Governance
USG is governed through a partnership among three bodies: our Board of Trustees, our Ministry Executive Team, and the Congregation. Since 2014, the Board has focused on mission, vision, and policy while delegating the day-to-day operations of the church to the Ministry Executive Team, with shared governance and collaboration at the heart of how we work.
Board of Trustees
The USG Board of Trustees helps guide our mission and congregational health by providing strategy, setting policy, and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources. The Board works in partnership with staff to support the life of the congregation. Since 2014, the Board has delegated day-to-day operations to the Ministry Executive Team (below) while retaining the responsibilities outlined in the USG by-laws, with collaboration and shared governance at the heart of its approach. In addition to policy and budget oversight, the Board is actively engaged in advancing USG’s strategic initiatives around building beloved community and centering love in our lives and mission.
2026-27 Board of Trustees
You can reach the Board at board@usguu.org.
Board Resources
- Board Minutes (members only, please sign in to view)
- Board Responsibilities, Policy 8.27.24
- Board of Trustees Covenant 12.16.25
- Oversight by the Board of Trustees, Policy 2.23.18
- The Bylaws and additional policies can be found on the Policies and Procedures page.
- Board Agenda Request
Ministry Executive Team (MET)
The Ministry Executive Team (MET) manages the day-to-day operations of USG, including spiritual and lifelong learning programs and events, social justice activities, membership, caring, property, and finances. MET works within policies set by the Board and makes all significant decisions in collaboration with the Board. MET encourages councils and committees to draw on the Board’s strategic initiatives and the congregational Mission Statement, Core Values, and Intentions when setting their goals, so that Board, council, and committee priorities stay in sync.
The MET is headed by the Senior Minister, and members include the Church Administrator and two to three lay leaders. MET is responsible to:
- assign resources (people and money) based on the Board’s strategic initiatives and priorities,
- assign and clarify tasks to councils and committees, and
- collaborate with committees and councils to evaluate their achievements against their goals.
2026-27 MET Members
- Rev. Hannah Gallo, Minister
- Kate Sparacio
- Jody Hill
- Margaret Thompson
- Paula Behrens
Contact the MET at met@usguu.org.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is charged primarily with identifying candidates for the Board and the Nominating Committee to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. The committee also helps identify replacement candidates when someone steps down, and checks in with active members, where possible, to help people find where and how they might want to serve in leadership.
2026-27 Nominating Committee
- Treva Burger, co-chair (FY 2027)
- Andrea Barsevick (FY 2027)
- Tiffany Hill, co-chair (FY 2028)
- Marjorie Winther (FY 2028)
- Devery Howerton (FY 2029)
- Megan Moser (FY 2029)