FOUNDATION
Established in 1985, the UMC Foundation supports the missional focus of the United Methodist Communities. Acting as an independent entity, the Foundation enhances UMC’s mission, philosophy, and ministry with its own Board of Trustees who govern, establish broad policies and objectives, and oversee financial resources to support the Foundation’s charitable mission.
The UMC Foundation raises critical funds to introduce, support, and advance housing, medical services, special capital projects, and programs offered through United Methodist Communities to the senior population. Through a mix of annual giving, legacy planning, special events, community engagement, and other relationship-building programs, UMCF supports UMC’s charitable mission and helps to ensure it will be sustainable for many years to come.
THE FOUNDATION TEAM
Mark Lenhard
President & CEO
Email: mlenhard@umcommunities.org
Appointed President & CEO of United Methodist Communities in 2022, Mark Lenhard describes himself as a “servant leader called to the ministry of caring for others.” He joined UMC with nearly 30 years’ service in senior living, with a breadth of leadership and management experience involving multi-site operations, financial management and oversight, fundraising, project development, strategic planning, team building, public policy, and more. Mark has also served in various volunteer leadership positions with Leading Age Texas, local chambers of commerce, and industry advisory boards.
Jim Roberts
Vice President of UMC Foundation
Phone: 732-922-9800 x2103
Email: jroberts@umcommunities.org
“Having a father, Rev. E. James Roberts, who serves as a retired United Methodist minister, brings my career in philanthropy full circle and makes our mission of providing seniors with abundant life and continuing UMC’s tradition of charitable care all the more important to me.”
Jim Roberts took the helm of the Foundation in July 2024, bringing over three decades of extensive leadership in nonprofit management, strategic planning, and fundraising with him. Jim’s vast experience, particularly during his tenure with the New Jersey Hall of Fame, JDRF for Northern NJ, National MS Society, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, has equipped him with top-level fundraising expertise and connections with the New Jersey business community. By employing a mixture of best practices and creative solutions, Jim is excited to apply his philosophy of “networking for the common good” to grow UMCF’s impact and advance UMC’s charitable mission.
Gary Engelstad
Director of Transformational Opportunities
Phone: 732-922-9800 x2129
Email: gengelstad@umcommunities.org
“I have had the unique pleasure of working in non-profit senior housing for 30 years, and my most rewarding have been the past 10 with the UMC Foundation. UMCF is a great team coming together for a great cause – supporting our wonderful residents and exceptional teammates.”
Since June 2015, Gary Engelstad has contributed his wealth of experience and expertise in developing strategic initiatives to the Foundation’s mission. Gary is passionate about creating value for our donors and uses his three decades of experience overseeing sales, philanthropy, community resources, community television, pastoral ministries, social work, wellness, and volunteer programs in senior housing communities to support that goal. Gary previously served in the White House and Treasury Departments in the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations before relocating to Bradley Beach, NJ, with his wife, Stephanie.
Rebecca Roe
Director of Communications & Stewardship
Phone: 732-922-9800 x2128
Email: rroe@umcommunities.org
“Sharing stories and creating opportunities for connection and conversation are at the heart of work as a Foundation. By inspiring and informing others, we can all make a meaningful difference together.”
After filling a temporary position with the UMC Foundation for several months, Rebecca Roe officially joined the UMC team in December 2013. She initially managed administrative support, gift processing and reporting, donor relations, and grant funding functions. In her current role as Director of Communications and Stewardship for UMCF, Rebecca manages organizational communications, publications, branding, appeals, and stewardship communications for the UMC Foundation and occasional special projects. Rebecca especially enjoys learning about and sharing the unique and impactful stories of UMC teammates, residents, and their families.
Melanie Dixon
Director of Major Gifts
Phone: 908-553-0798
Email: mdixon@umcommunities.org
“Joining a faith-based organization like UMC Foundation allows me to combine my passion for service with my dedication to supporting seniors. Compassion is at the core of everything I do, and I am eager to contribute to work that uplifts and empowers.”
Melanie Dixon joined the UMC Foundation team in November 2024, bringing more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. She spent much of her career with the American Heart Association, where she led impactful educational and fundraising initiatives, shaping strategies that expanded community outreach and engagement. Melanie is passionate about working with teams and volunteers to drive growth and achieve lasting impact. Outside of her professional work, Melanie is involved in the community, serving on the board of The Greater Princeton Drifters and as the chapter historian.
Maureen Stern
Director of Special Events
Phone: 609-727-1507
Email: mstern@umcommunities.org
“My passion for creating memorable experiences is matched only by my commitment to advancing UMC’s mission in senior living, and I look forward to building connections that will help enhance the lives of our residents and strengthen our community.”
Maureen Stern supports the UMC Foundation with nearly 20 years of experience in event management, fundraising, and communications. She recently moved back to the Jersey Shore after spending more than a decade in the Midwest and is thrilled to be back on her home turf — close to family, friends, and all the good bagels and pizza. Prior to joining UMC, Maureen served as the Director of Media Services for the City of Des Plaines, Illinois, where she led a team responsible for external communications and events for a community of 60,000 residents. Her background also includes working with a variety of nonprofits, where she helped build engagement and visibility through community-centered initiatives.
Maria Kane
Foundation Office Coordinator
Phone: 732-731-2121
Email: mkane@umcommunities.org
“I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside my UMCF teammates, fostering connections and ensuring that residents and their families feel supported every step of the way.”
Since May 2023, Maria Kane has brought her expertise and dedication to UMC. First, she supported both the Marketing and Foundation teams before transitioning full-time to the UMC Foundation in September 2024 as the Foundation Office Coordinator. Maria is passionate about enhancing the donor experience and supporting the Foundation’s mission of assisting residents and their families. A graduate of Montclair State University with a B.S. in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing, Maria values creativity, collaboration, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Foundation Board of Trustees
Cora Park
Chair
Mark Lenhard
Secretary
Joseph Zigler