The West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church has announced the assignment of Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett to lead the conference. She succeeds Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball.

According to a social media post from the conference, the Northeastern Jurisdiction Committee on Episcopacy affirmed the recommendation by the Inter-jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy to reduce the number of bishops across the jurisdictions.

“The ICOE has discerned creative solutions in a spirit of collaboration,” the post stated.

The decision means that the NEJ will share one bishop with the Southeastern Jurisdiction  for the coming quadrennium. Thus, the West Virginia Conference will share Bishop Wallace-Padgett with the Holston Conference from the SEJ.

The conference expressed optimism about this arrangement.

“We are optimistic about the potential for enhanced collaboration and the sharing of resources and ideas across jurisdictions,” the post said.

They extended a warm welcome to Bishop Wallace-Padgett, highlighting her unique gifts, vision and dedication to the role.

In light of the transition, the conference also expressed profound gratitude to Bishop Steiner Ball for her leadership over the past 12 years. Bishop Steiner Ball, who will be moving to the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference, has been an influential figure, fostering unity, innovation and spiritual growth, according to the conference.

“Her influence has left an indelible mark on our conference,” the post said. “We wish her a blessed new season of ministry.”