NASHVILLE––Strength for Service Inc., a ministry to military personnel and first responders, selected Hazel Coleman, a mission-minded person with 15-years of fund-raising experience, as its executive director.
Meeting Oct. 1, the 13-member Board of Directors selected Coleman as the successor to Larry Coppock, acting executive director from 2014 to 2018 and executive director from 2018 to 2021.
Hazel Coleman
Hazel Coleman, executive director, Strength for Service. (Photo by Skip Jackson)
In 1999, while a staff member of General Commission on UM Men, Coppock helped Evan Hunsberger, a California Boy Scout, republish Strength for Service to God and Country, a 1942 book of daily devotions for World War II troops. Coppock also was instrumental in publishing Strength for Service to God and Community, a similar book of daily devotions for fire fighters, police officers and other first responders.
“Hazel Coleman's experience makes her a perfect fit as the new executive director of Strength for Service.,” said Coppock. “She has more than 15 years of successful fundraising. Her education is extensive as well. Most of all our search committee recognized her passion for mission and ministry. She exudes servant leadership. Our board of directors and advisory committee look forward to an exciting journey with Hazel at the helm for many years to come.”
Coleman served as regional director of development for St. Louis-based Washington University from 2016-2018 where she was part of a $3.5 -billion university campaign.
She served as development officer for Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock from 2010 to 2012 and director of development for University of Louisville from 2006 to 2010.
She also has experience in writing grant proposals.
Interviewed on Oct. 5, her first day in the new position, Coleman said she hopes to enlarge the circle of first responders who receive the books. She also plans to launch additional fund-raising efforts and to seek foundation funding.
Coleman is completing a master of theological studies degree from Duke Divinity School while serving as spiritual-life intern for Habitat for Humanity International. She also served as student pastor at Massey UMC in Durham, N.C., while attending classes at Duke.
She holds a B.S. degree in communications from Arkansas State University and a graduate degree in public administration from the same Jonesboro school.
“The Nominating Committee felt like Hazel is a God-send,” said L.W. Smith, president of the Strength for Service Board of Directors. “She comes to us during a time of transition, and we know she will hit the ground running. She is a creative and forward-thinking leader––the ideal executive for this life-changing ministry.”