On Monday, June 6, the General Conference of The Wesleyan Church, by overwhelming vote, elected Janelle Vernon to the office of executive director of the Division of Communication and Administration. She had been nominated for that post by newly-elected General Superintendent, Dr. Wayne Schmidt. The election is for a 4-year term, and will begin at the rise of the General Conference on Wednesday, after which the reins of the division will be handed to her by outgoing Rev. Wayne MacBeth.
Janelle Vernon has served Indiana Wesleyan University in the areas of marketing and enrollment management for more than six years, and has most recently held the title of Vice President for Residential Enrollment and Marketing. According to IWU President David Wright, “Janelle has given dedicated service and passionate advocacy as she has worked to advance the university. She is known for her expertise and joyful and caring spirit.” Mrs. Vernon has built strong and effective teams, accomplished goals through collaborative efforts and a strong work ethic, and led with a servant’s heart. Employees have described her as someone who “leads from the side.”
Janelle has a 23-year connection with institutions that have served The Wesleyan Church well: Indiana Wesleyan University and Asbury Theological Seminary. She earned a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership while serving at Asbury. One of her strengths is communication including experience in marketing, public relations, media relations, event planning, crisis management, constituent relations, governance, and legal/organizational policy interpretation. Her career spans private industry, state government and Christian higher education.
Janelle accepted Jesus as her Savior at age 10. At age 29, Janelle rededicated her life fully committing to seeking God first and walking in the fullness of that relationship. A member of the laity, Janelle understands clergy having been an enthusiastic ministry partner to her husband, Chuck, for 26 years. Her involvement in the life of the Church includes worship, service, missions, speaking, discipleship and prayer. Her heart is to honor God by serving the Church and her joy in the Lord reflects her abiding faith. She is a covenant member of College Wesleyan Church in Marion, Ind.
