Dr. Matt Whitehead was elected as one of the three FMCUSA Bishops at Free Methodist General Conference in Orlando, Florida in July 2019. For the previous 20 years, Bishop Matt served as the Superintendent of the Pacific Northwest Conference headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Prior to his election as Superintendent, Matt served as Lead Pastor at two churches in the Pacific Northwest Conference.

Matt & Melanie are celebrating 39 years of marriage in August 2019. Melanie is employed at Seattle Pacific University as the Coordinator of Campus Planning & Development. Matt and Melanie are the parents of two daughters, Jessica and Melissa. Jessica and her husband, David, are the parents of three (amazing) little boys. Jessica is a Jr. High teacher at a Christian school in the Seattle area and David is employed at Seattle Pacific University and is the Associate Pastor at CrossView (FMC) Church in Snohomish, WA. Most recently Melissa has worked at part of the staff team of the Pacific Northwest Conference. Matt and Melanie are very grateful that Melissa, Jessica and David all have a personal commitment to Jesus and work in ministry.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle Pacific University, a Master of Divinity from Western Evangelical Seminary (Portland Seminary) and a Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary.

Matt has served on a number of non-profit and institutional boards. Matt chaired the Seattle Pacific University Presidential Search Committee that culminated in the appointment of Dr. Dan Martin as the 10th President of SPU.

Matt & Melanie are big football fans (GO HAWKS!) and enjoy spending time with their three grandsons and family.