Guiding, inspiring, and empowering women across North America.
BWNA is a collaboration of the Women's Departments of 14 member bodies. Our Executive Board is composed of the Executive Directors and/or Presidents of each member body. Together, these women represent and serve well over four million Baptist women across North America.
Meet Our Sisters in Leadership
The BWNA Executive Board works together to advance our mission, support women in ministry, and empower each sister to live out Kingdom life. Each member brings unique gifts, perspectives, and experiences that guide our programs, events, and initiatives.
Patty Lane, President
Patty has dedicated her life to building relationships with people from around the world. She served Texas Baptists as an intercultural church planter and Director of Intercultural Ministries. In retirement, she continues to serve through refugee resettlement, advocacy, and cultural competency training.
Lisa Murray, Vice President of Prayer
With over 20 years in healthcare administration and finance, Lisa is passionate about missions and making the Great Commission relevant today. She believes that traditionalism and progressiveness can work in tandem to advance the Kingdom of God.
Joyce Porto, Vice President of Networking, Leadership Development & Mentoring
Joyce serves as the Multicultural Consultant for the Women’s Missionary Union of Texas and is a member of the BWA Commission on Mission. She is passionate about cross-cultural ministry and engaging with women across generations.
Sherrie Cherdak, Treasurer
Active in Baptist women’s ministry since her youth, Sherrie is passionate about children and addressing food insecurity. She has spent her career in support services and bookkeeping and remains engaged in ministry even in retirement.
Joan Peacock, Secretary
Joan is originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, and has been actively involved with Baptist Women, an organization that has strongly influenced her spiritual growth. Through retreats, Bible studies, conferences, and service opportunities, she has deepened her faith and discovered spiritual gifts in administration, leadership, teaching, and service. This involvement has shaped how she leads and supports others today.
Madeline Hughes, SALT Coordinator & Interim VP of Communications
Madeline serves at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where she teaches Sunday School and leads as Dean of Christian Education. She also serves as President of the CSMBDA Women’s Auxiliary and is a member of the National Women’s Auxiliary Listening Ears Committee. Madeline is passionate about sharing Christ’s love and encouraging women and youth in their faith.
Serving Beyond BWNA
Our Executive Board doesn’t just guide BWNA administratively — they inspire, mentor, and connect women across the continent. Through retreats, workshops, global initiatives, and everyday encouragement, these women help each sister discover and live out her gifts for God’s kingdom.
Inspired by our leaders? Connect with BWNA, join a local sisterhood, or participate in an upcoming event. Together we can make a difference.