New England Conference names Director of Communications

New England Area Resident Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar is pleased to announce that Beth DiCocco has been named Director of Communications for the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church.

As Director of Communications, DiCocco will lead all functions of the Communications Ministry in support of the Conference's mission to equip, connect, and support local, regional, and global ministries to make disciples of Jesus Christ, and to serve all in his name. She brings a wealth of journalistic experience and comes with innovative ideas to share stories with local churches about what is happening in churches across our Annual Conference and the church worldwide.

“Having read some of her previous writings and the insights that I gleaned as a member of the interview team, I am convinced that Beth will help us fulfill the communication needs of our Conference and be an excellent addition to our Conference staff.  It is my prayer that with the support of all of us, she will do her best to carry on the legacy created by Alexx Wood,” noted Bishop Devadhar.

DiCocco, who previously served as Writer/Editor for the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church, will assume her new responsibilities on Jan. 5, 2015. She will report to the Rev. Erica Robinson-Johnson, Assistant to the Bishop/Director of Connectional Ministries.

"I am confident that Beth's experience in communications within The United Methodist Church will be a major asset for the New England Conference. She brings a high level of skill, innovation and energy, all of which will surely be required as the conference proceeds with its strategic plan" said Rene Wilbur, Conference Lay Leader and Chair of the Search Committee.

Before coming to Upper New York in 2011, DiCocco was a daily newspaper journalist for 20 years. Her last position was Features Editor for the Observer-Dispatch in Utica, N.Y.

She has a bachelor’s degree from Mount Holyoke College and studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.

“I am excited to join the New England Conference,” DiCocco said. "The United Methodist Church is indeed transforming the world; and I am honored and humbled by the privilege of being able to share the story of our Church and the faithful disciples who are serving as Christ's hands and feet." 

DiCocco and her husband, Martin Lyons, who is a journalist, have three daughters and a grandson.

“There is Good News being proclaimed in local communities throughout our conference,” said Rev. Jay Williams of Union United Methodist Church in Boston, who served on the Search Committee. “Beth’s expertise will help tell these stories of hope more broadly. And that’s good news for our Church!”

You can contact DiCocco via email at beth@neumc.org or at (978) 682-7676 ext. 150.