in religious studies. She completed her master's degree in divinity at Candler School of Theology in 2013.
The executive director's responsibilities include: oversight of ministry design and direction for Holston's four camps (Lookout, Wesley Woods, Dickenson, Bays Mountain) and the Camp in the Community ministry; working with camp boards; supervision of business operation; financial planning, management, and fund development.
Thompson said she "grew up worshipping at Rising Fawn United Methodist Church and joined the church after confirmation in the 5th grade." She attended Camp Lookout every summer beginning in 2nd grade.
"I felt the call to ministry while working at a Holston camp," Thompson said. "I believe God has been preparing me for this job for a very long time, and I am thrilled to be able to serve in this role."
Thompson lives in Chattanooga with her husband and son.