David Blackman, District Superintendent
David Blackman has called NC home for the past 30+ years after growing up in central NY. A second-career pastor, David worked at UNC Charlotte and Elon University before answering God’s call into ministry.
With thanks to God for the faithfulness of his previous appointments to Warren’s Grove, the Currituck Charge, Saint Luke (Laurinburg), Hay Street, and the Beacon District, David looks forward to returning to the Gateway District and supporting the churches and clergy in their efforts to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Pam Maher, Gateway/ Harbor Administrative Assistant to the DS
My name is Pam Maher (MAH-her), and I am happy to be a part of the Gateway and Harbor Districts! I was born in Germany and lived in Puerto Rico for a few years before my parents returned to NC. We then moved to NJ until I returned to Raleigh to attend NCSU.
I married my husband, Scott, in 1999, and we have two children. Our daughter Avery graduated from UNCW with a BA in Psychology and lives in Wilmington. Our son Bradley is a student at NCSU studying Nuclear Engineering. Our family would not be complete without our dog, Daphne, and two cats, Pepper and Birdie.
I spent most of my career in software sales before leaving the corporate world and working at St. Mark’s UMC in Raleigh for almost four years. Following St. Mark’s, I joined the NCC as part of Church Transformation Ministries. When I’m not working, I enjoy cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors. My passion is anything related to yarn and fiber, especially knitting.
I did not grow up in the United Methodist Church, but I came to it as an adult and, in 2013, became a professing member of St. Mark’s in Raleigh. What I love about United Methodism is the connectional focus, the emphasis on putting God’s love into action, and the ability to ask questions to deepen my faith. I look forward to working closely with the Gateway and Harbor Districts and seeing how God moves with us!
Lucy Lowry, District Lay Leader
I have been pleased to call Robeson County and her rich farmlands home for most of my adult life. I am a graduate of what is now the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP). At UNCP, I studied Business Administration, Accounting, and Mathematics.
I’ve grown professionally through careers in accountancy and mathematics education, retiring as a mathematics instructor with Sandhills Community College.
I am a breast cancer survivor of 29 years+. I receive great pleasure from reading, music and stimulating conversation. My favorite authors include Fr. Richard Rohr, Dr. Howard Thurman, Fr. Thomas Keating, and Dr. Will Willimon
I have served the church as a financial advisor, bible teacher for adults and adolescents, chancel choir, and various committee work such as PPRC, Worship, and finance committees. I am excited to be part of the Gateway District as District Lay Leader.