Dear Friends,

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for each of you and your ministry in our beloved United Methodist Church.

I write today to share important news regarding a leadership transition in the Northern District of the West Virginia Conference.

 After five years of excellent and gracious service as Northern District Superintendent,Rev. Neil Leftwich will be retiring effective June 30. Neil has served on the Cabinet since 2021, bringing with him a spirit of deep pastoral care, hospitality, and steady leadership. He is currently the Dean of the Cabinet. Throughout his ministry, Neil has embodied graciousness in all that he does, whether serving local churches, walking alongside clergy, or supporting congregations through seasons of discernment and transition.

Neil’s ministry reflects a lifetime of faithful ministry. In addition to his years in the West Virginia Conference, he has also served as a pastor and district superintendent in the Desert Southwest Conference and pastor in the Western Pennsylvania Conference. We give thanks to God for Neil’s leadership, wisdom, and compassionate heart, and celebrate his lasting impact on the Northern District and the wider connection.

As we honor Neil’s retirement, I am also pleased to announce that Rev. Greg Markins will be appointed to serve as the next Northern District Superintendent beginning July 1, 2026.

Greg was ordained an elder in 2011 and has served faithfully in a variety of pastoral appointments across the West Virginia Conference, including roles as both associate pastor and lead pastor. He currently pastors Steele Memorial United Methodist Church in Barboursville. Greg brings to the superintendency a deep love for the local church, a collaborative spirit, and a strong commitment to nurturing clergy and congregational vitality.

Greg has also been actively engaged in the life of the Conference previously serving with our Camping and Outdoor Ministry, as the Director of the Course of Study School of Ohio Extension here in West Virginia, and currently on the Board of Ordained Ministry. He holds an undergraduate degree from Marshall University and earned his Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School. His gifts, experience, and grounding in Wesleyan theology equip him well for this next season of leadership.

Please join me in offering prayers of thanksgiving for Rev. Neil Leftwich as he moves toward retirement, Rev. Greg Markins as he prepares to step into this new role, and for the Northern District as it continues to live into God’s call with hope and faith.

Thank you for your prayers, trust, and ongoing commitment to the ministry we share. It is a joy to serve as your Bishop.

Blessings,
Debra Wallace-Padgett
Resident Bishop
Holston & West Virginia Conference
The United Methodist Church