Neil Blair, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry was present at 2016 General Conference in Portland.

“I have not been to General Conference before. I am here as an observer. I am impresses with the grace and civility people have shared with each other.  It is much different that I expected or heard it might be,” said Blair.

Blair is following legislation in relation to the Higher Education and Ministry.  “We are present to watch propose legislation and to answer questions or provide information as requested,” stated Blair.

A native of Dayton, Iowa, Blair is a lifelong United Methodist.  He attended college at Morningside College and received a Masters of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology in Leawood, KS.

His connection to St. Paul’s continued when he returned to serve as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Photo: Neil Blair at General Conference 2016. Photo by David Stucke, Dakotas Conference UMC Communications.

In 2008-2012, Blair served as the Vice President of Development for Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD. During this time he became an elder of the Dakotas Conference where he is currently a member.

“Being a clergy member of the Dakotas Conference feels like coming home,” said Blair.  His connection to farming and the church as well as the grace of the people are reasons that Blair feels at home in the Dakotas.