For over 44 years, the Holston Foundation has strengthened individuals, churches, and ministries throughout the Holston River Valley Region (East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia) by transforming generosity into lasting change. With assets under management exceeding $187 million and more than $250,000 distributed annually in grants, the Foundation serves as a trusted steward of charitable resources.
The President & CEO will provide visionary leadership for the Foundation, guiding a talented and dedicated staff while serving as the primary public representative to churches, pastors, donors, and partner organizations. Reporting to the Board of Directors through its Executive Committee, the CEO will oversee all aspects of operations, financial stewardship, donor relations, and program development.
This is a high-profile position within the Holston Conference of the United Methodist and Global Methodist Churches, engaging more than 600 congregations. The successful candidate will combine financial and organizational acumen with the relational and spiritual credibility needed to inspire trust across all constituencies.
HOLSTON FOUNDATION AT A GLANCE
Annual Budget: $1.3 million (operating; excludes client investment funds)
Assets Under Management: $187+ million
Staff: 4 full-time; 1 part-time (office-based, with 1 remote)
Founded: 1981 (44+ years of ministry impact)
Headquarters: Alcoa, Tennessee
Annual Grants: $250,000+ distributed
Constituency: Serves 600+ churches across the Holston Conference, plus like-minded ministries and individuals
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1981, the Holston Foundation exists to glorify God by inspiring, empowering, and equipping churches, ministries, and individuals to transform the world in the name of Christ. For more than 44 years, the Foundation has served as a trusted partner in biblical stewardship, helping congregations and donors multiply resources for Kingdom impact.
What began as a vision to strengthen local churches through faithful stewardship has grown into a highly regarded foundation. The Foundation is best known for providing competitive investment returns, teaching and equipping donors, and ensuring that generosity leads to lasting transformation in the communities it serves.
The Holston Foundation’s work is anchored in four (4) primary areas of impact:
Investment Services – Managing and growing assets for churches, ministries, and individuals with competitive ROI and trusted fiduciary oversight.
Generosity & Education – Inspiring and equipping churches and individuals through teaching, consulting, and donor education on faithful stewardship.
Grantmaking – Distributing funds annually to advance ministry programs across local communities and international missions.
Consulting & Relationship-Building – Partnering with church leaders and boards to align resources with Kingdom purposes.
Headquartered in Alcoa (Maryville), Tennessee, the Foundation operates with a small and very capable staff (4 full-time, 1 part-time, plus a remote Controller). Its engaged Board of Directors provides oversight and policy direction through committees including Audit, Finance, HR, Grants, and Executive.
The Holston Foundation is building momentum in a season of transition. With its strong reputation, financial stability, and commitment to trustworthy stewardship, its vision is clear: to see generosity multiplied and Kingdom resources deployed faithfully so that churches and ministries may flourish for generations to come.
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
The Holston Foundation enters this season with financial strength and a long-standing reputation for trusted stewardship. Yet the next President & CEO will step into a season of transition with organizational transitions and environmental shifts that must be navigated with wisdom and vision. Key priorities include:
OPPORTUNITIES
Expanded Reach—The Foundation is uniquely positioned to accelerate growth by extending its proven services to a wider network of like-minded denominations, ministries, and Kingdom-minded organizations. By broadening its influence beyond the UMC, the Foundation can multiply its impact, diversify its client base, and become a trusted partner for churches and ministries seeking faithful stewardship and long-term financial strength.
Technology Upgrades—By modernizing its client portal and digital systems, the Foundation can better serve existing partners while appealing to younger leaders and future donors who expect seamless access to financial information.
Reputation & Relationships —With more than four decades of proven results and strong word-of-mouth in its region, the Foundation can leverage its reputation to build new relationships, increase client retention, and deepen trust with churches and individuals.
Staffing for the Future—This season of transition offers the opportunity to thoughtfully shape staff roles and structures in ways that support long-term growth and sustainability. By clarifying responsibilities, strengthening collaboration, and ensuring alignment with the mission, the Foundation can build a healthy team structure that empowers staff and expands the Foundation’s impact.
CHALLENGES
Staffing Transitions—The Foundation is experiencing personnel changes, including the retirement of long-tenured staff. Stabilizing leadership and appropriately staffing the organization will be essential to sustaining client trust and operational excellence.
