"The United Methodist Church does not have a central headquarters or a single executive leader. Duties are divided among bodies that include the General Conference, the Council of Bishops and the Judicial Council. Each of these entities is required by our Constitution, a foundational document, to be part of our structure, and plays a significant role in the life of the church." Learn more
2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
Admin Council Position Descriptions
DUMC Leadership Committee Consideration Request
A Message from Lay Leader Leamon Brice
Filling the Lay Leader role is new to me at DUMC, but I am excited about our church’s future. As we go through the DUMC Forward strategic planning process, we will discern the vision God has for our church in the post pandemic world. Working with you, the members and our staff I am sure we can make an impact wherever God leads us.
DUMC is important to me and my family. Renee and I joined the church in 1990, and our two children grew up in the church. I have served in many roles over the years including Sunday school teacher, Disciple leader, Usher, Trustee, Trustee Chair during the construction of the sanctuary and the Alexander Education building, a member of the strategic planning committee in the 2000’s, a member of the committee in charge of remodeling the chapel and the Molly McKay House and a member on the Administrative Council and SPRC.
I look forward to the new role of Lay Leader and expect with your participation DUMC will continue to be successful and play a large role in God’s plan for our community and the community of faith. I invite you to share with me questions or concerns by contacting me at
Davidson United Methodist Church follows the basic organizational plan for local churches as set forth in The Book of Discipline. This plan “shall include provision for a Charge Conference and the church (Administrative) Council” which “shall be amenable to and function as the administrative agency of the Charge Conference.” Below is information about the chair and co-chair of the Administrative Council as well as other committees that function at DUMC.
Eric Franzen, Administrative Council Chair
I have been involved with the Administrative Council the past few years as Vice Chair and as an at-large Council member. Having both been raised in the Methodist church, my wife Charlotte and I have been at DUMC since 2014. Both of our children are active in DUMC's music ministry which we have supported since joining. As an active Rotarian, I value community service and outreach and hope to bolster DUMC's mission of service to the community. I look forward to exploring new ideas in this area as well as opportunities in Digital Ministry.
Michael Ditto - Administrative Council Vice Chair
My wife Judy and I joined DUMC in 1995, and the church has been a central part of our lives ever since. Our two children grew up in the church and were baptized and confirmed at DUMC. The most impactful of my experiences has been my involvement in small groups, both as a student and a facilitator, where I have studied with fellow believers, developing life-long friendships as we grew together in faith and knowledge. As Administrative Council Vice Chair, I look forward to bringing my experiences and abilities, and my love of DUMC to the Council, and to work with other leaders to shape the path and direction of our church.
Mike Kayes, Chair of Finance Committee
My family and I have been members at DUMC since 1992. I am involved and facilitate adult Sunday School as well as small group studies. The relationships I have been blessed to have in these groups has helped me formulate my spiritual writing, including my devotional books – “Eleven in Heaven” and “The Lord’s Prayer, Slowly.” I am also actively involved in youth sports and co-founded a youth sports ministry called Stewards of the Game.
Before retiring in 2023, I worked in the investment business and founded Willingdon Wealth Management. As part of the Finance Committee, I will assist in overseeing the budget and financial operations of the church for the purpose of fulfilling DUMC’s mission.
Eric Dana - Chair of Board of Trustees
I am serving my second year on the Board of Trustees, and in 2024 becoming the Chair. This committee has the supervision, oversight, and care of DUMC’s property and equipment to assure the church has the adequate facilities to be the body of Christ in our community. I was raised Presbyterian, but have been Methodist and part of the DUMC family for over 20 years, including serving as an usher. My wife Heather and I have 4 grown children who all reside locally in the Charlotte area. From a professional career perspective, I am the Chief Financial Officer of a company in the energy management industry, which has transferable skills to help me better serve DUMC and the community.
Sharan Carlisle - Nominations and Leadership Development Vice Chair
Working with the Senior Pastor, who serves as Chair of the Nominations and Leadership Development committee, I will be serving as Vice Chair. God gives gifts, skills and talents to every individual within the body of Christ for ministry. This committee helps members identify their places of ministry as well as takes the lead to create a culture of leader development in the congregation. My husband George and I reside in Huntersville and have been part of DUMC through worship, small groups and mission outreach since 1997.
Carolyn Ciccone, Staff-Parish Relations Chair
I was raised in the United Methodist Church, and my husband, Chuck, and I transferred our membership from Aldersgate UMC in Delaware to DUMC when we moved here in 2019. At DUMC I have been involved with the Bridges Out of Poverty program and small group study and fellowship. I also enjoy volunteering with the Hospice of Iredell County.
As the Chair of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, I will endeavor to lead efforts to support our clergy and lay staff to be efficient in the use of congregational resources, effective in leading the missions and ministry of DUMC and fulfilled in their professional working lives at DUMC.
According to the Book of Discipline, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee “builds a strong positive relationship between staff and congregation so that the congregation makes disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This committee will work with the lead pastor and other staff to fulfill legal and ethical responsibilities related to staff.” We are blessed to have a dedicated and caring staff at DUMC and we continue to support and walk along side of them.