District Services Team
Central District
Rev. Dr. Aleze M. Fulbright is an ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church. She is a person of conviction in living a personal mission to encourage, equip, and empower all people to live on purpose and live out their God-giveness. Dr. Aleze’s greatest joy in life is her son, Myron Fisher Jr., who is a Middle School Math Educator and Basketball Coach in Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, she enjoys fellowshipping with family and friends, while also connecting with the community through her civic and sorority involvement. Another joy is serving alongside the laityand clergy around the Central District, where we strive to be Christ-Centered, Community-Connected, and Missionally-Centric.
Meredith McNabb is an ordained elder in the Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church, where she served as the Director of the Center for Clergy Excellence from 2014-2019 before moving to Indianapolis to serve in extension ministry at the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, part of the IU-Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. In her early career, Meredith was an attorney, working primarily with low-income victims of domestic violence and on end-of-life planning in rural parts of Virginia. That work led her to answer her call to ministry, working to point out God’s transformative hope and grace in the world. Meredith is completing her internship as a spiritual director with the Benedictine sisters in Beech Grove, and she and her spouse, Mike Davis, live in Indianapolis with their elderly terrier, Murphy.
Paulette Spicer joined Indiana Conference of the United Methodists Church as a Conference Assistant for the East District in June of 2018 – working in the Indiana Conference Center located in Indianapolis. A seasoned senior executive assistant, Paulette recently retired from Biotechnology at Eli Lilly and Company Corporate Center in Indianapolis with 25 years of service. Paulette is an Indiana native, and an alumnus of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN. She enjoys family, yoga, and working in various church ministries, specifically areas of music, bible study, audiovisual, outreach to young women, children and families. Paulette’s favorite scripture: The Lord is my Light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – whom shall I dread. Psalm 27:1.
East District
Rev. Russ Abel has been passionately following Jesus most of his life. A native of southern Indiana he has found great joy in serving the northern part of the state for the past 13 years. Russ has served as a parish pastor since 1992. He began serving in his new appointment as Conference Superintendent for the East District of the Indiana United Methodist Conference July 1, 2019.
Growing up in a working-class home, Russ holds deeply the values he learned in that home and strives to remember his roots. He also is very thankful for his military service, Air Force, which helped awaken him to the beauty and blessing of diversity.
A graduate of Indiana University and Christian Theological (Magna) and inducted into The International Society of Theta Phi (an honor society for theological students). Ordained in 2000, he continues to be blessed, humbled, and excited by opportunities to serve Jesus. He is most passionate about helping people unlock the story of Jesus in their faith walk.
Russ and his wife have two children, Emma and Sam.
Russ is committed to his beautiful family and looks forward to his firmly growing through two weddings (Chad and Alyssa) in the next four months.
Susie was born and raised in New Jersey, where she graduated from Rutgers University with degrees in Business Administration and German. Although she is an East Coast native, Fort Wayne has been her home for the past 24 years and also where she and her husband, Chris, chose to raise their 4 children together. Susie has spent the majority of her time here in Fort Wayne raising her children and being a pastor’s wife.
Now facing an empty nest, Susie is ready to dedicate her time and gifts in an administrative capacity and is looking forward to serving The United Methodist Church. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, staying healthy, gardening, and backpacking.
North Central District
Saneta Maiko, Ph.D. is a former John Templeton Research Fellow with Indiana University School of Medicine (2017-2019). His clinical research investigated the role of spirituality and religion on the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of metastatic cancer patients. An experienced ordained clergy of the United Methodist, Dr. Maiko is the founder and former executive director of Crime Victim Care of Allen County (Amani Family Services), Chaplain Researcher at Indiana University Health. Dr. Maiko has many years of serving churches and teaching gender and diversity management at Purdue University. He is a respected leader in training Intercultural Competence for Law Enforcement, Social Agencies, Businesses, and Healthcare Systems. Dr. Maiko is Nationally licensed as an Intercultural Development Qualified Administrator and is nationally board certified as a healthcare chaplain. Dr. Maiko is a recipient of several honors and awards. He has authored a book and several articles in medical, leadership, chaplaincy, and youth journals. He is married to Beatrice. They are both blessed with three daughters and a son.
