New Role to Lead Philanthropy Efforts at the Virginia United Methodist Foundation
April 17, 2025 (GLEN ALLEN, Va.) – The Virginia United Methodist Foundation (VAUMF) has created and filled the new role of vice president of philanthropy and development to lead fundraising initiatives for the Foundation’s grants and other programs benefitting churches within the Virginia United Methodist Conference (VAUMC). The Rev. Dr. Matt Charlton will assume this role starting on May 6, 2025. Dr. Charlton is currently serving as the regional philanthropy officer at the American Red Cross of Tennessee.
Prior to that, he worked as development officer for Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill. In addition, Dr. Charlton has taught religion classes at Belmont University in Tennessee, Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif., and Methodist Theological School in Ohio. The list of his academic pursuits is long: he holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees from Vanderbilt University, and a Master of Science in strategic communications and leadership from Belmont University.
“Matt is an accomplished scholar but also one who thinks entrepreneurially in this type of work, which is rare to find,” according to Mark Manasco, chairperson of the Foundation’s board of directors. “He has been successful every place he has been and is the right person to lead us in this new development function at the Foundation.”
“Matt’s faith-driven work ethic combined with his skills and experience make him the perfect addition to the Foundation staff,” said David Dommisse, Virginia conference treasurer and interim president of VAUMF and DEVCO. “The Foundation is poised to do wonderful things in support of the churches of the Virginia Annual Conference, and Matt is going to be a key leader in that work.”
The incoming president of the Foundation, the Rev. Dr. Steven J. Summers, shared regarding the addition of Dr. Charlton to the organization, “I am thrilled to welcome Matt to the team as our Foundation continues to thrive and grow in fruitfulness. The addition of this new position dedicated to philanthropy and development, combined with Matt’s exceptional gifts, will position the Foundation to expand to best meet the needs of all whom we are called to serve.”
The Foundation is a supporting organization of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church (VAUMC) and is dedicated to serving all districts within the VAUMC. Its relationships with the conference, clergy and laity are key to the success of fulfilling the mission God has bestowed upon the Foundation, your faithful partner in stewarding God’s entrusted resources.
For more information about how the Foundation can assist your church in meeting your investing and/or stewardship goals, contact the Foundation team at foundation@vaumc.org or 804-521-1121.
