JoAnn Early. Photo by jlynn studios.

"Pastors often feel like they are alone. It can be an isolating job. I look forward to connecting with the pastors and helping them in whatever ways I can," said JoAnn Early, newly hired Human Resource and Benefits Officer for the Dakotas Conference. Early previously served as the Office Operations Director at Legacy United Methodist Church in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Growing up in Bottineau, North Dakota, the youngest of eight five sisters and two brothers, she landed in Houston, Texas. JoAnn was attending college in North Dakota and went to help her brother and sister-in-law in Houston. She met and married her husband, Andy. They made Houston their home.  

Work experiences

She has work experience in the Houston, Texas area as a manager at a fast-food restaurant, a gate attendant and in baggage claim for Southwest Airlines, a full-time nanny, a manager at a Chili's restaurant, and at Outback Steakhouse, where she oversaw new store openings.

"I worked in a variety of positions. Most of my positions dealt with hiring people and managing things. I have dealt with plenty of people that have not been happy or are struggling," said Early. "I gained a lot of experience with human resources in the restaurant business and enjoyed it. At Outback, I oversaw all of the payroll, benefits, and profit and loss statements."

She even launched a career as a professional golfer. The venture did not progress because of a back injury. "I would golf by day and work at Outback Steakhouse as a bartender at night," said JoAnn. "I broke my back in a car accident, and that stopped me from playing golf. I went into ministry. I started working as the kid's ministry assistant at a church in Texas and then moved to administrative assistant for the associate pastor."

When Andy's parents passed away, they moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, to be closer to JoAnn's family.

"I grew up in North Dakota and moved to Texas when I was 19. When Andy's parents passed away, we moved back to be with family. The move allowed me four good years with my sister before she died of cancer. I had five years with my dad before he passed away. My mom is 90 so it is fun to visit her. It has been nice to be surrounded by family," said JoAnn.

In Bismarck, she worked as the food coordinator for the YMCA daycare and preschool before working at Legacy UMC. "I ordered the food and cooked breakfast, lunch, and snacks for 100 children daily. I took care of the food service personnel that assisted," said JoAnn.

She moved to the office assistant position at Legacy UMC and became the Office Operations Director when Al Roll retired.

JoAnn has served on the Dakota Conference Board of Pensions for the past two years. "I was nervous about going on the board at first because I was unsure how things worked. I admire the dedication of the board. There is a real passion for taking care of clergy and their spouses. There has never been an attitude about just doing the minimum of what is necessary. The board has always prioritized the well-being of the clergy and their families. I admire that," said JoAnn.

JoAnn at work. Photo by Doreen Gosmire.

Faith journey

Growing up Catholic, she attended weekly worship with her family. When she moved to Houston, she moved away from her faith.

"I still went to church every once in a while but never had a solid connection to a church," said JoAnn. "When I married, my husband's family were evangelical Baptists and churchgoers. At family reunions, there would be worship. We were at one of the reunions, and one of Andy's uncles was preaching. Suddenly, I just started crying. I couldn't stop. I truly accepted Jesus Christ as my savior that day."

She found her relationship with God grew. "I realized that I need to rely on God. If you don't, you can get pretty lost. Since I put my trust in the Lord, things have fallen into place," said JoAnn.

Every morning, she does a devotion. Prayer is a part of her entire day. JoAnn is part of a small group gathering weekly for a Christian book study.

"It is an eclectic group. We have a variety of ages, views, and backgrounds. It is wonderful to have diversity because it makes you stronger when you face resistance and must think things through," said JoAnn. "I know God is good and try to live into that fact. He is the one that is leading the way."

Chief Benefits and Human Resource Officer position
 
Leana Stunes will retire as the Dakotas Conference Chief Benefits Officer. JoAnn Schlimgen retired as Assistant Director of Finance and Administration earlier this year. Early will be the Chief Benefits and Human Resource Officer (CBHRO)—a newly defined position combining previous tasks performed by Stunes and Schlimgen.

JoAnn will work remotely from Bismarck and travel to the Dakotas Conference Office in Mitchell, South Dakota, one week each month.

"When the position was first announced, I thought it would be a great position, but I knew that because my husband is the pastor at two congregations in Bismarck, it would not be a fit for me. When the Board of Pensions decided that the position could be remote, I prayed, 'God, if you want this to happen, you will have to lead and give me a sign.' I applied, and God is making it happen," said JoAnn.

Dana Bassett will serve as the Assistant Director of Finance, focusing on account receivables and payables and reports. Kathy Roll has been hired to assist with payroll and other functions in the Finance Office.  

Family

The Earlys have four adopted sons. The eldest lives and works in Houston, Texas. Andy and JoAnn keep in contact with him by phone calls, text messaging, and visits. The other three boys made the move to Bismarck. God had a hand in adopting the boys.
 
"We realized that we were not going to have children. So, we were looking into adoption. The Lord led us through a path with a couple caring for their grandchildren. The husband had multiple sclerosis and was bedridden. We prayed about it, discussed it, and prayed some more. One thing led to another, and the Lord put things in place. We love the boys and our family," JoAnn shared.

For JoAnn and Andy, their work, family, and the future are all part of God's plan.

"God has a hand in all of this," said JoAnn. "I am excited to be working with the Dakotas Conference. I know that God is at work and will guide our future."