Elected Officers

Karen Georgia A. Thompson

General Minister and President / Chief Executive Officer

The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson is the newly elected General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. Rev. Thompson is the first woman and first woman of African descent to serve as leader of the denomination.

Jennifer Sowell

Associate General Minister

The Rev. Jennifer Sowell was elected Associate General Minister by the Special Meeting of the Thirty-fifth General Synod of the United Church of Christ on May 9, 2026. Jennifer has more than 20 years of pastoral experience as Senior Pastor and Associate Pastor of United Church of Christ congregations in three Conferences, most recently serving as the Senior Pastor of St. John United Church of Christ in Collinsville, Illinois.

Shari Prestemon

Associate General Minister / Co-Executive of Global Ministries

The Rev. Shari Prestemon began her service as Acting Associate General Minister and Co-Executive of Global Ministries on January 16, 2024, and was elected to serve in this role fully by the 35th General Synod of the United Church of Christ. Shari’s faith journey has been profoundly shaped by direct experiences with the ministries she now supports in her current role with the National Ministries.