Governance of the church – overseeing all issues related to personnel and property – is the job of the Board of Trustees.  Nine Trustees are elected (three each year for a term of three years) at the annual meeting of the congregation. The Board then elects a Board Chair, Vice-chair, and Secretary.  The Board also appoints a Church Treasurer and an Assistant Treasurer.  These five persons along with the Church Moderator (also elected at the annual meeting) comprise the six officers of the church.  There are ex-officio members of the Board as well (the ministers, the Director of Administration, the Director of Religious Exploration, the immediate past Board Chair, and two youth representatives, selected by the youth to serve a one-year term).  The open Board meetings are monthly on the 4th Wednesday.  You can email the board with any questions or concerns at board@firstuucolumbus.org

If you would like to attend a Board or Finance meeting please let us know by filling out the request form.

Board of Trustees 2026-2027

Betsy Smalley, Board-Chair (2024-2027)
Bill Fiorini, Vice-Chair (2025-2028)
Raina Bradford-Jennings, Secretary (2026-2029)
Tara Mullins-Cosme, Fundraising Co-Chair (2025-2028)
Kristen Hartmann, Fundraising Co-Chair (2025-2028)
Cara Seidt, Trustee (2026-2029), Legal Counsel
Kathleen Fowler, Trustee (2026-2028)
Dr. Jennifer Nichols, Trustee (2026-2029)
Gabe McDonald, Trustee (Appointed, 2026-2027)

Vanda Sucheston Hughes, Moderator (Ex-Officio, 2026-2027)
Chris Sullivan, Treasurer (Ex-Officio, 2025-2028)

Board Committees

Finance Committee – Marc Pinsonneault, chair

Personnel Liaison – Cynthia Mercer

Nominating Committee – more information

Board Minutes

Meeting minutes and other board documents

Document Library (pdf)

Constitution (Adopted February 2026)
Mission & Vision Statement (2018)
Governance Policy Book v3 (June 2019)
Communication Policy (5-26-2021)*
Covenant of Respectful Relations (May 2026)
Healthy Relations Policy (March 2019)*
First UU Non-Discrimination Policy (2017)*
Child and Youth Safety Policy (3-27-2019)*
2025-26 Annual Report

*These policies are currently under review.  We are aware that some of the procedures and steps outlined in these policies are outdated or no longer align with the way the church is structured.  While these policies are under review, please contact a member of staff or the Board if you have questions about the implementation of any particular policy

For other church policies not listed, contact the board, church office, minister or staff.