Melody Rutherford

DMin, MDiv, MS-BCC

Specializing In:

Palliative Care Chaplaincy

About Melody Rutherford

Biography:

As a fully endorsed, board certified chaplain, I am Director of Spiritual Care at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY. I have several years of experience in healthcare in areas such as chaplaincy services, end of life care, clinical pastoral education, and mission services. Additionally, as an ordained minister within the American Baptist Church tradition, I serve as an Associate Pastor for a local suburban church.

Since 1992, I have served in various capacities, including as host of a live Christian radio broadcast and Interim Lead Pastor. Additionally, I have designed and led programs within women’s ministry, children’s ministry, executive office administrator, community faith liaison, praise and worship leader, and even drama and arts director. I often provide supply preaching across New York State and at special conferences and events across the nation.

Having obtained certification through the Board of Chaplaincy Certification, Inc. (BCCI) a division of the Association of Professional Chaplains (APC), I graduated from SUNY Empire State College with a bachelor’s degree in Business (concentration in Organizational Communications). I earned a Master of Divinity degree (concentration in Transformational Leadership) from Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, NY and a Master’s of Science degree in Management (concentration in Leadership) from Excelsior College. My completed Doctor of Ministry in the Leadership Cognate was completed at Liberty University.

Currently, I serve on the Board of Trustees for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) and as Chair for the BPO’s Diversity Council. In addition, I serve as a Board Member for the Buffalo City Mission and on the Disaster Planning Team for Roswell Park. Previously, I served as Trustee Board Member for the Buffalo Bible Society.

A resident of Amherst, NY, I reside with my husband of 34+ years, Rev. Rodney Rutherford. Together we are the proud parents of three adult children, and grandparents of seven.

Positions

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
  • Director of Spiritual Care
  • Department of Spiritual Care

Background

Board Certification:

  • Board Chaplaincy Certification by Board Chaplaincy Certification Inc / Association of Professional Chaplains

Professional Memberships:

  • Association of Professional Chaplains
  • Chair, Diversity Council, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Member, Board of Directors, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Board Member, Buffalo City Mission

Honors & Awards:

  • Ordination granted by American Baptist Churches
  • Endorsed through American Baptist Chaplaincy & Specialized Ministries