Biographical information about our leadership.
Mary Lynn Ragan Clunn: I’m an attorney currently living in Alexandria, VA. I have been active in the UMC for many years on the local, district, conference and denominational level with churches in NC, NJ, NY, VA and DC. I was asked to join the Affirmation Council in late 2013. I am an ally and happily married to Rev. Steve Clunn. We have three adult children (Drew, Ally, and Julia) and a new granddaughter named Clementine. I am a passionate humanitarian with commitments to social justice and human rights, children and youth issues, gender-neutral language and UNC basketball.
Ann Craig: After 22 years working at General Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Women with one foot in the closet and one foot out, I became the first director of religion at GLAAD where I worked with 20 or more LGBTQ faith groups like Affirmation. What an ecumenical and interfaith experience! Today, I am a consultant to The Fellowship Global working to win the hearts and minds of faith leaders in East and West Africa and helping shine a light on the historic role played by Metropolitan Community Churches in marriage equality and so much more. It’s good to be back with Affirmation on the Council.
Jim Palmquist: I rejoined the Affirmation National Council for a second term in 2016. In my first term, I served as Co-Coordinator from 2004 to 2008. I am retired after a diverse business career in computer systems, sales, logistics, and non-profit management. In addition, I was a Naval Aviator and an Adjunct Professor at Temple University on the graduate level and taught at Penn State and two other universities. For AARP of Pennsylvania, I served as Volunteer State President for five years ending in 2016. AARP PA has 1.8 million members. For the ACLU in Pennsylvania, I serve as a regional volunteer leader. I am married, have three children and five grandchildren. My role on the National Council is Treasurer.
Gary Shephard is co-convenor, a long-time member, and serves as newsletter editor and mailing list manager.