Amy Smith
UMPH, Communications
asmith@umpublishing.org
615-749-6860
10/10/2016
Nashville, TN - The Board of Directors of The United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH) unanimously confirmed the election of the Rev. Brian K. Milford as its new President and CEO, effective October 10. Board Chair Justice Cornelia A. Clark, announced Monday the election during their October 10 meeting in Nashville, Tenn. Milford comes to the position after 2 years at UMPH as the Chief Content Officer and Book Editor of The United Methodist Church (UMC).
Neil M. Alexander, who has served as President and Publisher for twenty years, announced his plan to retire by the end of 2016. The board, after completing a strategic reassessment of the requirements and objectives of the UMC’s publishing and retailing ministry, conducted an extensive search managed by a national firm that resulted in Milford’s selection and election in the first half of 2016.
“In our careful consideration of ten finalists with great track records in publishing, leveraging new technologies and leading organizations through periods of intense creative change, Brian Milford emerged as far and away the person most ready to provide missional vision, innovative business practices, sound stewardship and trusted leadership for the challenges ahead,” said then Board Chair, Dr. R. Carl Frazier, Jr.
Rev. Milford has remained in his position of Chief Content Officer and Book Editor of the UMC since his selection as the Incoming President/CEO, working with Mr. Alexander through a transition period. Alexander said, “Brian Milford consistently demonstrates integrity, intellect and ingenuity; he brings a wealth of leadership experience, deep empathy for others, an inquisitive mind and a stellar work ethic. He will guide UMPH with energy and insight to make a difference that matters for the people we serve and assures that UMPH thrives in what is sure to be a turbulent period of changes and opportunities.”
“We will continue to remain true to our mission, accountable to The United Methodist Church and to create and deliver high quality products that support vital ministries. I am eager to do all I can to uphold the great tradition of UMC publishing and distribution. Fortunately, the United Methodist Publishing House is served by a cadre of deeply committed, faithful staff members who seek daily to serve God and neighbor through thoughtful and earnest holy work. I am privileged to forge ahead with them in this exciting adventure in ministry,” said Rev. Milford, upon assuming office as President.
Rev. Milford is an Elder in the Iowa Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and was previously a District Superintendent and Dean of the Appointive Cabinet. He was a delegate to the last three General Conferences (the top governing body of the UMC). Milford served churches as the senior or lead pastor and participated and/or chaired numerous jurisdictional and annual conference groups and task forces. He received his Master of Divinity degree from the Divinity School at Duke University and his B.A./B.S. in Business Administration and Sociology from Iowa State University.
The United Methodist Publishing House is a publisher and distributor to Christian clergy and laity, with primary responsibilities for the publishing and distribution for The United Methodist Church. The Publishing House is a fully self-supporting agency and receives no general church funds.
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Abingdon Press is the primary publishing imprint for The United Methodist Publishing House and has a tradition of crossing denominational boundaries with thought-provoking and inspirational books. Abingdon Press titles include a wide array of quality Bibles, Bible studies, small group studies, Christian living, fiction, devotional, academic, professional, and reference titles published each year to enrich church communities across the globe. Visit AbingdonPress.com.
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