Montreat Conference Center Announces New Board Chair

Helen Krone

As newly elected chairperson of the Mountain Retreat Association’s Board of Directors/Trustees of Stock, Helen Buntin Krone says she is grateful to be part of a board that offers both heart and wisdom as, together, they seek to follow Christ in Montreat:

“I welcome the opportunity to serve. Montreat is a special place that offers retreat and spiritual renewal for all who come through the gate, whether it be for a conference, or as part of the college community, or as a resident. My hope is that we all work together, realizing that the sum is greater than its parts.”

Krone and her husband Roger live in Berwyn, PA, where she is an active member of the Wayne Presbyterian Church – serving as ruling elder and chairperson of adult education. She also serves on the advisory board of Foundation for Learning in Tredyffrin/Easttown. She and Roger have two college-aged children and an older son who resides in Washington, DC.

The Rev. Pete Peery, President of Montreat Conference Center, congratulates the board on such a wise choice: “Helen Krone has a long history with Montreat. She is an active elder in her local church and an advocate for education and the inner-city. She has a broad understanding of the mission of the church in the larger world, and she is calm under pressure. She is delightful.”

Having grown up in Ft. Worth, TX, Krone spent summers at Mo Ranch, then began coming to Montreat in the 1980’s, first as a Clubs counselor. In following years, she was a youth conference small group leader, and most recently an adult chaperone with Wayne Presbyterian’s youth group. Over all these years, Montreat became a favorite choice for vacations.

“There are not many places like Montreat left,” she says. “It is vital that it live on as a ministry of the PC(USA). My hope is that the Youth Conferences and College Conferences continue their strong presence, and that the Adult Conferences develop and grow.”

She points out that because Montreat no longer receives funding from General Assembly offices in Louisville, KY, it is crucial to stay fiscally sound by securing monetary support to renovate Assembly Inn and other facilities, and to protect the future through increasing the annual fund and endowments:

“The mountains and trails have a special place in my heart, and I would like to see outdoor recreation incorporated into the conferences more.”

Krone brings time-tested energy and vision to the challenges facing Montreat’s working board. She is aware that people have strong feelings and great passion for Montreat, and is convinced that working together to meet its challenges, “God is glorified.”