News and Views

It is with mixed emotions that Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling shares the following announcement from Bishop Kenneth Carter. While Bishop Easterling fully supports the new opportunity this affords Rev. Hand, she laments the loss of her excellent ministry within our Area. Rev. Hand has served with excellence and distinction as the district superintendent of the Central Maryland District, as a member of the team serving the Greater Washington District, and as dean of the Cabinet.  We will miss her creative, insightful and inspired leadership among us. Please join Bishop Easterling in celebrating this wonderful opportunity for Rev. Hand.

Bishop Carter announces the appointment of Rev. Dawn M. Hand as Director of Equity and Justice for the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dawn M. Hand as the new Director of Equity and Justice. Rev. Hand, an ordained elder with deep roots in the United Methodist tradition, brings over 30 years of service and leadership experience within the church, focusing on justice, advocacy, and spiritual formation.

Rev. Hand is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and has dedicated her life to addressing societal injustices and fostering equitable ministry. Her remarkable career began in communications, where she worked for WBTV in Charlotte, before transitioning into full-time ministry. She served as the Director of Communications for the Western North Carolina Conference for 15 years, becoming the first woman and Black person to hold that role.

In her ministry journey, Rev. Hand has served in various pastoral and leadership roles, including cross-cultural and suburban appointments, with her most recent service as the Central Maryland District Superintendent and Dean of the Cabinet for the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Prior to that, she was the Pittsburgh District Superintendent for the Western Pennsylvania Conference, where she excelled as a missional strategist and clergy supervisor. Throughout her ministry, she has demonstrated a passion for equity and justice, consistently advocating for marginalized communities, and leading initiatives on immigration reform, affordable housing, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice.

“I am excited about the “homecoming” of Rev. Dawn Hand to Western North Carolina! She is a gifted, respected, prophetic and collaborative leader,” shared Bishop Ken Carter, resident bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference. “I am grateful to Bishop LaTrelle Easterling for the collegial way in which this appointment has been made. And I want to thank the twenty-three diverse persons from across our annual conference who met to discuss their aspirations for this work and our next director. I believe Rev. Hand will greatly assist us in our next faithful steps in equity and justice.”

Rev. Hand is known for her collaborative spirit and her ability to foster environments where diverse perspectives are welcomed and celebrated. Her advocacy for young people and her leadership in movements such as Black Lives Matter and Sacred Resistance reflect her lifelong dedication to justice. She is a lifelong member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a proud alumna of Winston-Salem State University, where she earned a Baccalaureate Degree in Mass Communications. She also holds a Master of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary.

In her new role, Rev. Hand will oversee initiatives that promote racial reconciliation, social justice, and equity within the conference, partnering with congregations and communities to create meaningful change. 

“I am deeply grateful to Bishop Carter and Bishop Easterling for their collaborative spirit on this vital appointment in equity and justice,” said Rev. Hand. “It’s been an honor to serve with Bishop Easterling and our co-laborers. I am overjoyed to return home to the conference that helped nurture me in the faith. Serving with Bishop Carter and our colleagues will be a joyful blessing. My calling is a sacred trust and I will do all that I can to faithfully serve.”

Rev. Hand enjoys traveling, hiking, cycling, and spending time with her family. She is also an avid sports fan and loves cooking. Her adventurous spirit and passion for life have inspired many in her ministry, and she looks forward to continuing this journey of equity and justice with the people of Western North Carolina.

In the coming days, Bishop Easterling will announce how the Central Maryland and Greater Washington Districts will be supported after Rev. Hand’s departure.