Greg Enstrom is a life-long United Methodist, serving 35 years in parish ministry in rural, small town, county seat, and metropolitan churches. His love for Jesus Christ is evident in the relational manner by which he engages people. He is very much a people person, always looking for and finding the good in others. He views everyone he meets as a person of sacred worth. Greg celebrates the rich diversity present in God’s creation, as well as the unity Christ brings to the broad theological spectrum represented in The United Methodist Church. “Think and let think, if your heart is as Jesus’ heart, take my hand.” Greg chaired the Board of Ordained Ministry of the former North Indiana Conference three of the eleven years he served on the board. He retired from full-time parish ministry at the 2017 Annual Conference and began serving the North Central District as an Associate District Superintendent. Greg and his wife, Lynn, have been married 41 years and have three adult children – Peter, Grace and Claire (Nick) Madison. Greg and Lynn enjoy being near and spending time with their grandson, James Madison.
Lamar L. Imes is currently serving as an Associate Conference Superintendent in the North Central and Northwest Districts. Lamar began serving churches as a student at Taylor University. He has served two point charges, county seat churches, and large churches in the Indiana Conference. He previously served as the District Superintendent of the Elkhart, Michiana, and Fort Wayne Districts, in the former Northern Indiana Conference. He is married to Joan and they have two children and seven grandchildren.
Paulette Spicer joined Indiana Conference of the United Methodists Church as a Conference Assistant for the East District in June of 2018 – working in the Indiana Conference Center located in Indianapolis. A seasoned senior executive assistant, Paulette recently retired from Biotechnology at Eli Lilly and Company Corporate Center in Indianapolis with 25 years of service. Paulette is an Indiana native, and an alumnus of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN. She enjoys family, yoga, and working in various church ministries, specifically areas of music, bible study, audiovisual, outreach to young women, children and families. Paulette’s favorite scripture: The Lord is my Light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – whom shall I dread. Psalm 27:1.
North District
After serving local churches in the Indiana Conference for 28 years, Rev. Dr. Marti G. Lundy now serves as the Conference Superintendent of the North District. She is a native of Columbia City, IN and a lifelong United Methodist. Marti holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Northwestern University, a Master of Divinity from Garrett-ETS, and a Doctor of Ministry from Portland Theological Seminary (formerly George Fox Seminary). Rev. Dr. Lundy has served the Conference in many capacities, some of those include: Chair of Board of Camps and Conferences, Chair of the NE DCOM, and the Committee on Episcopacy. Rev. Dr. Lundy is married to the Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy, who serves in extension ministry at the 181st Intelligence Wing, Indiana Air National Guard, Terre Haute. They are the proud parents of Josh, a US Air Force Combat Veteran and full-time member of the 122d Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne and Nathan, a full-time law student at Indiana University McKinney Law School in Indianapolis. Fun fact, she sang the National Anthem at a Cubs game while in college and was a torchbearer for the Indiana Bicentennial for Whitley County.
Paul Arnold serves part-time as an Associate Conference Superintendent in the North District working with churches and pastors in the Central Time Zone of Northwest Indiana. Paul has been a member of the Indiana Conference for forty-two years and officially retired from full-time pastoral ministry in 2014. He has pastored churches of various sizes with worship attendance from 50 to 500 and has a passion for churches to fulfill their missional calling with an emphasis on justice ministry. Paul is also a consultant with Church Growth Services which assists congregations conducting capital campaigns. Paul lives on the shore of Lake Michigan with the sound of water constantly in his head and putting him to sleep at night. He has taken up kayaking and attempts to paddle board. His wife JoAnn, two grown children and their families with his four grandchildren, keep him enthused for life.
