Bishop Hee-Soo Jung announces appointments of district superintendents, effective July 1.

“I am so blessed by East Ohio Conference leadership and am thankful for their commitment to advancing our mission and vision for ministry,” Jung said. “Now we are moving to four superintendents in our Cabinet leadership, one in each district.”

The Central Valley District superintendent will be Rev. Cara Stultz Costello. She was appointed to the Cabinet as superintendent of the Tuscarawas District in 2020 and has served with Rev. Edgar Brady as a superintendent team leading the Central Valley District since January 1, 2024. Bishop Jung is appointing Brady to serve as pastor of Painesville United Methodist Church in the Northern Waters District beginning in July.

The Northern Waters District superintendent will be Rev. Angela Lewis. She was appointed to the Cabinet in 2021 serving the Canal District. Since January 2024, Lewis has served the Northern Waters District with Rev. Bruce Hitchcock as a superintendent team. Hitchcock has announced he will retire at the end of June. He served as a superintendent in three districts (Ohio Valley, North Coast, and Northern Waters) since being appointed to the Cabinet in 2018.

The South Forest District superintendent will be Rev. Laura White. She was appointed to the Cabinet in 2021 to serve the Southern Hills District, and later also served as co-superintendent of the Ohio Valley District with Rev. Kelly Brown. Since January 1, 2024, White and Brown have served as a superintendent team leading the laity and clergy of the South Forest District.

The West Plains District superintendent will be Rev. Kelly Brown. He was appointed to the Cabinet in 2021 as superintendent of the Three Rivers District, and later also served as co-superintendent of the Ohio Valley District with Rev. Laura White. Since January 1, 2024, he has served the South Forest District with White. District Superintendent Rev. Nestor Nazario and District Superintendent Associate Rev. Donna Van Trees are the team currently leading the West Plains District. Nazario has announced he will retire at the end of June. He was appointed to the Cabinet in 2017 as superintendent of the Mid-Ohio District and later also served the Firelands District. Van Trees retired in 2014. She has served two appointments in retirement: district superintendent associate of the Firelands District (2022-2023) and district superintendent associate of the West Plains District since January 1, 2024.

“I give thanks for the amazing leadership of the Cabinet. I love and respect their integrity and their love for Christ’s Church and our East Ohio Conference,” Jung said. “I ask you to join me in praying for our district superintendents and to support them as they serve the Church and prepare to transition into retirement and new opportunities after concluding appointive ministry.”

View the list of 2025-2026 clergy appointments and changes of status.