The Rev. Karen Cook has been named Director of Connectional Ministries for the West Ohio Conference effective May 1. She has previously served as a Regional Missional Specialist prior to accepting this position.

 "Karen has been and will be a superb leader in this new work to which she has been called,” said Bishop Gregory V. Palmer. “She values relationships above all else; first her relationship with Jesus Christ, her family and with her fellow disciples of Jesus.”

An elder in The United Methodist Church, Cook brings a wealth of experience to this role including serving over 15 years in the local church. She has served in various capacities at every level of the church including the Board of Ordained Ministry and as a delegate to the general and jurisdictional conferences. Cook is certified as an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Coach as well as a Respectful & Faith Based Conversation Leader.

“I am blessed to stand in a long line of passionate leaders and my hope, as I take the baton as your next Director of Connectional Ministries, is that we remain focused on the mission and ministry as an Annual Conference and lead the charge of “One band, one sound,” said Cook.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and her Masters of Divinity from Methodist Theological School (MTSO) in Delaware, Ohio. Cook is currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry degree at MTSO.

She and her husband Broderick are the parents of three adult children Broderick II (Ricky), Phillip and Aaron.