Regional Teams
Unity Great Lakes Regional Teams 2025-2026
As ratified by the Board of Trustees November 11, 2025
We are grateful for our teams accomplishing essential business for our Region
AdHoc Bylaws Team
Team Lead: Rev. Cindy Yamamoto
Description: As needed, review and revise the bylaws and present recommendations to the board to be voted upon at the annual meeting.
Time Commitment: Quarterly meetings, as needed
Finance Team
Board Liaison: Paula Land, LUT
Team Lead: Rev. Ric Beattie
Description: Supports the Board and Board Treasurer in ensuring the accuracy and sound stewardship of the Regions financial resources. Helps to shape the annual budget process for recommendation to the Board and suggests ways to streamline operations.
Time Commitment: Monthly meetings
Policy/Procedure Manual
Board Liaison: Rev. Sandra Higgins-Smith
Description: Reviews and reconciles the PPM (Policy and Procedures Manual) to ensure it reflects current practices, with an eye for clear rules and well-crafted accountabilities.
Time Commitment: Quarterly meetings
Conference Team
Board Liaison: Kathy Harwood Long and Paula Land, LUT
*team also includes regional administrator
Description: Working within the budget approved by the board, the team liaises across each facet of the annual conference, including presenters and programming, registration, facility and logistics, and the promotion plan, developed by staff.
Time Commitment: Monthly meetings, January through September
Leadership Recruitment & Development Team (LRDT)
Board Liaison: Nancy Berdasco, LUT
Team Leads: Rev. Kurt Condra, Rev. Cindy Yamamoto
Purpose: Identifies, vets, and qualifies candidates to serve on the Great Lakes Region Board of Trustees, and presents the approved slate at the annual business meeting.
Time Commitment: ~Quarterly meetings, plus communication to vet prospective candidates
YFM DREAM SEED TEAM
Team Lead: Rev. Deb Hill-Davis
*team also includes regional yfm coordinator
Description: Develops fundraising ideas to implement across the Region in support of Youth and Family Ministry, helping YOUers who need financial assistance to attend retreats and rallies, and churches that need support for the same purpose. The team's larger vision is to raise enough through initiatives like the annual Dream Seed Rally Day Fundraiser to help Unity Centers/Churches rebuild their YFM programs.
Time Commitment: Monthly meetings
EarthCare
Board Liaison: Kathy Harwood Long
Description: Plans, coordinates, and implements the Region's annual EarthCare communications and initiatives, reporting to the Board of Trustees on a set schedule.
Time Commitment: To be determined by the team
LUT Ministry Team
Board Liaison: Nancy Berdasco, LUT
Description: Works with the Regional LUT Representative to discuss LUT (Licensed Unity Teacher) support and develop action plans for the Region
Time Commitment: Monthly meetings