FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2026
Foundation Announces New CEO
Following a national search, the Missouri United Methodist Foundation (MUMF) is pleased to announce that it has hired Rev. Nate Berneking as its new President and CEO.
“We were blessed to have some outstanding candidates to choose from,” explains Julie Salmon, Chair of the Foundation Trustees. “But we believe we have found the ideal leader for this moment in the history of the Foundation and the Church.”
Salmon highlighted Berneking’s wealth of legal, financial and fiduciary experience, along with strong leadership and team-building skills, and deep relationships across the United Methodist connection. “We are confident that he will enable the Foundation to navigate the changing church landscape and grow the tangible impact of our ministries and services for donors, pastors, students and churches,” states Salmon.
Berneking is leaving a high-profile leadership role in the Missouri Conference where he has served as Director of Financial and Administrative Ministries for almost 13 years. “The Foundation is an operationally independent service organization with the mission to serve, support, and strengthen UM ministry across our state,” explains Salmon. “Nate has both the strategic vision and the ability to drive operational excellence to positively impact all of our ministries.”
Berneking’s enthusiasm is apparent. “I could not be more excited to be the Missouri United Methodist Foundation’s next President and CEO,” declares Berneking. “This role will allow me to grow personally and professionally by serving an outstanding organization founded to support my two passions: the local churches and clergy of the Missouri Annual Conference.” He then emphasized, “My desire is to build upon a remarkably strong foundation to create even greater impact on the mission and ministry of the United Methodist Church in Missouri.”
Berneking holds a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology and a JD from Saint Louis University School of Law. He has practiced law and been a local church pastor. In addition, he has served on numerous boards and committees within Missouri and at the national level of the UMC. He will assume his new responsibilities at the Foundation on March 1, 2026, succeeding David P. Atkins who is retiring.
About the Missouri United Methodist Foundation (MUMF):
The Missouri United Methodist Foundation was founded in 1967 for the purpose of soliciting and receiving gifts to further the religious, charitable and educational activities of the United Methodist Church in Missouri. MUMF seeks to promote a culture of generosity, provide investment management for long-term custodial funds, grow financial literacy among clergy and congregations, and provide grants and scholarships furthering education, ministry and programming in Missouri. The Foundation collaborates with, but is separate from, the Missouri Annual Conference, and operates under a distinct charter and independent governance structure.