NASHVILLE, TENNESEE -- Jodi L. Cataldo, Director of Leadership Development for the Dakotas Annual Conference, will become the Director of Laity in Leadership at the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) on Dec. 1.

Cataldo, who has served on the conference staff since July 2010, was previously with the General Board of Global Ministries from June 1999 to June 2010 as a staff member and as a GBGM missionary assigned to the Methodist Church of Lithuania with her husband, the Rev. Dr. Chet Cataldo.

“We are immensely grateful for the excellent service and leadership that Jodi has provided the Dakotas Conference,” commented Rev. Greg Kroger, Director of Ministries, Dakotas Conference.

 “She has been instrumental in providing vital training for lay servant leaders, and clergy across the conference.  Her efforts have contributed towards the growth of attendance for the second straight year in the Dakotas Conference,” Kroger said.

The position of Laity in Leadership director is crucial for GBOD, Norton said Mary Jane Pierce Norton, Associate General Secretary of the Discipleship Ministries Division at GBOD.

“Through this position, GBOD addresses the areas of Lay Servant Ministries, Lay Leaders, Certified Lay Minister and other key lay positions in congregations,” Norton said. “GBOD believes in the importance of the Ministry of All Believers, so equipping, empowering and partnering with laity is essential for the health of congregations as they engage in the task of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

The vacancy creates an opportunity to review the staffing needs in the Dakotas Conference.  “Staffing patterns will be evaluated and aligned around the vision pathways and strategic plan,” said Kroger.

The Conference will identify a staffing model prior to Cataldo’s departure on December 1, 2013.  In the interim, the work that has been started by Cataldo will continue. 

“Jodi’s efforts have assisted the Conference in launching an era of growth.  We intend to care for those efforts as we move forward, “ stated Kroger.