Dr. Jo Anne Lyon
Jo Anne Lyon is the Vice President of Wesley Seminary in Marion, Indiana. Lyon was previously the General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church. Lyon was elected as the first woman General Superintendent at the June 2008 General Conference.
Jo Anne Lyon serves as ambassador of the Wesleyan Church, a position specifically created to retain the considerable connections and influence she has as former general superintendent. Over her lifetime, Dr. Lyon has developed a unique and significant set of connections to many national and international religious, political, and humanitarian agencies and leaders.
She has served on the board of directors of many organizations as representative of the Wesleyan Church, including the National Association of Evangelicals executive committee, Bread for the World, National Religious Partnership for the Environment, Asbury Theological Seminary board, Council on Faith of the World Economic Forum, and former President Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Dr. Lyon holds a master’s degree in counseling, has continued graduate studies in historical theology, and has been granted five honorary doctorates. She’s written several articles and publications, including the book The Ultimate Blessing and has served over 30 years in pastoral ministry. She has been adjunct professor of church and society at both Indiana Wesleyan University and Asbury Theological Seminary. As the founder and CEO of World Hope International (Alexandria, Virginia), she directed the faith-based relief and development organizations into over 30 countries to alleviate suffering and injustice.
Dr. Lyon and her husband, Rev. Wayne Lyon, live in the Indianapolis area. They have 4 children and 10 grandchildren. Find her on Twitter @JoAnneLyonGS or Facebook, JoAnneLyonGS.
Taylor University Chapel 