Presbyterian News Service
LOUISVILLE — Ian J. Hall has been named chief financial officer and chief operating officer for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A corporation, President Kathy Lueckert announced Wednesday.
For the past six years, Hall has been chief financial officer and chief administrative officer for the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Hall, a native of the United Kingdom and the son of a Methodist minister, said what drew him to the A Corporation is a desire to bring his skills to bear at the national level of a denomination and to be a part of an inclusive community.
Ian Hall
Ian Hall (Indiana Conference Photo)
“I am excited about my new role, aligning my skill set in finance and administration and my calling to vocational ministry,” he said in a statement. “I look forward to the opportunity to play a part in an organization that focuses on serving others in the name of Jesus Christ. My family and I look forward to exploring the Louisville area.”
“I am thrilled that Ian will join the A Corp/Administrative Services Group team,” Lueckert said. “He brings a wealth of experience, innovative approaches, and an understanding of the unique aspects of denominational work.”
In the ASG, Hall’s portfolio will include Finance and Accounting, Information Technologies and the Presbyterian Distribution Center/Hubbard Press, as well as support to all of ASG’s client partners.
Hall is a graduate of Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Outdoor Recreation Management. Hall has worked for the UMC’s Indiana Conference for more than 20 years, beginning work there as the marketing director of the Outdoor Ministries program in the former South Indiana Conference.
Since then, he’s been involved with the merger of the former North Indiana and South Indiana conferences, oversaw the implementation of a new software platform and implemented cost-saving measures. In 2019, Hall led a planning process for the conference’s financial services strategic plan. He said he characterizes his leadership style as “friendly, firm and fair.”
“It is not surprising that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), or any other denomination for that matter, would seek the great gifts that Ian Hall brings to ministry,” said Bishop Julius Trimble of the Indiana Conference in a statement on the conference’s website. “Ian’s approach to administration, blending his deep faith in Christ with solid business concepts, has been an incredible blessing to the churches and leadership of the Indiana Conference.
“His leadership model — and the way he embraced innovation and adaptability during the pandemic — will continue to impact the shape of many areas of ministry in the future. We wish the very best for Ian and his family as he shares his gifts for the work for the advancement of Christ in this next chapter.”
In an announcement from the Indiana Conference, Hall said: “It has been a privilege to work with those who call themselves United Methodist in Indiana. The people that have helped and supported me along the way are too many to mention. Those mentors prepared me for this next chapter of ministry, and for that I will be eternally grateful. My family and I did not make this decision lightly, though through prayerful consideration, I believe this is the right decision. I am excited to bring my skills to bear at the national level of a denomination. That said, it will be hard to say goodbye.”
Hall begins his service to the PC(USA) in June. The denomination has 8,925 congregations with 1,245,354 members.
Information from the Indiana Annual Conference was added to this report.