After 12 years of devoted leadership and service, Dr. William W. Oliver, President and CEO of Wesley Glen Ministries, has announced his retirement. In 2003 Dr. Oliver was nominated by Bishop Michael Watson of the South Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church to be the President/CEO of Wesley Glen. He accepted his new position after serving 39 years in the pastoral ministry. He served for 8 years at his last pastoral appointment as the Senior Minister at Vineville United Methodist in Macon.

“I never imagined that I would serve in any capacity other than the pastoral ministry. The challenges of serving in the health care field have helped me understand the dilemma that face individuals and their families who have developmental disabilities,” Oliver recalled. “It has been so satisfying to advocate on behalf of our residents and their loved ones. There is no greater joy than to be actively involved in providing helpful services and to see the difference they make in the quality of life of those being served. I will remember these past twelve years with immense satisfaction.”

During his leadership at Wesley Glen the ministry has experienced exponential growth. Prior to his arrival there were nine group homes open in Macon, Jesup and Lyons. Now there are ten homes in Macon, one in St. Marys, two in Jesup and two in Lyons, an apartment complex in Douglas and five host homes. In the last 12 years the total number of persons served on medicaid waivers increased from 11 to 51.

Dr. Oliver’s vision, tremendous leadership skills and commitment to excellence, have guided Wesley Glen through challenging times and transitions. The ministry, under Dr. Oliver’s leadership, achieved notable successes in areas of strategic importance:

• In 2009 a capital campaign was conducted raising over 6 million dollars to construct the multi-million dollar Life Skills Center.

• The Cornerstone Day Program opened in 2013 and now has thirty-five participants from the Wesley Glen residential community and the community at large.

• The Endowment Fund has grown from a few hundred dollars to an estimated value of over one million.

• Wesley Glen enjoys National accreditation through Council on Quality and Leadership.

• Approximately 18 acres of land was purchased adjacent to the main campus in Macon expanding the campus to 73 acres.

Established in 1984, Wesley Glen serves individuals with developmental disabilities by providing a loving home environment and a continuum of programs allowing each individual to develop life skills. Wesley Glen is a private, not for profit agency and ministry of the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Their goal is to increase the public awareness to the strengths and barriers related to people with developmental disabilities.

Thomas P. Swift, Jr., chairman of the board, said “For the past twelve years, Billy Oliver has not only been a dedicated leader to Wesley Glen, but has been the heart and soul of our organization. Wesley Glen has been enriched and inspired by Billy’s vision, love and dedication to our residents. It is through his commitment to excellence for our residents that we have our Life Skills Center. Although Billy is retiring and will be missed greatly, we will always remember him and his devotion to Wesley Glen through the Dr. William W. Oliver Life Skills Center.”

Dr. William W. Oliver’s Community Involvement:

• Trustee at Wesleyan College
• Member of Rotary International
• Alumni Macon Leadership Georgia
• Member Idle Hour Country Club
• Advisory Board GA Non-profit Association
• Commissioner Keep Macon Beautiful Commission
• Leadership Forum, South Georgia Conference
• Member John and Nancy Nations Scholarship Committee
• District Committee on the ministry
• Board of Pensions South Georgia Conference