News from the United Methodist Foundation: "A Great Legacy of Servant Leadership"

Rob Fairly

The United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana Executive Committee has named Chris Spencer President and CEO of the organization, effective July 1, 2021. 

Rob Fairly, current President and CEO has announced he will retire at the end of June.

Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey was quick to highlight Fairly who began his employment at the Foundation in 1998, first as a development officer, then moved to Executive Vice President in 2005, and has served as President and CEO since 2006.

“Rob Fairly has been a critical part of the Louisiana Conference's life and work," Bishop Harvey said. "We celebrate his retirement and give thanks for his service to the Conference. He leaves a great legacy of servant leadership and love for the church.  His impact across the Conference will be felt for years to come.”

Chris Spencer

Spencer has served as the Foundation’s development officer for south Louisiana since 2017. Prior to joining the Foundation, he served as a commercial banker, private banker, and regional communications manager in a 24-year career with JPMorgan Chase in Baton Rouge and Dallas. He began his banking career with Bank of America in Charlotte and also served as communications manager for the bank in Dallas.

"We congratulate Chris Spencer as he assumes leadership of the Foundation," says Bishop Harvey. "Chris has been a great addition to the Foundation and has made a great impact since his arrival. I look forward to the continued partnership with the Foundation, as together, we lead the church in this unique time." 

Spencer earned a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from the Executive MBA Program at LSU. A native of Charlotte, N.C., Spencer, his wife Karen, and their two children have lived in Baton Rouge since 1998. He is an active member of First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge and serves as Board Chairman of the YMCA of the Capital Area. He has previously served on the boards of Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting, Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana, University Laboratory School, and the Baton Rouge Soccer Club.

“We are very fortunate to have had the leadership and success Rob Fairly has brought to the Foundation for the past 23 years. And to have someone with Chris’ experience and heart for the church to assume the presidency is very promising for the Foundation’s future,” affirmed Foundation Board of Directors Chair Omer Davis of Baton Rouge.

Located in Baton Rouge, the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana was founded in 1975 and serves United Methodist churches, institutions, and individuals within the Louisiana Annual Conference, providing financial guidance and education, loans, and grants.  It is one of the largest United Methodist Foundations in the denomination.