By Aileen Delgado*

Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, the resident bishop of the East Ohio Annual Conference, is one of the most influential people in The United Methodist Church.

From being a teenage preacher to serving as the president of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, God has been preparing Malone to lead the denomination as the president of the Council of Bishops, a responsibility she assumes in April 2024.

Raised by the late Rev. Willie and late mother April Smith in the United Methodist faith, Malone answered her call to ministry at 13. Shortly after, she experienced a pivotal moment in her life while attending the Maceo D. Pembroke Institute, a ministry of Black Methodists for Church Renewal, at Garrett Theological seminary, the first step in a long journey of rich leadership development and spiritual growth.

During her ministry, Malone has pastored several churches in the Northern Illinois Conference, represented that conference at four General and Jurisdictional Conferences, served as a district superintendent, served as the dean of the Cabinet and was the first female bishop of that conference. She is a published author and has taught at universities. Since becoming bishop, her unwavering commitment to women in ministry has only strengthened.

Most recently she was honored with the unveiling of the Bishop Tracy S. Malone Hall of Residence for female students at Africa University.

Beyond her professional achievements, Malone cherishes her family, including her husband, Derrick, and their two daughters. She prioritizes family time and emphasizes the importance of finding balance, believing that nurturing her family strengthens her ministry.

Through her leadership, Malone continues to inspire hope and reconciliation within The United Methodist Church.

Bishop Tracy S. Malone shares her call story in this Power of One Voice video.

Women’s History Month is an annual observance in the United States that highlights the contributions of women to history and society. In the United Methodist Church, we celebrate and recognize the ministry and impact of women at all levels of the life and mission of the Church. Learn more about Women in Methodist history here.

*Aileen Delgado is director of Communications for the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women.