Leadership Team

 

Ben Williams, President / CEO

Ben joined us in 2025 with 23 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations and ministering to children, youth, and families. He worked seven years as senior pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill and 13 years at St. Mark’s United Methodist in Raleigh; before that, he was associate pastor for three years at Millbrook United Methodist.

Throughout his career, Ben has walked alongside families in their most challenging moments. He’s created an afterschool program for under-served children and guided Backpack Buddies in eight schools. He’s inspired a campaign for people in need and in recovery.

He’s also served the United Methodist Church at the state and global levels as a conference delegate. At home in North Carolina, he’s served as secretary of the Board of Ordained Ministry and as board member for Camp & Retreat Ministries.

Ben earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Wake Forest University and a Master of Divinity from Duke University.

 

Jessica Lang, Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer

Jessica Lang joined us in 2024 with 20 years of finance and leadership experience. As Vice President of Finance and CFO, she is responsible for our Accounting and Finance systems, Risk Management, and Information Technology services. Jessica invested 10 years of her career in the Cape Fear Valley Health System before coming to MHC. As Chief Financial Officer for the Harnett Health System, managed by Cape Fear Valley, she served on the system’s executive team and oversaw the Finance, Health Information Systems, and Procurement teams. She worked two years as Corporate Controller at Capitol Broadcasting prior to joining MHC.

Jessica is a Certified Public Accountant with a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from East Carolina University.

 

Ben Sanders, Vice President of Programs

Ben Sanders began his work with Methodist Home for Children in 1994, when he and his wife, Lisa, became house parents for a co-educational facility serving juvenile offenders. This work inspired him to work in other service areas in positions ranging from direct care for children and families to Quality Improvement. Ben has served as Vice President of Programs since 2003. He oversees the agency’s direct care services, and he’s a primary developer of MHC’s model of care (Value Based Therapeutic Environment).

Ben earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of North Carolina-Pembroke and a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling from Appalachian State University.

 

Ellen Scarborough, Vice President of Program Development and Contracts

Ellen Scarborough came to Methodist Home for Children in 1991 as a teaching parent, along with her husband, Marty. She joined the leadership team in 2024 with 33 years of service. As Senior Director of Program Development, Ellen built the revenue-generating Consultation and Program Development department that coaches other agencies through the Teaching Family Association accreditation process, and she oversaw Quality Improvement for all MHC departments. Her deep understanding of our operations is a product of years working in programs – notably in Foster Care, Residential Services, and Family-Based Services. In October 2024, she won the Montrose Wolf award, the highest honor given by the international Teaching-Family Association.

Ellen earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Campbell University.

 

Polly Willis, Vice President of Advancement

Polly Willis has served the nonprofit community as an accomplished fundraising professional and administrator, working in the fields of human services, health, and international relations. She started at Methodist Home for Children as Director of Development in 2001 and joined the leadership team as Vice President of Advancement in 2003. Prior to joining MHC, Polly served as Director of Development with Prevent Blindness NC and as Director of Field Services for March of Dimes, where she specialized in staff and board development and event management.

Polly earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and human services administration from St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minn. She holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.