Foundation Staff

Ed Bailey

Executive Director

Edward Bailey joined the United Methodist Foundation in 2013. He provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Foundation’s programs, services, and ministry. Ed is passionate about the local church and promoting best practices in Christian Stewardship. Ed, an ordained Elder in the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference, is a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College and has a Master of Divinity degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He holds memberships in the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the National Association of Gift Planners. He is also a member of the National Association of United Methodist Foundations and serves on its Executive Team by leading the Investment Focus Area. He is a past Vice-Chair of the Western PA Annual Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits and was previously a Distribution Committee Member of the Carolyn Knox Memorial Trust, a fund that distributed nearly a half million dollars in grants annually. Ed is a Black Belt in the World Tang Soo Do Association, an avid outdoorsman and conservationist. Prior to joining the UM Foundation, Ed was a pastor in the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference for more than two decades. Ed and his wife Tabitha were married in 1991 and reside in Economy Borough, Beaver County, which is about 22 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have four adult children.

Michele Cesare Jury

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Michele Cesare Jury joined the Foundation staff in May of 2017 and currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer. Michele brings to the position over 20 years of experience in public accounting and taxation. Michele earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Accounting from Duquesne University and holds a Masters in Taxation from Robert Morris University. Michele was a dedicated member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors for ten years and served as chair of the Operations Committee, overseeing the foundation’s financial reporting and funds management policies. Michele is also active in her church, First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh. Michele, her husband, and their two sons live in Squirrel Hill.

Gloria Lehigh

Regional Account Relationship Specialist

Gloria Lehigh joined the Foundation in June of 2018 after having retired with thirty years of service with Gettysburg and York Hospitals where she served the uninsured and underinsured before moving into the position of Supervisor for the Medicaid Billing Team. In her spare time Gloria loves to travel and volunteer with fundraising efforts at her local church. Gloria currently lives in York with her husband.

Joe Patterson

Dean of the Foundation School of Leadership

Rev. Dr. Joseph Patterson joined the Foundation as Dean of the Foundation School of Leadership in September 2018. Joe’s focus is to develop and provide educational programs and activities consistent with the goals and objectives of the Foundation, specifically programs designed to produce more effective leadership for the churches of our region. In that role, Joe has developed the Leadership Academy for laity and the Leading Like Jesus Academy for clergy, both designed to equip leaders for the ever-changing landscape of congregational life. Joe is an ordained Elder and full member of the Western Pennsylvania Conference; he served as Pastor at four United Methodist Churches spanning more than three decades before serving seven years as the Superintendent of the Erie-Meadville District. Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Grove City College, a Master of Divinity degree from The Theological School at Drew University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; he also studied at Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute, an interfaith counseling and psychotherapy center that integrates the behavioral sciences and the resources of faith, and holds a certificate in pastoral counseling. A native to Western Pennsylvania, Joe lives north of Pittsburgh in Slippery Rock with his wife LuAnn. Married since 1983, they have two grown sons.

Julie Smith

Sr. Account Relationship Specialist

Julie is new to the Foundation staff as Sr. Account Relationship Specialist. She brings with her a passion for helping others and a vast knowledge of account management and contractual work. Her previous experience is in the Financial and Real Estate industries. Julie graduated from Washington & Jefferson College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She resides in a suburb 20 miles south of Pittsburgh with her two children and two dogs. She enjoys being outdoors, walking, hiking, biking, and reading.

Molly Raraigh

Administrative Assistant

Molly Raraigh joined the Foundation staff in March 2022 as the Administrative Assistant. She has worked in the local church in Children & Family Ministry for 20 years and in a chiropractic office setting as well, with a degree in Chiropractic Technology from Palmer College and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. This blend of an office setting and ministry experience creates a unique mindset for the Foundation. Molly grew up in Indiana, PA and currently lives in Sarver with her husband, Dennis. They have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. Molly enjoys cooking/baking, crafting and decorating, as well as volunteering in her community and in her local church in Saxonburg. She loves to get together with friends and family and enjoys weekends at her family farm in Armstrong County.

Jody Cratty

Staff Accountant

Jody joined the Foundation staff in August 2022 as the Staff Accountant. Jody brings over 25 years of experience in various accounting and business management functions. Jody earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Perdue University Global and holds an associate degree in Accounting from Kaplan University. Jody lives in Harmony, PA