MFSA Recognizes Bill Watts for His Outstanding Service to MFSA and Beyond
Bill Watts, Treasurer and Finance Chair, is active locally in the East Ohio chapter of MFSA, holding office for more than 15 years as the convener, communication chairperson, Program Council representative, and in planning many MFSA events. He received the Bishop James S Thomas Leadership Award in 2015. Very active in East Ohio Reconciling Ministries Network, he has served as its treasurer for the last 15 years. He volunteered with the Love Your Neighbor Coalition for the last four General Conferences. He has served his local church as its East Ohio Annual Conference lay member since 2011. Bill retired from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company after 48 years (42 full time and 6 years as a consultant) and became known world-wide as the Rubber Mixing Technology Specialist having traveled to 53 countries. He received two Goodyear Spirit Awards and the Dinsmore Award—the most prestigious technical recognition the company awards. He is the coordinator of the Uniontown Lions Paul Ruley Eyeglass Recycling Center which serves Eastern Ohio by preparing eyeglasses for mission teams. Bill obtained his BS in Chemistry at Otterbein College, his Masters in Polymer Science from the University of Akron and advanced MBA courses from Case Western. He is married to Joy Thompson Watts and they have 3 adult children. Bill is passionate about working for equality LGBTQIA people, immigration, racial justice, and other issues concerning people on the margins.
Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) extends heartfelt gratitude to Bill Watts for his remarkable contributions as our Treasurer and Finance Chair since 2015. Bill's commitment to justice and equality, combined with his expertise and leadership, has left an indelible mark on our organization and the broader community.
Bill has been an integral part of MFSA for over a decade, actively serving the East Ohio chapter in various leadership roles, including convener, communications chairperson, Program Council representative, and a key planner of numerous impactful events. His dedication earned him the prestigious Bishop James S. Thomas Leadership Award in 2015, a testament to his outstanding service.
Beyond MFSA, Bill has been a steadfast advocate for equality through his involvement with the East Ohio Reconciling Ministries Network, where he has served as treasurer for 15 years. His commitment extends to the global stage, volunteering with the Love Your Neighbor Coalition during the last four General Conferences, exemplifying his passion for inclusivity and justice.
Bill’s professional achievements are equally inspiring. After a distinguished 48-year career with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, during which time he became renowned worldwide as a Rubber Mixing Technology Specialist, traveling to 53 countries, Bill retired with numerous accolades, 15 patents and 6 trade secrets, including two Goodyear Spirit Awards, and the Dinsmore Award, the most prestigious technical award given to a Goodyear employee.
Bill's dedication to service continues as coordinator of the Uniontown Lions Paul Ruley Eyeglass Recycling Center since 2016, which has supplied 400,000 eyeglasses for critical support to mission teams across Eastern Ohio. Bill also received the Lion of the Year award in 2018 for his outstanding service, loyalty, and devotion to Lionism.
His extensive educational background, including degrees in chemistry and polymer science, reflects his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and excellence.
In addition to his professional and advocacy work, Bill remains deeply committed to his local church, serving as its East Ohio Annual Conference lay member since 2011. As well as serving the East Ohio Conference on the Equitable Compensation Committee and recently an East Ohio Conference delegate to United Methodist Church General Conference in 2024 and Jurisdictional Conferences in 2023 and 2024. He is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ equality, immigration reform, racial justice, and issues affecting marginalized communities, embodying MFSA's mission to seek justice and create change.
We are deeply grateful to Bill for his tireless dedication, leadership, and compassion. His contributions have profoundly shaped MFSA's work and mission.
As Bill steps down from his official role, we are grateful that his dedication to MFSA continues. He will remain an invaluable part of our team as a volunteer bookkeeper, ensuring the organization's financial integrity and stability. His continued service reflects his deep commitment to justice and his belief in MFSA’s mission, and we are fortunate to have his wisdom and expertise guiding us forward.
Thank you, Bill, for your extraordinary service and unwavering commitment to building a more just and inclusive world.