Meet the AAE Team

As head of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Bill works to expand philanthropic support for Candler. Over the past 25 years, Bill has been recognized as a fundraising, board relations, volunteer management, church relations, and communications leader at multiple public and private institutions. He has played a leadership role in eight comprehensive campaigns, securing over $185 million to enhance students’ educational experience. He has volunteered with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and served as the Chairman of the Board for the southeast region, representing over 300 institutions and 32,000 members. He is a first-generation college student with degrees from UMC-related Andrew College and High Point University, a master’s from Columbus State University, and is finishing his doctoral studies at Valdosta State University. He is an active Mt. Zion UMC (Marietta) member.

Mary joined Candler after working at St. Pius X Catholic High School where she served for nine years as an account coordinator in the Advancement and Alumni Office. Prior to that she was the bookkeeper at Decatur First United Methodist Preschool. Before taking a break to stay home with her three children, she worked in advertising, marketing and sales. Mary earned her BA in Public Relations/Speech Communications from Auburn University. Outside of work she enjoys traveling, playing tennis and singing with her “old guy garage band.”

Martha Perusek joined Candler as director of development in 2021. She previously served as director of development at the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. A long-time development and nonprofit professional, Martha began her nonprofit career with the American Cancer Society, where she served for 15 years at both the local and national levels. With a background in fundraising, strategic planning, communications, volunteer and board development, corporate and foundation relations, special events, and workplace giving, she also garnered significant funds and support for organizations including the Latin American Association, C5 Youth Foundation, Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, and the DeKalb Library Foundation. A Missouri native, Martha earned her bachelor’s in communications and biblical studies from Evangel University, Springfield, Missouri. She enjoys writing, public speaking, hiking, reading, and dogs.

Quentin Samuels brings institutional knowledge, relational depth, and strategic vision to his role as director of alumni engagement at Candler School of Theology. A two-time Emory alumnus, earning his Master of Divinity from Candler in 2011 and his MBA from Goizueta Business School in 2024, Quentin’s connection to Candler is both personal and professional, shaped by more than a decade of dedicated service to the community he now champions.

Most recently serving as associate director of student life at Candler, Quentin designed and led more than 30 annual programs and initiatives, advancing student engagement and success across a richly diverse community. His earlier work as coordinator of faith-based initiatives at Morehouse College’s Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel and as a strategic consultant with Fearless Dialogues further deepened his commitment to community-centered programming and intercultural engagement.

In his current role, Quentin is focused on cultivating meaningful relationships with Candler alumni worldwide—strengthening volunteer programs, advancing affinity networks, directing the Candler Alumni Board and Senior Class Giving Campaign, and connecting graduates to the school’s evolving mission. His ethos is anchored in the belief that every relationship holds transformative potential. He holds a BA in Business Administration from Morehouse College.

Matt is a graduate of George Mason University, where he earned a BA in English and Linguistics. His research mainly focused on the phonetics of Arabic and cross-linguistic-influence between Spanish and English. Matt also served as a development intern and as an engagement center supervisor for George Mason’s Office of Annual Giving. Outside of the office, he is an avid soccer player and fan. Matt supports Candler’s AAE team and works closely with Candler alumni boards.