As a self-governing religious organization, the congregation holds the Board of Directors accountable through the election process. With input from the congregation, the Board is responsible for the fiscal well-being of the church; building and grounds maintenance; and all bylaws and policies that form the basis of church governance. 

Service terms follow UUCR’s fiscal year: July 1 – June 30. Board members serve two-year terms, staggered for continuity. Each year at UUCR’s Annual Meeting, new board members are elected to replace those who have completed their terms.

Board Members

Gordon Malczewski, President

Gordon (he/him) grew up in Buffalo, NY, where he worked as a locksmith for 13 years. He moved to Roanoke in 1989 and pursued a career as a corporate trainer for Medeco Security Locks, teaching mechanical security classes in the U.S., Europe, Hong Kong, and Israel. An avid do-it-yourselfer, organizer, and Habitat for Humanity volunteer, Gordon’s interests include reading, architecture, live theater, physical fitness, and overseas travel. He lives in Salem, VA, with his partner of more than 35 years, Michael.

Cindy Lollar, President-elect

Cindy (she/her) moved from the D.C. area to Roanoke with her wife Greta in 2020. A spiritual seeker but long unchurched, she has found in UUCR a place in which to continue asking the big questions in the company of an extraordinary group of ordinary people unafraid to take a chance on meaningful change. She retired in 2021 after a 40-year career in communications and now focuses on creative writing, collage, and enjoying life with Greta in the Blue Ridge mountains.

Sheila Barnhart, VP Finance

A relatively new member of UUCR, Sheila (she/her) recently retired from a distinguished career as a financial advisor with the global wealth management company UBS, as well as from her own financial advice business. Prior to that, she taught elementary school and was assistant principal at Roanoke’s Oak Grove Elementary School. She loves spending time with her family, including three adult children and three grandchildren. Her hobbies include needlepoint, reading (three book clubs!), traveling, and gardening.

Lynn Yates, Board Clerk

Lynn (she/her) has been an active member of UUCR for more than 30 years. She has previously served on the Board; the Ministerial Search Committee; the Shared Ministry Committee; the Service Auction committee; and the A/V team. Before retiring in 2019, Lynn was employed with Montgomery County and Roanoke City school divisions, first as an English teacher and then an instructional technology specialist. Her personal interests include reading, painting, bird watching, bread baking, and spending time with her family.

Teresa Poole, Member at Large

Teresa (she/her) has been an active member of UUCR for several years, including service with the Worship Associates, the Nominating Committee, the Racial Justice Team, and the Personnel Committee.  Teresa retired in 2023 as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Carilion Clinic following work at the Cancer Center, end of life care, and acute medical services.  In addition to volunteering with UUCR, the Roanoke Reparations Group and community racial justice work, she enjoys her book clubs, reading, decorating, cooking, travel and Roanoke’s many cultural opportunities in our beautiful Blue Ridge mountains.

Suzi Newton, Member at Large

Suzi (she/her) discovered the UU Church of Augusta, GA, when she was 17 years old. She has been a member of various UU congregations around the nation, including Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware in Lewes, DE, where she and her wife Judy are charter members. Suzi and Judy have been members of UUCR for more than 20 years. Suzi has served previously on the Board and on a variety of committees and teams. A Licensed Professional Counselor, Suzi retired in 2021 from Blue Ridge Behavioral Health Care, where she had managed a multidisciplinary team providing serve to adults with serious mental illness.

Lea Whitney, Member at Large

Lea (she/her) moved to the Roanoke Valley in October 2019 and joined UUCR soon after. She has served on Reading Seeds, the LQBTQ+ Welcoming Congregation team, and the Shared Ministry committee. She is also involved with the Women’s Group and other UUCR activities. She lives in Salem, VA, with her husband Jon and their cat and dog. She enjoys gardening, spending time with friends, reading, and cooking.