Mary A. Paxton Joins CHHSM Team

Mary A. Paxton

The UCC Council for Health and Human Services board and staff are pleased to announce that Mary A. Paxton is CHHSM’s new associate for engagement and executive administration. Paxton will assume the new role Jan. 1, 2018, following a three-year tenure with the United Church of Christ’s Office of Philanthropy and Stewardship.

“Mary’s experience in comprehensive fundraising, communication, and strategic planning makes her the ideal candidate for this newly-created position,” said Michael J. Readinger, CHHSM president and CEO. “As head of the philanthropy and stewardship office, she has had to engage strategically with partners across the UCC — experience that will serve her well in her new role.”

CHHSM launched a national search to fill the position in September, which resulted in applications from the many diverse settings of the UCC.

As associate for engagement and executive administration, Paxton will — among other duties — work strategically with CHHSM partners and member ministries; lead planning for CHHSM’s annual meeting; and provide expertise in such areas as finances, personnel and overall strategic planning. A current CHHSM board member, Paxton will be leaving that role when she assumes her new position.

“I am excited to bring my experience creating and implementing strategic new directions, fundraising cultivation, and communication planning to CHHSM,” Paxton said. “I look forward to serving CHHSM in this new role.”

Paxton has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit fiscal management and operations, fund development, strategic planning, program development and outcome analysis. Prior to coming to the United Church of Christ, she worked with a variety of faith-based institutions in Cleveland, including as director of advancement for Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School; associate director of development for E CITY Cleveland; basic needs assistance coordinator for Catholic Charities Health and Human Services; and program coordinator of the Youth Employment Program at Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry.

After graduating from Laurel School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Paxton received a B.A. degree in economics from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa. (1992), and an M.A. degree in nonprofit administration from John Carroll University in University Heights (2010). She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Grant Professionals Association.

The UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries is committed to advancing the work of all health and human service ministries of the United Church of Christ in creating a just, caring and compassionate world.