Dr Elaine McCarthy has created history by becoming the first woman to be appointed chairman of the Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches (JUGC).

Her appointment took effect in January.

McCarthy is a member of the Jamaica Pentecostal Union (Apostolic) and currently serves as the Chairman of the Union. She has been an executive member of the Union for over 14 years and has served previously as director of Public Relations and director of the Chapter Creation and Development.

She has also served for several years as the principal of the Kingston campus of the Jamaica Apostolic Bible Institute, the educational arm of the Union.

At the local level, she serves as an elder and member of the Pentecostal Gospel Temple Family of churches. She has served in various ministries within the church organisation. Additionally, she served as a member of the Church’s Board of Management for several years, as well as on numerous other committees.

McCarthy is a graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work and a Diploma in Public Administration. She also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Nova Southeastern University, Florida. She also holds a Doctorate in Christian Education and Administration.

Leadership is not new to McCarthy, who has served in various leadership capacities over the years. She brings to the position experience as a human resource management practitioner and trainer. She has lectured at the UWI’s School of Continuing Studies, the University College of the Caribbean, Management Institute for National Development, and the Justice Training Institute.

Her vision is that the JUGC “will be the catalyst to effect transformational changes in our nation, which will impact the lives and wellbeing of our people”.

It’s also her vision that “Jamaica may once again be known and seen as a place where the people fear God”.