Neptune, NJ, December 9, 2025 – Underscoring the organization’s commitment to supporting innovative, compassionate senior care in New Jersey, the UMC Foundation proudly appointed three new members to its Board of Trustees. Norris Clark, Layne Gordon, and Lisa Kaufman each offer unique perspectives and industry expertise that will advance UMCF’s mission by strengthening the organization’s thought leadership and building new community partnerships.
“Since joining the UMC Foundation team, it’s been my honor to work with our talented Board of Trustees to expand our fundraising initiatives and further our mission of providing abundant life for seniors,” reflected Foundation Vice President Jim Roberts. “Norris, Layne, and Lisa are qualified and outstanding additions to our Board, whose wide-reaching experiences and skill sets will complement those of our longstanding Trustees.”
A longtime advocate of the power of storytelling, Norris Clark recently transitioned from his role as Managing Partner of Princeton Strategic Communications, where he guided award-winning branding and PR campaigns across nonprofit, education, and tourism sectors. As he enters “semi-retirement” in 2026, Norris is devoting more time to volunteer pursuits that reflect both his personal faith tradition and his strong commitment to enhancing senior care in New Jersey.
Layne Gordon, Head of Business Operations for Travel Plaza Media and President of Acme Funding, has more than 30 years of experience in business consulting, legal practice, and entrepreneurial leadership. In his current role, Layne has helped many startups and small businesses plan strategically and build long-term sustainability. Meanwhile, his personal experience helping his father-in-law navigate senior living options deepened his appreciation for the importance of compassionate, dignified care for older adults.
As a Senior Project Manager at Walsh Company and a LEED Accredited Professional, Lisa Kaufman brings deep expertise in project management and real estate development to the UMCF Board of Trustees. Lisa has led complex construction and renovation projects for firms such as Gensler, Huntsman, and FX Fowle, and was drawn to contribute to the UMCF community in a meaningful way through a professional connection with Foundation Vice President Jim Roberts.
“Our communities and residents depend on the critical support that the UMC Foundation provides,” said Mark Lenhard, UMC President and CEO, “so to know that their Board of Trustees is equipped with best-in-field guidance reaffirms our confidence that, together, we will continue delivering compassionate services and meaningful connections for the seniors we serve.”
Those interested in learning more about event committees, volunteer opportunities, or other ways to support UMCF should contact Jim Roberts at jroberts@umcommunities.org.
About UMCF
The role of UMCF is to create and maintain strong partnerships and secure critical funding to support residents with limited financial means, and fund UMC’s housing, innovative healthcare, and community-driven programs and projects that help older adults live their most abundant lives. Together with our community of individual donors, business partners, local churches and groups, and other friends of our mission, we are advancing UMC’s excellence in senior care and sustainable senior living. Visit SupportUMCF.org to learn more
About UMC
Based in Neptune, NJ, United Methodist Communities (UMC) is a nonprofit senior services organization with roots in the Wesleyan faith tradition, which proudly serves seniors of all faith traditions and backgrounds through independent, residential, and assisted living; Tapestries® Memory Care; respite; rehabilitation; long-term care; Bridges Hospice and Palliative Care; affordable senior housing; and case management, live-in and in-home personal care through HomeWorks. Locations include Bristol Glen (Newton); Collingswood Manor (Collingswood); Pitman Manor (Pitman); The Shores (Ocean City); Bishop Taylor (East Orange); Covenant Place (Plainfield); PineRidge of Montclair (Montclair); Wesley by the Bay (Ocean City); and The Wesleyan (Red Bank). HomeWorks serves most counties in the state and maintains offices at UMC’s Bristol Glen, Collingswood, Pitman, and The Shores. Visit UMCommunities.org to learn more