LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (August 13, 2026) — After a decade of service as Director of Leadership Ministries, the Rev. Mackey Yokem has announced his retirement from the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas (MFA) effective January 1, 2027.
“Mackey was the first person to hold this position, and his vision, tenacity, and desire to provide quality leadership opportunities for lay and clergy has far surpassed the Foundation’s hopes for this area of our work,” said MFA President & CEO the Rev. J. Wayne Clark. “MFA now distributes more grant funding than any other Methodist foundation in the United States. We are grateful for the years of service Mackey has given here, and for how he has shaped our grants program and positioned it for continued success in the years to come.”
During Yokem’s tenure, the MFA grants program’s annual distribution total grew from just over $850,000 in 2016 to more than $2.1 million in the 2025 calendar year.
In preparation for this staffing transition, the Foundation is seeking applicants for a new full-time Director of Grants and Leadership Ministries. The successful candidate will help further the mission of the Foundation, “to establish and manage charitable funds to strengthen and expand Methodist ministries across Arkansas,” by working with individuals and groups who have received or are preparing to seek grant funding from MFA.
Candidates must have exceptional written, presentation, and relationship skills, and at least five years of leadership and grant development experience is strongly preferred. A majority of the role’s hours will involve working with Methodist churches and institutions, the Arkansas Annual Conference, and nonprofit organizations. The position also serves as the liaison to the Board of Directors’ Grant Administration Committee, coordinates all undergraduate and seminary scholarships and, along with other MFA staff, assists with church account reviews.
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To apply, submit a cover letter and résumé through the form available on the job description page linked above. Questions beyond the parameters of the cover letter and résumé may be directed to
About the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas
With a mission to establish and manage charitable funds to strengthen and expand Methodist ministries across Arkansas, the Methodist Foundation for Arkansas manages over $280 million in endowment funds and other charitable assets that benefit local churches and other Methodist ministries. Founded in 1963, the Foundation has grown into one of the largest Methodist foundations in the country, managing more than 800 funds that support Methodist ministries. To learn more, visit methodistfoundationAR.org.
