The Florida United Methodist Foundation is privileged to announce the appointment of two new members to the Board of Directors.
Elected annually by the Foundation’s membership at the annual meeting of the Florida Conference, the board includes clergy and lay leadership from across the conference representing a wide variety of professional expertise.
At this year’s annual conference in June, Dr. Amanda Blount and Mr. James Previte were elected to the Board. Their terms began on July 1, 2024.
Dr. Amanda Blount has served students at Florida Southern College in Lakeland in various roles since 2006. On July 29, she will assume a new role as Dean of Student Support within the division of Student Life. With over 20 years in higher education, she considers it her calling.
“I love helping students find the best fit for them after high school and matching their strengths to not only to further their education, but to make a positive difference in their communities,” she said.
Blount has a passion for giving back to others and serving faith-based and non-profit organizations. She is member of Trinity United Methodist Church (Tallahassee), and her heart for the United Methodist Church is evident through many years of service throughout the connection. Blount has served on the Florida Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministries, as well as a lay leader at First United Methodist Church of Lakeland Evangelism Committee, Church Council, Lay Leadership Academy, Staff Parish Relations Committee, and Adult Discipleship Committee.
In addition, Blount has an impressive legacy of service to nonprofit organizations such as Kappa Delta, The Junior Leagues of Greater Lakeland and Nashville, Camp Fire Sunshine Central Florida, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Regarding her membership on the Board of Directors, Blount said, “My goal is to share the Foundation’s story and mission with others.” She looks forward to utilizing her gifts to support the areas of scholarships, ministry grants, financial planning, and planned giving.
Mr. James Previte is a CPA at Hamic, Previte, & Sturwold, P.A. in Lakeland. Previte has over 15 years’ experience concentrating in tax compliance and advisory services. He is Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), and Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He currently serves as the managing partner of the firm.
Previte has devoted his career to helping individuals, businesses, and organizations navigate complex financial matters. “I recognize that for many people, finances bring up a lot of insecurity and sometimes fear,” he said. “I found my calling in providing my clients with peace of mind in a necessary but often stressful aspect of their lives.”
Previte is a member of First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, where he is an active lay leader. He has been a member of the Lay Leadership Academy, Outreach Funding Committee, Church Council, Endowment Committee, and he is the current Chair of the Finance Committee.
Another of Previte’s passions is serving his community. He serves as Treasurer of multiple nonprofit organizations in Lakeland including Alliance for Independence, Lakeland PigFest, Inc., and the George Jenkins Hockey Club. He is the former Treasurer of READ Lakeland, Inc. In addition, Previte is a member of the Board of Directors for the Givewell Community Foundation and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. He has also served on the advisory board of Prime Meridian Bank. “I look forward to using my skills and expertise to further Kingdom building in my community and denomination as a member Board of Directors,” Previte said.
“Amanda and James represent what is great about the local church in United Methodism. Both bring a rich background to the Foundation,” said President and CEO, Rev. Ed New. “Through faithful service, authentic witness, consistent presence, steadfast prayer, and application of strong gifts, they are both a strong addition to an already vibrant Board of Directors. We are lucky to have them and look forward to their ministry.”