Margaret Cox has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Florida United Methodist Foundation. According to President and CEO Ed New, Cox will assume her position on July 1.
Currently the Treasurer of the Foundation and a 25-year employee, she will assume the position being vacated by Pam Hicks, who is retiring. New said Hicks will continue to work at least through the end of 2024 as a “financial consultant.”
The CFO manages a fund portfolio of more than $262 million, which includes Development Fund deposits, Development Fund loans, investments for churches and agencies, and assets that have been designated as planned gifts for the benefit of churches and charities.
According to New, the job requires expertise in all areas of accounting and financial management.
“Margaret emerged as one of three finalists from a field of 50 applicants,” he said, “but she earned our confidence through her strong competence and her steadfast commitment to the Foundation’s mission.”
“Some people compare us to a bank or a community foundation” he explained, “and there are similarities. However, our mission is to be a financial entity supporting the growth of Christian ministry. Margaret gets this.”
“She has an outstanding record of service to the Foundation,” he added, “and she fully understands who we are. We are fortunate to have her as part of our past, present, and future.”
A native of New York, Cox joined the Foundation staff in July of 1998 as a staff accountant and one of two financial employees.
“In a sense, she has grown with the Foundation,” said Hicks, who has overseen the Finance and Administration activities of the Foundation for 24 of Cox’s 25 years.
“She has expanded her education during her time at the Foundation,” Hicks pointed out. “Since joining the staff, she earned a master’s degree in accounting and her Certified Public Accounting (CPA) License. Then, she went on to get a graduate certificate in Accounting Analytics, all while working full-time during the day and attending classes at night. She also is certified in not-for-profit accounting and cyber-security.”
During her time at the Foundation, Cox formerly held the roles of Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer. According to New, she has provided “excellent collaboration” with executive leadership on financial planning, budgeting, and investment strategies to support the organization’s mission. She also has been involved with developing and implementing rigorous financial controls, policies, and procedures to enhance the organization’s financial integrity.
She is married to Charles Cox of Lakeland and is the mother of Joshua Cox of Orlando and Zachary Cox of Lancaster, South Carolina. She is also the grandmother of Allison Cox of South Carolina.