Eva Goeb has worked as a paralegal in many settings, including governmental compliance for an international ministry. As one who enjoys learning and growing, she has earned her Insurance Producer licenses and SHRM-CP HR certification. Most recently, she worked for a mortgage company in customer service. Eva enjoyed over 20 years as a Sunday school teacher and was a youth group leader and VBS volunteer. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two grown kids and 7 grandkids. In her spare time, she loves glamping, being outdoors, reading, playing board games and spoiling her two dogs and two cats.
Northeast District
Rev. Russ Abel has been passionately following Jesus most of his life. A native of southern Indiana he has found great joy in serving the northern part of the state for the past 13 years. Russ has served as a parish pastor since 1992. He began serving in his new appointment as Conference Superintendent for the East District of the Indiana United Methodist Conference July 1, 2019.
Growing up in a working-class home, Russ holds deeply the values he learned in that home and strives to remember his roots. He also is very thankful for his military service, Air Force, which helped awaken him to the beauty and blessing of diversity.
A graduate of Indiana University and Christian Theological (Magna) and inducted into The International Society of Theta Phi (an honor society for theological students). Ordained in 2000, he continues to be blessed, humbled, and excited by opportunities to serve Jesus. He is most passionate about helping people unlock the story of Jesus in their faith walk.
Russ and his wife have two children, Emma and Sam.
Russ is committed to his beautiful family and looks forward to his firmly growing through two weddings (Chad and Alyssa) in the next four months.
Kathie Jones’ ministry began as a second career, and after raising 3 children. She has grown in leadership and organizational skills, as well as her ability to creatively work through difficult circumstances. Currently, Kathie is the Associate Conference Superintendent in the Northeast District where she connects and supports part-time local congregations and local pastors. Kathie is proud to call Fort Wayne her home.
Susie was born and raised in New Jersey, where she graduated from Rutgers University with degrees in Business Administration and German. Although she is an East Coast native, Fort Wayne has been her home for the past 24 years and also where she and her husband, Chris, chose to raise their 4 children together. Susie has spent the majority of her time here in Fort Wayne raising her children and being a pastor’s wife.
Now facing an empty nest, Susie is ready to dedicate her time and gifts in an administrative capacity and is looking forward to serving The United Methodist Church. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, staying healthy, gardening, and backpacking.
Northwest District
Rev. Lore Blinn Gibson met Jesus as in infant, carried by her parents to be baptized at Star City [United] Methodist Church, where she began her ministry by playing piano and working with children. There she was trained to think outside the box, work hard, and be a team player. Experiences in marching band, choirs, and teaching middle schoolers were the doors God used to invite her into pastoral ministry. After working with local pastors on several District Committee on Ministries and teaching Course of Study, Lore developed a passion for equipping and empowering licensed local pastors and small churches to do whatever it takes to follow the Spirit in transforming lives to become more and more like Jesus. When not driving around the Northwest District in her blue super-mobile, Lore maybe found painting, walking the family dog (Kitty), trying to coax interesting plant life out of the Lafayette clay,learning about and creating art, and history. She’s a proud Winamac Warrior, Indiana State Sycamore, Duke Blue Devil, and adopted Lafayette Jefferson Broncho and above all, a grateful United Methodist who highly values the connection. Lore married Randy, who currently works in medical research for Cook and teaches college ethics. They are the parents of Maia, a UIndy student and soon-to-be teacher, and James, a student at Lafayette Jefferson High School.
Eva Goeb has worked as a paralegal in many settings, including governmental compliance for an international ministry. As one who enjoys learning and growing, she has earned her Insurance Producer licenses and SHRM-CP HR certification. Most recently, she worked for a mortgage company in customer service. Eva enjoyed over 20 years as a Sunday school teacher and was a youth group leader and VBS volunteer. She is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two grown kids and 7 grandkids. In her spare time, she loves glamping, being outdoors, reading, playing board games and spoiling her two dogs and two cats.
