Announces Internal Promotion of Gary Englestad and Rebecca Roe

Neptune, NJ, September 9, 2025 – UMC Foundation (UMCF) Vice-President Jim Roberts has long held that the Foundation’s greatest opportunity for growth lies with the people who dedicate their lives to furthering its mission of providing compassionate care, dignity, and the highest quality of life possible for NJ’s aging population.

“Since becoming the Foundation’s Vice-President, I’ve been continuously impressed with the unwavering commitment our Director of Transformational Giving, Gary Englestad, and Director of Communications & Stewardship Rebecca Roe have shown to the older adults we serve,” emphasized Roberts. “In recognition of their dedication, and in anticipation of the Foundation’s continued growth, it’s an honor to announce their recent promotions.”

Engelstad leverages more than three decades of experience in nonprofit senior housing and a broad background spanning philanthropy, sales, community resources, pastoral ministries, social work, wellness, and volunteer programs at the Foundation. He has been critical to the Foundation’s fundraising growth since 2015. As Senior Director of Giving, Engelstad will cultivate long-term donor relationships in partnership with Melanie Dixon, Director of Major Gifts, and support corporate sponsorships with Maureen Stern, Director of Special Events.

“In all my extensive work history, I have never felt the level of purpose that I have had for the last 11 years with the UMC Foundation,” enthused Engelstad, “This is a first-class organization that lives its mission every day.”

Roe joined the team in December 2013 and has held several roles within the Foundation, including administrative support, gift processing and reporting, donor relations, and grant funding. Beyond her existing communications and stewardship responsibilities, Roe’s expanded role as Senior Foundation Director will also include strategic planning, staff management, and cross-functional coordination.

“I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside the Foundation for nearly 13 years, and that experience has given me a deep appreciation for where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and the opportunities ahead,” reflected Roe, “I’m excited to build on my work while bringing that perspective to the broader strategic conversations that will help shape what comes next.”

The internal promotions reflect UMCF’s commitment to building awareness, strengthening relationships, and leveraging the experience and expertise of its own team as the Foundation continues to grow.

About UMCF

The role of UMCF is to create and maintain strong partnerships and secure critical funding to support residents with limited financial means, and fund UMC’s housing, innovative healthcare, and community-driven programs and projects that help older adults live their most abundant lives. Together with our community of individual donors, business partners, local churches and groups, and other friends of our mission, we are advancing UMC’s excellence in senior care and sustainable senior living. Learn More: SupportUMCF.org.

About UMC

Based in Neptune, NJ, United Methodist Communities (UMC) is a nonprofit senior services organization with roots in the Wesleyan faith tradition, which proudly serves seniors of all faith traditions and backgrounds through independent, residential, and assisted living; Tapestries® Memory Care; respite; rehabilitation; long-term care; Bridges Hospice and Palliative Care; affordable senior housing; and case management, live-in and in-home personal care through HomeWorks. Locations include Bristol Glen (Newton); Collingswood Manor (Collingswood); Pitman Manor (Pitman); The Shores (Ocean City); Bishop Taylor (East Orange); Covenant Place (Plainfield); PineRidge of Montclair (Montclair); Wesley by the Bay (Ocean City); and The Wesleyan (Red Bank). HomeWorks serves most counties in the state and maintains offices at UMC’s Bristol Glen, Collingswood, Pitman, and The Shores. Learn More: UMCommunities.org.

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