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 excited to join 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, 22, recently graduated from UNCW (BA in Psychology) and lives in Wilmington. Our son Bradley, 18, is currently a high school senior planning to study 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 then worked 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. I enjoy cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors when I’m not working. 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!
Sara Cameron, Lay Leader
Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Sara’s family moved to St. Pauls, NC, shortly after her graduation from West Mecklenburg High School. Sara graduated from Selena Business College in Lumberton, NC, with a Secretarial/Administrative degree and worked as a secretary for seven years with the Robeson Baptist Association in Lumberton. She spent many, many years helping her husband on the farm, as well as helping manage a small sweet corn business.
Many of Sara’s skills are self-taught, and she also enjoys attending seminars and webinars, which have honed Sara’s academic and leadership skills. She served six years as the Administrative Assistant to the Rockingham District Superintendent. Sara has been an active member of St. Pauls United Methodist Church since 1992 and currently serves as finance secretary, SPRC chair, and member of the trustee board, finance committee, worship committee, and teaches a children’s Sunday School class.
Sara served as the Spiritual Growth Coordinator for the Rockingham District’s United Methodist Women for several years. She is a Certified Lay Speaker and joyfully served as Gateway District’s Co-Director of Lay Servant Ministries.
Sara is married to Larry Cameron, and on March 17, 2020, they happily celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Sara enjoys serving God in her church and district and wherever she feels God is leading her. She especially enjoys cooking, painting, gardening, music, going to the mountains, and visiting with friends and family.