news article
From the Desk of Bishop Burgos: Announcement of New Conference Superintendent
January 18, 2026 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Editor's Note: The following message was sent to United Methodists of Upper New York on Sunday, January 18 on behalf of Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez about the new Conference Superintendent appointment for the Albany and Adirondack Districts.
“…Christ gave gifts to some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God’s people. Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people for serving. God gave those gifts to make the body of Christ stronger.” Ephesians 4:11-12 (ICB)
Dear partners in ministry,
Grace and peace from Jesus Christ be with you.
Last fall, I shared with the Conference that the Rev. Debbie Earthrowl will conclude her service as Superintendent on June 30, 2026, marking the end of eight years of faithful and fruitful leadership on the cabinet.
Superintendents serve as spiritual leaders, chief missional strategists, and overseers for their assigned districts. Alongside the cabinet and the resident bishop, they develop strategies and guide clergy and laity in their districts to form passionate disciples of Jesus Christ, who empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously, so that lives, communities, and the world are transformed by the healing and liberating love of God.
After a process that included gathering input, consultation, and deep prayerful discernment, I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Anna Blinn Cole to the role of Superintendent for the Adirondack and Albany Districts, effective July 1, 2026.
Rev. Anna Blinn Cole is the pastor of Cobleskill UMC and the coordinating elder of the Mosaic Cooperative Ministry, a network of 10 congregations in the Oneonta District. Her previous appointments include church planter at Nourished: Richmondville, Regional Coordinator for the Schoharie Region, Associate Pastor at Cobleskill UMC, and pastor of Warnerville UMC. She has also served the conference as a candidacy mentor and as a member of the Oneonta DCOM, DLT, the UNY Board of Ordained Ministry, the Creation Justice Team, the New Faith Communities Team, the UNY Camp and Retreat Ministry Team, chaplain at Skye Farm Camp & Retreat Center, and as Chair of the Order of Elders.
The child of itinerant UMC pastors, Anna spent much of her childhood in the Red Bird Missionary Conference in southeastern Kentucky. Before entering ministry, she worked as a professional architectural historian in central New York while serving in lay leadership at Sidney UMC.
Anna and her spouse, Garrett, have been married for 18 years and are the parents of one daughter, June. Their family loves spending time outdoors—hiking, biking, boating, cross‑country skiing, and gardening. A lifelong artist, Anna finds joy in pottery, painting, quilting, cooking, and worship design.
Her ministry is grounded in a deep sense of place, a love for God’s creation, a commitment to justice, and a belief in the church’s capacity for joy and new possibility. Rev. Blinn Cole holds a B.A. from Bryn Mawr College, an M.A. in Historic Preservation from the University of Delaware, and an M.Div. from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.
This appointment reflects our shared commitment to cultivating vibrant, regenerative, strategic leadership across the conference. Rev. Blinn Cole brings a deep passion for serving diverse communities, strengthening connections, fostering innovation, and inspiring faith‑filled action. She is a strong advocate for the holistic wellness of both clergy and laity. Her generational perspective and experience guiding cooperative parish ministries will be a tremendous asset in this season, as our mission calls us to bold adaptation and creative approaches to ministry.
Please join me in celebrating the life and ministry of Rev. Anna Blinn Cole, and in keeping her, her family, and her congregations in our prayers as they enter this season of transition.
Together in mission,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez
Serving the Susquehanna & Upper New York Area
Of The United Methodist Church