Spotlight on Serving the Church: The CPF Board

Drawing on diverse professional backgrounds and connections in the Church, The Church Pension Fund Board of Trustees (the CPF Board) provides strategic oversight of the work of CPG.

The CPF Board consists of 25 members, 24 of whom are elected by the General Convention. CPF’s Chief Executive Officer and President, currently Mary Kate Wold, is appointed by the CPF Board and serves as the 25th trustee. At each triennial meeting, the General Convention elects twelve people to serve as trustees and fills any outstanding vacancies that may exist.

CPF trustees are expected to digest complex information about CPG’s operations, finances, short- and longer-term strategic initiatives, and other important matters. The sophistication of CPG’s three lines of business and the legal, fiduciary responsibilities associated with serving on the CPF Board require each trustee to be fully engaged. It is essential that the elected trustees bring to the board’s deliberations the most expert and thoughtful advice available to the Church.

Leading up to the 82nd General Convention, CPG Connect will run a series featuring board members and the expertise they bring to help CPG serve the changing Church. Kicking off the series, the Very Rev. Brendan Barnicle, elected to the board in 2022, reflects on the rewards and challenges of his first term:

Finance is Key

Most of what we do on the CPF Board centers on financial analysis. My background goes a long way in helping me understand the complexities of the work, particularly as I serve on the Investment Committee. Before ordination, I spent 20 years in investment banking, corporate law, and technology. Throughout most of my investment banking career, I served as an equity research analyst, covering the software industry. It was my job to recommend which stocks to buy and which to sell.

Legal Analysis

As a corporate lawyer and investment banker, I also worked with detailed financial information, tax and audit reviews, and regulatory compliance, which have been very helpful in my work on both the Finance and Audit Committees.

Wearing the Collar

Most important, my nine years as a parish priest have been the most essential preparation for my board service. I have served at small, medium, and large congregations, and understanding the unique demands on people who work in churches has helped me ensure that CPG is responsive to the needs of the people it serves.

Biggest Learning Curve

Understanding the health insurance business has been challenging, despite my previous experience with a nonprofit health insurance provider, especially given the constantly changing landscape.

Favorite Part of Board Service

I love the opportunity to bring my two worlds together: finance and the Church. For a long time, I was mystified by the path God set for me, but CPG brings all my ministries together.

The Very Rev. Brendan Barnicle, PhD, DMin, serves as Dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon.

Comments? Questions? Concerns? CPG is listening. Please reach out to us at corpcomm@cpg.org

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