Stonger Together: Beyond Hispanic Heritage Month
In her latest column, Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer reflects on the Northern Illinois Conference’s Hispanic/Latinx ministries and the importance of celebrating and supporting these…
Posted: September 22 2026 at 08:22 PM
Author: Lisa Smith, NIC Communication Specialist
Over the past several months, the Northern Illinois Conference has welcomed three new part-time district administrative assistants. Serving as key points of connection for churches, clergy and District Superintendents, these new staff members will provide administrative support and help strengthen relationships throughout their districts.
Shelley Harold
Prairie South District
The Prairie South District welcomed Shelley Harold as its new district administrative assistant on Aug. 17. Shelley will work from the district office at Sycamore UMC, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“I am delighted to welcome Shelley as our new district administrative assistant,” said Rev. Brian Gilbert, District Superintendent of the Prairie South District. “Shelley brings the gifts of experience and a spirit of collaboration that I think will strengthen our shared ministry across the district and help our congregations remain connected to our mission as a conference.”
Shelley can be reached via email or by calling 872-810-0846.
Rev. Deidre Hines
Lake South District
The Lake South District welcomed Rev. Deidre Hines as its new district administrative assistant on Sept. 1. Deidre works from the district office at Faith Community UMC, 335 W. 75th Street in Chicago, on Mondays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while also working remote on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“I am so blessed to welcome Rev. Deidre Hines as our new District Administrative Assistant,” said Audrea Nanabray, District Superintendent of the Lake South District. “She is a no-nonsense, get-the-job-done type of person with a phenomenal work ethic. She is exactly what our very active district needs. We are very grateful to have her as a part of our team.”
Rev. Hines can be reached via email or by calling 872-810-0896.
Elizabeth Williams
Prairie Central District
The Prairie Central District welcomes Elizabeth Williams as its new district administrative assistant. Elizabeth will begin serving the district on Oct. 1. Beth will work from the district office at Barrington UMC, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“I am so thankful to welcome Elizabeth Williams as our Prairie Central District Administrator,” said Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann, District Superintendent of the Prairie Central District. “Beth's lifelong roots in United Methodism and her desire to serve the church will be of great benefit to the laity and clergy of our District. Her many years of professional experience have given her a proven track record in leadership, organizational development, and attention to detail. I believe she is the right person to support our District as we move forward in hope!”
Beth can be reached via email or by calling 312-334-0701.
Debbie Rogers remains on staff, serving as the administrative assistant for the Lake North and Prairie North districts and as coordinator of clergy moves. Debbie works remotely three days a week, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and works in the NIC downtown office on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Debbie can be reached via email or by calling 872-810-0901.
Together, the district administrative assistants provide dedicated support to District Superintendents, churches and clergy, helping strengthen communication, connection and relationships across the Northern Illinois Conference.