District Leadership - Sound District

Linda Taylor, District Superintendent

Linda Taylor

Since 1984 I have had the honor of serving Jesus Christ and his Church. Most recently, for 14-years I led a congregation that rekindled the flame of the Holy Spirit and awoke from a deep slumber to become a thriving, healthy, on-fire for Jesus mission outpost. There have been other calls to serve Jesus: Pastor of a small membership church, Associate Pastor in a large membership church, ministering to a five-point and a two point charge.

What prepared me for this great ministry adventure? First and foremost, my Lord, Jesus Christ. From the first moments, so long ago, when I said, “Yes,” to Jesus’ call to “Come follow me,” I have felt the powerful presence of Christ. The Holy Presence has guided, encouraged, and empowered me to be the leader I am today. Secondly, I was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from California University of Pennsylvania, and ultimately, a Masters from Duke University Divinity School. I participated in two year-long programs: Royce and Jane Reynolds Church Leadership Program and Courage to Lead, both at Duke University.

With the spiritual support of congregations I have been assisted in taking the church into the world:

Co-founded 1-K for 1-Kid providing additional grants to the 1,200 foster children and adults of the Methodist Home for Children program.
Won a $7,000 grant from the NC Conference Mission Seed Funds to launch Common Thread, a program producing hundreds of colorful butterfly pillows for those patients who are in hospice care.
With a $390,000 Duke Foundation grant established a computer lab for Latinos learning English as a Second Language (ESL) and supporting El Puente (The Bridge) a regional health care program.
Distributed 10,000 pocket crosses evangelizing the life of Christ to strangers in the community.

I am honored to have been called by God and appointed by Bishop Gwinn to serve as the District Superintendent of the Sound District. As the pastors, congregations and I work together in mission and ministry, as we lift high the Cross of Christ, we move forward to a bright and hope-filled future. Together we will “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World!”

Stephanie Hayes

Stephanie Hayes, Assistant to the DS

Stephanie Keene Hayes was born and raised in Raleigh, NC. She received her bachelor’s degree from UNC Greensboro, with a major in Hospitality and Tourism Management and minor in Business. Stephanie has spent the majority of her career in the hospitality industry working for country clubs, and most recently, was the Director of Member Services for a private community in Hilton Head, SC.

Stephanie now lives in Wilmington with her husband, Greg Hayes, and their fur baby, Toby. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling, and going to the beach. Stephanie is passionate about helping others and giving back to the community. Grateful for the opportunity to be the ADS for the Sound District, she feels that this is truly her calling.

Ann Davis, Lay Leader

Ann grew up in Duplin County. She graduated from East Carolina University with a master’s degree in elementary education. She is a retired teacher from the Pitt County School System. Ann lives in Greenville.

Ann has been very active in her local church serving in a number of different capacities. United Methodist Women has also been a passion in her life having served in several local, district and conference offices. Ann is currently serving as a director of the national office of United Methodist Women.

On the North Carolina Conference level, Ann is currently serving on the Connectional Table, Board of Laity, and the Committee on Lay Ministry. She was also a delegate to the 2012 General Conference and Southeastern Jurisdiction.