South District
Rev. Mitchell C. (Mitch) Gieselman has served churches across the Indiana Conference in various capacities since 1974; including Evansville Old North, Rushville St. Paul’s, New Castle First, Plainfield, Hanover, Mt. Vernon First, and Evansville Aldersgate UMC. While his energies focus on being the Chief Missional Strategist of the district, he does so through the particular lens of justice, having been intensively engaged in justice ministries and interfaith dialogue over the past decade. When the demands of being a part of the Extended Cabinet team allow, Mitch escapes into his preferred pastimes of golf, fishing, reading, crossword puzzles, watching baseball, and camping. He is also an avid follower of John and Charles Wesley’s footsteps all over the world. Additionally, he is involved in campus life at the University of Evansville and has lectured, taught in adult education courses, and volunteered in numerous capacities, and served as Chapter Counselor for Sigma Phi Epsilon, a social fraternity for male students. Gieselman received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Evansville in 1978 and Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in 1981. He is married to the Rev. Dr. Tamara K. Gieselman, also an Elder in the Indiana Conference. The couple has three adult children: son, Cory Gieselman; and daughter, Dana (Lucious) Wagner who live in Evansville and both work for Old National Bank; and son, Jordan (Jennifer) Gieselman, a graphic designer who lives in Bowling Green, KY. The Gieselmans also have five grandchildren: Sydney, Rhyan, Sophie, Malik, and Hakeem who reside in Evansville.
Douglas S. Finney began his ministry in the former Southern Indiana Conference in 1975. Finney served as a student pastor for the Liberty/Freeport Charge in Shelby County, Indiana. While serving there, he completed his Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary. Currently, Douglas is appointed to Wickliffe UMC, and also serves an Associate Conference Superintendent for the South District. Throughout this ministerial journey, Douglas has served as District Youth Coordinator, worked on Conference level Church Development, was chair of the former Bloomington District Superintendency Committee, and Church Location and Building Committees. What stands out the most through all these various committees is Finney’s passion for encouragement and sharing Christ’s love for all. Forty-three years of active ministry have allowed Finney to share that experience with younger pastors and those who are new to pastoral ministry. It is a joy for him. Finney’s interest outside of pastoral ministry would include raising a large vegetable garden each season. From the harvest of that garden, Finney and his wife Margaret enjoy home canning. Additionally, Douglas is an active classic car enthusiast. He owns a classic 1968 Plymouth Fury III and a 2001 Chevrolet Corvette which brings a lot of joy. Finney has worked for the last two years at the MECUM Classic Car Auction in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Knowing the personal pain of not having access to resources, Joy Ahlemeyer has a passion for connecting people to people, people to resources, and ultimately, people to God. Her love for Jesus Christ and His kingdom has found her serving in multiple roles within the United Methodist Church as a camp counselor, camp co-director, supply pastor, youth director, clergy spouse, and Conference Assistant. When not working in her current role as Conference Assistant, you will find her teaching a child piano or harp, taking her grand kids – both biological and the adopted neighborhood kids – on Fun Friday adventures to children’s museums, Sky Zone, Inflatable Factories, orchards, and more. Throughout these unique ministries, Joy leads children towards the excitement of exploring God’s world and learning how much he loves them.
Southeast District
Rev. Dr. In Suk Peebles serves as the Conference Superintendent of the Southeast District. In Suk served for 21 years in the United States Air Force Reserve (air national guard) as a chaplain, retiring in 2019 as lieutenant colonel.
She holds degrees in English and Literature from Woosuk University in South Korea and Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary. She has finished her coursework for a Doctor of Ministry degree, also at Christian Theological Seminary, and will receive her DMin later this year.
In addition to serving parishes across the state, In Suk has served on the Indiana Conference Finance and Administration, the South Indiana Conference Board of Pensions, and the Indiana Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.
In Suk is married to David, an attorney, and they have two children, Sunny and Faith. She is a self-proclaimed “news junky” on global affairs and enjoys “healthy discussions with my husband while reading the Sunday New York Times and Wall Street Journal after Sunday morning worship (and a nap).”
