Louisville, Ky (PNS) Karen R. Schmidt has announced her resignation as deputy executive director for communications and funds development for the General Assembly Mission Council (GAMC), effective May 11, to return to her native Chicago.
Schmidt came to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) national staff in April 2007. Since then, according the denomination’s Research Services office, awareness of the mission and ministry of the GAMC has more than doubled. In addition, GAMC print publications – Presbyterians Today, the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study and the Presbyterian Planning Calendar – have been retooled and have achieved combined financial sustainability. The PC(USA) website has been completely redesigned. And a team of professional fundraisers has been assembled and has raised tens of millions of dollars, particularly for Presbyterian World Mission. Systems have been put in place to ensure accountability to donors and to thank them for their support.
“For these gifts and more, I am grateful to Karen for her efforts to further Christ’s mission through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),” said GAMC Executive Director Linda Valentine in announcing Schmidt’s departure April 23.
Schmidt is a ruling elder and member of First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellen, Ill.
