news article

Steve Hustedt to leave role as Director of Communications

September 14, 2022 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

After serving as the Upper New York (UNY) Director of Communications for more than nine years, Steve Hustedt will be leaving his role to become the top communicator for the College of Science at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

“I have greatly valued my time with the Upper New York Conference and the United Methodist Church as a whole,” Steve said. “And I especially value all the amazing people I have been blessed to be in ministry with over the years.”

The Rev. Bill Gottschalk-Fielding, UNY Director of Connectional Ministries and Executive Assistant to the Bishop said, “Steve is a skilled communicator who has always led first and foremost out of his faith. He loves Jesus and everything he is up to in our world and loves to help churches tell that story.”

Steve became the Upper New York’s Director of Communications in 2013 after having served as the Director of Communications in the Desert Southwest Conference for seven years. Prior to that he served as Writer/Editor in the Illinios Great Rivers Conference.

“My family and I loved our time in Upper New York,” Steve said. “But though all our travels, the Midwest has always felt like home. That is where most of our family lives and where Tricia and I grew up.”

Tricia is Steve’s wife and together they have five kids Page, Logen, Cole, Sayer, and Rex.

“Communications in Upper New York are in very strong place,” Steve said. “There is a great team of talented storytellers in place; the communication channels are strong; and departmental systems are smooth.”

Shelby Winchell, UNY Social Media and Website Specialist said, “Working with Steve has been a rewarding experience. Not only has he provided great leadership and support, but he’s also created a strong team of communicators. Shannon, Mary, and I are able to work in unison together, often with the same vision.  This is a true testament to Steve and his role as a supervisor. I am going to miss working with him daily, but I wish Steve and his family nothing but the best. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything else,”

Mary Daglish and I concur with Shelby; Steve has been a tremendous leader and while we will deeply miss him, we are excited to see where his future endeavors take him.

Steve will continue to support the Upper New York Conference as a coach/consultant at least through Annual Conference.

“We have done amazing things in my time here in Upper New York. I honestly feel like we were able to meet all our initial goals and go far beyond. We even managed to navigate a world-wide pandemic,” Steve pointed out. “I can’t wait to see what’s next for Upper New York. I know there will be amazing stories told in exciting ways that I’ll be able to enjoy from afar.”

TAGGED / Communications