She holds degrees in English and Literature from Woosuk University in South Korea and Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary. She has finished her coursework for a Doctor of Ministry degree, also at Christian Theological Seminary, and will receive her DMin later this year.
In addition to serving parishes across the state, In Suk has served on the Indiana Conference Finance and Administration, the South Indiana Conference Board of Pensions, and the Indiana Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.
In Suk is married to David, an attorney, and they have two children, Sunny and Faith. She is a self-proclaimed “news junky” on global affairs and enjoys “healthy discussions with my husband while reading the Sunday New York Times and Wall Street Journal after Sunday morning worship (and a nap).”
Heather Hilbert is a born & bred Hoosier, growing up on the north side of Indianapolis and attending Indiana University, Bloomington. Not growing up attending church, she came to faith as a 20-something when she began her family. Before long, church was the place Heather felt most herself. Thanks to a sincere UMC pastor who never shied away from Heather’s questions about faith and Jesus, she committed herself to the United Methodist Church and raising her kids in the local church.
She has served on administrative councils, led lay teams, worked on UMC local church staff and now brings her skills & passions to Indiana Conference staff.
Being unchurched until adulthood, she has a particular passion around hospitality and missions in the church, striving to make sure everyone she encounters feels seen, known & loved. When she’s not busy with her family, you can find her cozying up with a good book, studying the Enneagram, or volunteering in the community for a passion project.
Southwest District
Rev. Mitchell C. (Mitch) Gieselman has served churches across the Indiana Conference in various capacities since 1974; including Evansville Old North, Rushville St. Paul’s, New Castle First, Plainfield, Hanover, Mt. Vernon First, and Evansville Aldersgate UMC. While his energies focus on being the Chief Missional Strategist of the district, he does so through the particular lens of justice, having been intensively engaged in justice ministries and interfaith dialogue over the past decade. When the demands of being a part of the Extended Cabinet team allow, Mitch escapes into his preferred pastimes of golf, fishing, reading, crossword puzzles, watching baseball, and camping. He is also an avid follower of John and Charles Wesley’s footsteps all over the world. Additionally, he is involved in campus life at the University of Evansville and has lectured, taught in adult education courses, and volunteered in numerous capacities, and served as Chapter Counselor for Sigma Phi Epsilon, a social fraternity for male students. Gieselman received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Evansville in 1978 and Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in 1981. He is married to the Rev. Dr. Tamara K. Gieselman, also an Elder in the Indiana Conference. The couple has three adult children: son, Cory Gieselman; and daughter, Dana (Lucious) Wagner who live in Evansville and both work for Old National Bank; and son, Jordan (Jennifer) Gieselman, a graphic designer who lives in Bowling Green, KY. The Gieselmans also have five grandchildren: Sydney, Rhyan, Sophie, Malik, and Hakeem who reside in Evansville.
Knowing the personal pain of not having access to resources, Joy Ahlemeyer has a passion for connecting people to people, people to resources, and ultimately, people to God. Her love for Jesus Christ and His kingdom has found her serving in multiple roles within the United Methodist Church as a camp counselor, camp co-director, supply pastor, youth director, clergy spouse, and Conference Assistant. When not working in her current role as Conference Assistant, you will find her teaching a child piano or harp, taking her grand kids – both biological and the adopted neighborhood kids – on Fun Friday adventures to children’s museums, Sky Zone, Inflatable Factories, orchards, and more. Throughout these unique ministries, Joy leads children towards the excitement of exploring God’s world and learning how much he loves them.
West District
Rev. Dr. Aleze M. Fulbright is an ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church. She is a person of conviction in living a personal mission to encourage, equip, and empower all people to live on purpose and live out their God-giveness. Dr. Aleze’s greatest joy in life is her son, Myron Fisher Jr., who is a Middle School Math Educator and Basketball Coach in Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, she enjoys fellowshipping with family and friends, while also connecting with the community through her civic and sorority involvement. And looking forward to serving the West District, where we will be very Willing in our Missional Service and Way-Out in our Witness for Jesus Christ.
