Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Episcopal leader for the Northern Illinois conference is proud to announce the appointment of two new District Superintendents to the Northern Illinois Cabinet effective July 1^st, 2011.  Reverend Tracy Smith Malone, currently serving as Senior Pastor at Wheaton: Gary UMC will assume the position of Chicago Southern District Superintendent and Reverend Richard Wisdom, currently serving as Senior Pastor at Rockford: Christ UMC will assume the position of DeKalb District Superintendent.

Rev. Dr. Tracy Smith Malone

Reverend Tracy Smith Malone became a probationary member of the conference in 1993 and has served in both associate, solo pastor and senior pastor positions.  Tracy is a lifelong United Methodist growing up as a PK (Pastors Kid) in the Northern Illinois Conference.  Tracy's experience in the church spans conference, Jurisdictional and General Church roles.  She is currently serving in her second term on the General Board of Church and Society.  Reflecting on this opportunity Reverend Smith Malone stated "I am excited about the opportunity to take my professional experience as a pastor in the local church and as a leader in the wider United Methodist structure into this new role as I resource and lead the district.  Much has been provided to me and I am honored to give back as a leader of leaders."  In naming Tracy to the Cabinet Bishop Jung identified her "excellent leadership skills, proven track record in the parish, broader understanding of the global church and rich heritage as a United Methodist" among the gifts Tracy brings to her new role.  Tracy is married to Derrick, a State Farm Agent.  Tracy and Derrick are the proud parents of two young daughters.

Rev. Richard Wisdom

Reverend Richard Wisdom became a probationary member of the conference in 2000 and has served in both rural and urban settings, in small and large churches.  Reverend Wisdom comes to United Methodism from a Roman Catholic background having grown up in Aurora, Illinois the eldest of 11 children.  A second career pastor, Dick brings extensive business experience to his ministry.  During his ministry at Rockford: Christ, Dick moved the church through several expansion efforts including a merger with Our Masters UMC.  The congregation currently worships over 700 and is one of the largest worshiping communities in the Northern Illinois Conference.  Bishop Jung introduced Revered Wisdom as "an innovative thinker who brings vision and courage to the development of the church.  Dick's business experience and deep faith will continue to carry the DeKalb District into a healthy future."  Reverend Wisdom says, "I'm very enthused to be in ministry with the clergy and laity of the DeKalb District especially in this time of swiftly changing culture around us."  Dick and his wife Cheryl recently celebrated 25 years of marriage, are the parents to four grown children and the proud grandparents of 3 fantastic grandchildren.

Rev. Larry Hilkemann

Reverend Larry Hilkemann, current DeKalb District Superintendent will be moving to retirement following 46 years of service in the United Methodist Church.  "Larry's leadership on the Cabinet over the past six years has brought renewed energy and vitality to the DeKalb District evidenced in strong cluster ministries, laity commitment and creative outreach to communities on the district", said Bishop Jung.   Reverend Hilkemann has served as Dean of the Cabinet over the past two years.

Rev. Addison Shields

Reverend Addison Shields, current Chicago Southern District Superintendent has been appointed as the Senior Pastor at LaGrange: First United Methodist Church following seven years as a superintendent both in the Rockford District (2004-2006) and Chicago: Southern District (2006-2011).  Bishop Jung is grateful for "Addison's deep faith, business sense and passion for Christ which have been a gift to the work of the Cabinet and the churches of our Conference."