Jeffrey R. Barnes Named Senior Executive Director of Marketing & Sales
Nashville, TN – The United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH) announced today the promotion of Jeffrey R. Barnes to oversee all marketing and sales for the official publishing and distribution arm of The United Methodist Church with expected sales in 2022 of $28 million.
Barnes was named Senior Executive Director of Marketing & Sales. He has held various leadership posts at UMPH since 1989, serving most recently as Executive Director of Cokesbury, the retail division serving local churches and shipping over 260,000 orders annually.
Asked about his new assignment, Barnes notes, “Through Abingdon Press and Cokesbury, UMPH provides essential resources for the ministries of making disciples. Our privilege is to assist preachers, teachers, leaders, and all who seek to know and love God to select sound and effective Bible studies, worship aids, VBS programs, and other resources to undergird faithful living and ministry.”
Barnes joined the UMPH staff in 1989 as the manager of the Cokesbury store in Philadelphia and later moved to Nashville to serve in key administrative and leadership roles.
“Jeff is a seasoned customer-centered marketing and sales professional with rich experience that will enhance every aspect of the marketing and sales programs of Abingdon Press and Cokesbury. His love of the church, theological training, and in-depth experience with annual conferences and local churches over three decades have added to his insights and passion for resourcing congregational life,” said Brian K. Milford, UMPH President & Publisher.
Barnes, who holds B.A. and M.Div. degrees, has been married to Susan M. Barnes for 32 years. Together they have 5 adult children, 11 grandchildren, and share their home with his parents and 3 Yorkies.
“I am thrilled that Jeff has agreed to invest himself in this senior role,” said Milford. “He will play an integral part on the team that is working diligently to deliver superior products and quality services for the ministries of tens of thousands of churches committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
About The United Methodist Publishing House
Founded in 1789 as the Methodist Book Concern, The United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH) is a publisher and distributor of Christian resources for congregations, clergy, and lay leaders, with primary attention given to the needs of The United Methodist Church. UMPH is a fully self-supporting general agency of The United Methodist Church and receives no general church funds. Its primary publishing imprint is Abingdon Press (abingdonpress.com), and the retail and distribution operations are known as Cokesbury (cokesbury.com).