Ritchey
The South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church has named Kate Ritchey as its new digital communicator, a full-time role focused on strengthening the conference’s digital presence and equipping local churches to share the story of God’s work across South Carolina.
As part of the Conference Communications Team, Ritchey will help to engage, equip and empower local churches through digital tools and storytelling that support our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
“As our digital communicator, Kate will help amplify the voices and stories of United Methodists across South Carolina,” said Dan O’Mara, conference director of communications. “Her work will highlight ministries, encourage collaboration and help churches use digital platforms to reach their communities more effectively.
“Through thoughtful storytelling, strategic communication and a deep understanding of both ministry and media, Kate will help the South Carolina Conference continue expanding its digital engagement – strengthening its connectional mission in the years ahead.”
Conference Connectional Ministries’ decision to create the digital communicator position aligns with the work of the four Jeremiah Teams – all of which identified communications as playing a critical role as the conference moves into a new future.
Ritchey brings a strong background in ministry, communications and digital engagement. She holds a master of divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University and a bachelor of arts degree in communications from Florida Southern College. Her work reflects a passion for telling meaningful stories and building community through clear and creative communication.
“I love storytelling – most especially telling stories about how God is working in the world and our communities,” Ritchey said. “I’m very excited to be a part of telling the story of God’s hand in the work of the South Carolina Conference across our digital platforms.”
Most recently, Ritchey served as Minister of Families and Faith Formation at Prince George Winyah Parish Church in Georgetown, South Carolina. In that role she led multi-channel communications efforts, producing digital newsletters and managing ministry social media platforms to help connect families and youth with the life of the church and strengthen engagement among members and newcomers.
Her previous experience includes serving with Wellroot Family Services, formerly the United Methodist Children’s Home of Georgia, and Inspiritus Refugee Services in Clarkston, Georgia.
In her new role with the conference, Ritchey will help oversee the conference’s social media channels, assist with maintaining and improving the conference website, and contribute to storytelling efforts that highlight ministries across the connection. The position also includes working with conference leaders and local churches to share news, produce digital content and develop communications strategies that connect people across the conference.
She will also help research emerging digital trends and advise the communications team on tools and strategies that can strengthen the conference’s ability to communicate effectively in an evolving media landscape.
Ritchey is married to the Rev. J.T. Brown, pastor of Fairlawn United Methodist Church in Columbia. They have a 1-year-old daughter, Margaret, and they enjoy spending time with family, trying new restaurants in the Columbia area, and getting outside whenever they can.
You can contact Kate Ritchey at kritchey@umcsc.org.
