Our Elected Leaders

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Society. The Board conducts its business in accordance with the UUSA Bylaws. To learn about how we make decisions and set priorities, see Our Governance. Board Minutes are available to members (or others upon request) in Board Minutes.

Board of Trustees as of July 1, 2023

Co-President; Jeff Clark (2025)

Jeff Clark has been a UUSA member since he and Susan moved to Amherst in 2018.
They have previously been members of congregations in Newburyport and Stow,
MA. Long an environmental activist, Jeff has chaired the UUSA Green Sanctuary
Committee for several years, and led the Newburyport UU Climate Action Project.
Jeff values Unitarian-Universalisms’ long tradition of social justice and environmental stewardship. He is “mostly retired” from a 35-year career in marketing for Boston area software and consulting companies

Co-President: John Gerber (2024)

My immediate reaction to being invited to serve on the UUSA Board was “oh no, not another board.” I’ve been on a few non-profit boards and have had “less than fulfilling experiences” (maybe it’s me ). Nevertheless, I’ve felt welcomed by the members of the UUSA from the very first coffee hour (on zoom of course). My experiences for the time I’ve been a member tells me that there is something special happening here. I feel honored to belong and hope that I may be of service during my time on the Board. 

Clerk: Ashley Carter (2025)

Ashley Carter has been a member of the UUSA since 2010. She has served on the RE
committee and helped with the preschool, middle school, and high school programs. She was drawn to UU because of the lifelong quest for knowledge and the
commitment to service and justice. She loves organization and notes and is looking
forward to being Clerk!

Treasurer: Eric Murphy (2024)

I moved to this area about 25 years ago from eastern Massachusetts. My wife, daughter (Jess, Jana) and I had never attended a UU service until about 15 years ago when we attended a UUSA service in search of spiritual community. We felt at home here, became members, and have been involved since then. Our daughter attended years of RE programing, my wife served on the board, the ministerial search committee and is now on the Committee on Shared Ministries. I have been attending Small Group Ministries and have recently joined the Finance Committee.

Linda Callahan (2025)

I grew up in West Tennessee, about halfway between the Mississippi River and the Tennessee River. I was introduced to the Connecticut River and the surrounding valley in 1977, when I accepted a job at Mount Holyoke College. My values were nurtured in an ecumenical family of mostly Methodists and Catholics, who got along well and respected their differing beliefs. I had heard of UUism while in graduate school in Nashville, but moved here before I had a chance to pursue it. My opportunity came in 1982, when friends in South Hadley invited me to attend a service at the UUSA. I’m still here, having participated in various ways over the years. By joining committees and Small Groups, I have gradually gotten to know people and strengthen the values I brought with me from TN. Then, in 2000, GA was held in Nashville, and I was thrilled to be there. Nothing was more exciting than joining so many other UUs from all around the country back there in my home state. I felt I was connecting the past, present, and future of my spiritual journey. I returned to this congregation with a sense of invigoration to continue on the Finance Committee, the Caring Circle, and later join the Dedicated Offering Committee. Now I look forward to serving as an At-Large Board Member, trusting that I have something to offer from my long experience with the UUSA.

Sue Kelly (2024)

Elliott and I and our 3 year old child moved to Amherst in 2002 from eastern Massachusetts after finishing graduate school and working for a few years. We discovered Unitarian Universalism a few years before we moved here so it was natural for us to seek out the UUSA shortly after we arrived. We joined shortly after a few visits to the UUSA and our second child was dedicated here in the sanctuary. I was raised Congregationalist, and I found some similarities in UU but mostly a “home” that felt accepting and supportive of my many questions.

Deeya Pavelle (2024)

I moved to the Valley just this past July and immediately threw myself into the church and the community. My first foray into the church was the Women’s Circle where I was welcomed with open arms. Prior to UUSA I was a long time UU and at one point, I was the DRE of a small north shore church. So, when I moved to a new area the first thing I did was to find “my people.” I joined at the first book signing I could and am honored to be offered a place on the Board of Trustees.