Denominational Realignment—The disaffiliation of churches from the United Methodist Church poses both perception and market challenges. Yet it also creates a strategic opportunity for the Foundation to clarify and strengthen its identity as an independent 501(c)(3) with a mission that extends beyond denominational boundaries. By communicating its distinct value and exploring partnerships outside the traditional UMC base, the Foundation is well-positioned to serve a broader range of churches, ministries, and individuals who seek trusted stewardship and Kingdom impact.
Market Constraints—While the Foundation currently serves primarily within the Holston Conference footprint, this provides both stability and a strong relational base. At the same time, it highlights the opportunity to explore thoughtful expansion and partnerships that can extend the Foundation’s impact. By building on trusted relationships and proven stewardship within the Conference, the Foundation is well-positioned to broaden its reach and unlock new avenues for growth.
POSITION PROFILE
Job Title: President & Chief Executive Officer
Reports to: Board of Directors
Job Status: Full-time, exempt
Location: Alcoa, Tennessee
PURPOSE
The President & Chief Executive Officer will provide strategic and spiritual leadership to the Holston Foundation, advancing its mission to inspire generosity and strengthen ministries. In partnership with the Board and staff, the President & CEO will champion the vision to multiply generosity and release Kingdom resources that transform lives and communities. As the Foundation’s chief steward, the President & CEO will oversee investment services, donor engagement, and grantmaking while cultivating trusted relationships with churches, individuals, and partners. This role ensures faithful stewardship and positions the Foundation for long-term impact and growth beyond denominational boundaries.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead all aspects of the Foundation’s operations, strategy, and staff management.
Serve as the chief spokesperson and ambassador to churches, denominational leaders, and community partners.
Oversee investment and stewardship services, ensuring competitive returns and clear communication of outcomes.
Partner with the Board of Directors in governance, policy development, and strategic planning.
Advance grantmaking initiatives that bless communities and strengthen ministries.
Inspire a culture of generosity through teaching, speaking, and relationship building.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & STRENGTHS
Experience: 10+ years senior executive leadership in the nonprofit or related sector (foundation, financial services, faith based setting or similar complexity) with a proven fundraising record and history of building strategic partnerships.
Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MA, MBA, or equivalent) preferred.
Core Competencies: Strategic planning, donor relations, financial stewardship, team leadership, persuasive communication, and relationship building with diverse stakeholders.
Proven strategic planning and organizational management skills
Strong relational ability, able to inspire confidence and trust among staff, board members, and external partners
Compelling communicator and public speaker with the ability to promote generosity and tell the Foundation’s story.
Experience in fundraising, donor relations, and stewardship
Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent project management skills with demonstrated ability to coordinate communications, objectives, and tasks between internal and external resources
Operationalizes confidentiality, trust, and candor
Strong proficiency in Excel and other data analysis/reporting tools such as donor database software and prospect research tools
DESIRED PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Inspirational
Clear Communicator
Intelligent
Facilitator
Visionary
GOVERNANCE & CULTURE
The Holston Foundation Board of Directors provides oversight and policy guidance through committees (Audit, Finance, HR, Grants, Executive). The Board meets semi-annually and entrusts staff to execute daily operations. The organizational culture is characterized by a small, close-knit staff that values collaboration and results.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary Range: $120—160,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
Benefits: The Holston Foundation’s comprehensive benefits package includes health care, dental, vision, life, and a retirement plan.
Soul Care: You will work with colleagues who care and pray for the Foundation and one another.
Time Off: Generous paid holidays (11), Paid time off commensurate with experience
Relocation: Required to Maryville, TN. Moving allowance negotiable.
Travel: Primarily regional, within a 150-mile radius.
LOCATION
The Foundation is headquartered in Alcoa (Maryville), Tennessee, a thriving suburb of Knoxville. Maryville offers affordable housing (about 23% below the national average) and a high quality of life, with easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains, a vibrant regional economy, and a strong faith community.
To learn more about the work of the Holston Foundation, please visit the website at www.HolstonFoundation.org. You can view their most recent financial statements here.
If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you believe this role fits you well, please APPLY below. If you know someone you would like to recommend, please contact:
Chad Carter
Search Consultant
mobile :: (615) 585-0552
email :: chad@missionleadership.org