December 16, 2025 | Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry
ATLANTA I NASHVILLE The General Boards of Global Ministries (GBGM) and Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) announce the appointment of Dr. Dana Lyles as executive director of multiethnic ministries, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Working under the supervision of General Secretary Roland Fernandes, Dr. Lyles will devise strategic direction, program development and implementation, administrative oversight and support of multiethnic and multicultural ministry programs within GBHEM and Global Ministries, including the agencies’ commitment to worldwide inclusivity, diversity, equity and acceptance.
She will also serve as a key point of contact with related ministries and organizations within The United Methodist Church and its organizations, in particular with the multiethnic plans of The United Methodist Church and the Community Developers program, among others. She will oversee the staff liaison for the Black College Fund and work closely with UM-related Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“Dana’s connections and collaborative leadership has strengthened partnerships with racial-ethnic caucuses, annual conferences and general agencies to support ministry models that reflect the church’s mission of diversity and inclusion,” Fernandes said. “Her leadership will help us continue building partnerships across cultures and communities.”
Dr. Lyles brings more than seven years of experience as a member of the leadership team at Global Ministries, leading multiethnic ministry programs and the Community Developers Program and collaborating with racial-ethnic caucuses. She oversees the agency’s implementation of the Asian American Language Ministry and Pacific Islander ministry plans and collaborates with the Korean Ministry Plan, Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, El Plan for Hispanic/Latine Ministry of the UMC and the Native American Comprehensive Plan. She has implemented scholarship programs, such as the World Communion and Kendall Scholarships, in collaboration with GBHEM.
“I am excited for this opportunity which will enable me to foster diverse, inclusive and collaborative spaces for mission, education and ministry to grow and expand,” said Dr. Lyles, expressing her enthusiasm for her new role.
Dr. Lyles earned a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from North Carolina A&T State University and also holds two master’s degrees, one in school administration and one in business education. Dr. Lyles has extensive experience in education and administration, having served as an assistant principal and educator prior to her denominational leadership.
Media Contacts:
Susan Clark
Chief Communications Officer, General Board of Global Ministries
Communications@umcmission.org