Heather Hilbert is a born & bred Hoosier, growing up on the north side of Indianapolis and attending Indiana University, Bloomington. Not growing up attending church, she came to faith as a 20-something when she began her family. Before long, church was the place Heather felt most herself. Thanks to a sincere UMC pastor who never shied away from Heather’s questions about faith and Jesus, she committed herself to the United Methodist Church and raising her kids in the local church.
She has served on administrative councils, led lay teams, worked on UMC local church staff and now brings her skills & passions to Indiana Conference staff.
Being unchurched until adulthood, she has a particular passion around hospitality and missions in the church, striving to make sure everyone she encounters feels seen, known & loved. When she’s not busy with her family, you can find her cozying up with a good book, studying the Enneagram, or volunteering in the community for a passion project.
Dirk was born and bred in the West District of the Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, having grown up at Trinity United Methodist Church in Crawfordsville, IN. He attended Wabash College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Psychology. In 1995 he married his high school sweetheart, Cathy. They have been married for 27 years.
Dirk began full-time ministry as the Director of Lay and Youth Ministries at Avon United Methodist Church. While he served in Avon, he explored his call to ministry with Pastor Karen Devaisher, attended License to Preach School, and then entered Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 2006. In 2009, he earned his Master of Divinity (cum laude), was commissioned into Provisional Membership and was appointed to Jacobs Chapel UMC in New Albany, IN. Three years later, in 2012, he was ordained as an Elder in full connection. He superseded to active-duty chaplaincy in the United States Navy and immediately reported to Naval Support Activity, Naples Italy. In 2015 he was assigned as the command chaplain on board USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) and deployed to the southern Mediterranean. In 2018 he received orders to report to the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune where he served as the battalion chaplain alongside the Warlords of 2/2, deploying to Norway and then Headquarters Battalion before transitioning to the United States Navy Reserve and returning to Crawfordsville IN. Upon returning in 2019, he was appointed to Crawfordsville Christ’s UMC and Darlington UMC – both in the West District. In 2021, he was activated to an Active-Duty status and made an 11-month deployment on board USS THE SULLIVANS (DDG 68). Now back home from the deployment, he has started work on his Doctorate of Ministry in Military Chaplaincy and plans to graduate in 2024.
Dirk has three children. A set of fraternal twins are 21. Cadin is a Lance Corporal in the US Marine Corps and Cambria will be a senior at Franklin College. His youngest daughter, Sullivan (“Sully”) will be a freshman at Franklin College. In his spare time, he and his two dogs sift through the weeds in his garden looking for tomatoes, green beans, and okra.
District Services Support Team
Robin Brown began her career in the United Methodist Church as a volunteer in the communications department at a local church office, filling in for the office manager’s extended vacation. Nine years and a certification in Church Business Administration later, she moved from St. Louis, MO to Bloomington, IN where she served as the Church Administrator at FUMC. During that time, Robin oversaw a six million dollar capital campaign and a substantial building and renovation effort. After an opportunity to move into non-profit management, Robin left the church environment and completed ten years of executive management at two different non-profit organizations, leading strategic change as well as financial and program expansion. “Returning to the United Methodist Church has been gratifying in a whole new way,” Robin says. As an Associate Conference Superintendent in the Central District, as well as a Conference Assistant, caring for 110 churches as they carry out the ministry of administration, fulfills her. Robin’s passion is her large blended family of seven adult children and 18 grandchildren, all of whom live out of state from the east coast to west coast. In addition to traveling with her husband to spend time with the family, she loves gardening, decorating, entertaining and reading, and she hasn’t met a grammatical error she wouldn’t love to correct.
Since 2007, Jan Fager has used her gifts and talents to serve the local churches, pastors, and district team members of 3 different districts within the Indiana Conference and former Northern Indiana Conferences of the United Methodist Church. Her love of Christ, attention to detail, ability to connect with others, willingness to help, and knowledge of information accrued over her tenure, has benefited many. Beyond the office, Jan enjoys time with her family including her dogs and is an accomplished musician and quilter.