2026 Administrator of the Year

Wednesday, October 21st, 2026

Behind every strong safety program is someone dedicated to making sure the details are handled, the resources are available, and the people who need them have the support to succeed. At Safe Gatherings, we believe those efforts deserve to be recognized.

We’re excited to announce Kathy Pittenger, Associate Director for Connectional Ministries for the Michigan Area Conference of the United Methodist Church, as our 2026 Safe Gatherings Administrator of the Year!

Through her leadership, organization, and commitment to abuse prevention, Kathy exemplifies what this award represents: a dedicated administrator who helps make safety a priority throughout their organization.

Watch the Full Announcement

Want to learn more about this year’s winner? Watch the full announcement video as we celebrate Kathy Pittenger and recognize her dedication to supporting safety and care throughout her community.

What Is the Safe Gatherings Administrator of the Year Award?

Every thriving organization relies on administrators who keep things moving behind the scenes. While Safe Gatherings simplifies training and background checks, dedicated administrators play an essential role in connecting organizational leadership, staff, volunteers, and safety standards.

The Safe Gatherings Administrator of the Year Award recognizes these individuals for their outstanding commitment to keeping their organizations current, making safety processes manageable, and helping protect the people in their communities.

These administrators do more than manage accounts or track training requirements. They help build a culture where safety, accountability, and care are part of everyday ministry. Their work may not always be visible, but its impact reaches far beyond the administrative tasks they complete.

As Associate Director for Connectional Ministries for the Michigan Area Conference of the United Methodist Church, Kathy has made abuse prevention training and clergy ethics a priority across the conference.

Nominated by Susie and Laura, Kathy was recognized for designing and implementing an initiative to ensure clergy throughout the Michigan Conference receive both Safe Gatherings Abuse Prevention and Clergy Ethics training and certification.

Thanks to her efforts, more than 80% of the conference’s 447 clergy members are fully certified, and Kathy continues working toward the goal of reaching 100%.

Her leadership extends beyond training coordination. Kathy has helped churches develop and implement safe sanctuary policies, providing valuable knowledge, resources, and guidance to help congregations protect the people they serve.

When hundreds of individuals needed to complete Safe Gatherings training, Kathy made the process easier by creating a webpage with step-by-step instructions and frequently asked questions. Her thoughtful approach, clear communication, and hands-on support helped leaders navigate the process efficiently.

Her nominators also emphasized her reliability, organization, and genuine care for others. Kathy sees training not as a box to check, but as an important part of creating safe, welcoming environments where people can build community and experience meaningful transformation.

A Mission Rooted in Care

For Kathy, the most rewarding part of her role is knowing that her work helps create a culture of care and community. Through training, resources, and support, she equips ministry leaders to develop proactive policies and procedures that help protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults.

Reflecting on her nomination, Kathy shared:

“Being nominated for this award is an encouragement and a reminder that the behind-the-scenes work of administration makes a meaningful difference in the life of the church.”

She also emphasized that her work with protection policies and Safe Gatherings is about more than completing training requirements. It’s about cultivating a culture of safety, accountability, and care.

That perspective captures exactly why Kathy deserves this recognition. Her commitment demonstrates how thoughtful administration can translate into meaningful action, helping churches and ministry leaders take practical steps toward safer communities.

Celebrating the People Behind the Mission

At Safe Gatherings, our mission is to help organizations create safer environments through abuse prevention training and screening. But we know that making safety a priority takes people who are willing to champion that mission every day.

Administrators like Kathy help turn that commitment into action. Through their dedication, they ensure training gets completed, resources are accessible, and leaders have the support they need to protect the people in their care.

We’re honored to recognize Kathy Pittenger as our 2026 Safe Gatherings Administrator of the Year and grateful for the difference she continues to make across the Michigan Area Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Congratulations, Kathy, and thank you for your outstanding commitment to safer ministries and communities!