Contact: Kerry Traubert

(404) 727-1170
ktraubert@thefund.org

The Fund for Theological Education Appoints

Kim Hearn Director of Ministry Fellowships

ATLANTA, February 8, 2010 – Kim Hearn has been named Director of Ministry Fellowships
at The Fund for Theological Education (FTE), an ecumenical, nonprofit advocate for excellence and
diversity in pastoral ministry and theological scholarship.
Hearn previously served as a regional director for FTE’s Calling Congregations initiative, a
national effort to equip congregations and church-related organizations to play a leading role in the
vocational discernment of young men and women, with a focus on increasing the number of gifted
young people considering pastoral ministry as a profession. As Director of Ministry Fellowships,
Hearn will administer fellowship award programs for undergraduates exploring ministry and for
seminary students who are preparing for pastoral ministry. Her appointment is effective February
15. She succeeds the Rev. Ellen Echols Purdum, who has been named Director of Student Life
and Spiritual Formation at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.
Hearn joined the Fund in 2006. She holds a Master of Theology degree with a
concentration in ethics from Emory University and a Master of Divinity degree from the University’s
Candler School of Theology. A native of Sheboygan, Wis., Hearn holds a bachelor’s degree in
sociology from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.
While in seminary, Hearn participated in the National Capitol Semester for Seminarians
program and as an intern for The National Council for Adoption in Washington, D.C. and The
Center for Ethics at Emory University. Prior to pursuing a theological education, Hearn served in
managerial roles for GTE Corporation. She is a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in
Decatur, Ga. and is a volunteer for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
“Kim’s commitment to excellence in theological education and her passion for
inspiring a new generation of leaders makes her an outstanding choice to serve in this role,” said
Ms. Melissa Wiginton, Vice President for Ministry Programs and Planning. “Her management
experience will help expand the program and network of relationships that Ellen Echols Purdum
has forged with such dedication and expertise.”
FTE supports the next generation of leaders among pastors and scholars, annually
providing more than $1.5 million in fellowships and support to gifted young people from all
denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds. For more information, visit www.thefund.org.

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