The Alabama-West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church is announcing the retirement of Mr. Bob Northcutt, chancellor of the conference. Mr. Northcutt has faithfully served in this role since 2019 and has provided expert guidance on a myriad of legal issues. He also served as associate chancellor from 2017-2019. Mr. Northcutt submitted his letter of retirement on September 21, 2023, and has served as a consultant during the transition.
“We give thanks for the many ways Bob has contributed to this conference,” stated Bishop David Graves. “His dedication and professionalism to this conference and denomination exemplify servant ministry and he is widely respected among the United Methodist conference chancellors. It is no secret that this season of ministry has required far more legal guidance than others. He made conference work a priority all while balancing his secular work and family. Please join me in praying for Bob as he journeys into retirement and caring for family. I have deep respect for him as a friend and colleague and wish him the very best.”
Upon his retirement Mr. Northcutt stated the following, “As I have said on many occasions, representing the conference and having the opportunity to serve with the bishop and so many outstanding trustees, cabinet members, district superintendents, conference staff and ministers has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life. Serving as chancellor has assisted me along my faith journey and afforded me the opportunity to give back to the church that has always been there for me.”
Mrs. Elizabeth Smithart is now serving as the chancellor of the Alabama-West Florida Conference and Mr. William (Bill) A. Bond will serve as the associate chancellor.
Elizabeth completed her undergraduate degree at Huntingdon College and is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law. Her bar service includes serving on the Executive Committee (2021-2023), Vice President of the Alabama State Bar (2022-2023), Board of Bar Commissioners, former Chair of the Women’s Section, former Co-Chair of the Dispute Resolution Section and former member of the Young Lawyers Section Executive Committee. She is also an Alabama Law Foundation Fellow and the recipient of 2022 Alabama State Bar Commissioners Award. Her law practice is located in Union Springs, AL, and she is a long-time member of First United Methodist Church, Union Springs.
Bill is a partner with McDonald Fleming, and a committed United Methodist. He grew up attending First United Methodist Church of Panama City and is now a member of First United Methodist of Pensacola where his wife, Lisa, serves as the Director of Children’s Ministry. He has served as Chair of the Endowment Committee and in various other capacities in his church. Bill attended Huntingdon College, law school at Samford University and Southern Methodist University. Bill is admitted to practice in Florida (since 2005) and Texas (since 1987).
“I’m honored to welcome Elizabeth and Bill to our leadership team,” said Bishop Graves. “These two committed United Methodists distinctly understand the challenges we face and have already provided the conference with proficient legal counsel. The transition has been seamless and I look forward to working with them both. We offer our prayers and support to them in the coming years.”
All three leaders will be recognized and honored at the upcoming session of Annual Conference to be held June 16-18, 2024, in Montgomery, AL.