CBA Topical Interest Groups

Join a Topical Interest Group (TIG) and make a meaningful impact while benefiting from the experience! Collaborate, share insights, and help guide the future of the Church Benefits Association.

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Our topical interest groups are the core of the CBA, with members working collaboratively to shape the association. Expand your knowledge of the church benefits industry through idea exchange and networking with peers.

Interested in joining? Contact the Group Chair/Co-Chair listed below. You can also view group members or subscribe by logging into our CommUnity platform.

CFO Group

The CFO group is made up of financial officers (or individuals with financial responsibilities) from CBA member organizations. This group aims to support one another in navigating financial reporting legislation, technical pronouncements, and other financial matters that may impact CBA members. When relevant, the group fosters collaboration opportunities, shares best practices, benchmarks performance, and addresses any other financial topics of interest.

Co-Chairs: Ellen Taggart, Church Pension Group; Carrie Pitman, Pension Fund of the Christian Church

Client Services Group

The Client Services Group brings together professionals across our member organizations to elevate the customer experience through shared expertise and innovation. Focused on advancing service excellence, the group explores key areas such as technology, training, quality programs, and employee engagement. Through collaborative discussions, regular meetings, and visits to service centers, members exchange proven practices, evaluate emerging trends, and identify customer service innovations that align with our mission. From hosting expert speakers to co-developing new initiatives, the group serves as a dynamic forum for addressing shared challenges and driving continuous improvement in customer care.

Chair: Greg Exavier, Pension Board United Church of Christ

Communications, Marketing and Education Group (CMEG)

Navigating the complexities of health and retirement benefits communication within denominational organizations requires insight, strategy, and a strong support network—and that’s where the Communications, Marketing, and Education Group (CMEG) comes in. CMEG unites marketing and communications leaders who understand your unique challenges and are committed to helping you succeed. Through open collaboration, members share proven strategies, fresh ideas, and innovative approaches that drive real impact. Monthly Zoom meetings, quarterly hot-topic discussions, and an active Basecamp platform foster ongoing connection, while our annual conference offers deeper engagement and inspiration. Whether you’re seeking new solutions, peer support, or professional growth, CMEG is your go-to community for elevating church benefits communication. Join us and be part of a collaborative movement shaping the future of our field.

Co-Chairs: Meagan Miller, Pension Fund of the Christian Church; Katie Seifert, YMCA Retirement Fund

Disability & Life Group

Disability and life benefits are vital components of comprehensive employee care, especially within denominational organizations. The CBA Disability & Life Benefits Group offers a collaborative space for members to share real-world experiences, strategies, and insights. From funding arrangements and plan design to vendor relationships, market research, and effective communication, the group explores all aspects of administering these critical benefits. Through quarterly Zoom meetings and an active peer network, members gain practical knowledge and support from others who understand the unique challenges of faith-based benefits administration. Join us to connect, collaborate, and enhance your organization’s approach to disability and life benefits.

Co-Chairs: Megan Nichols, Concordia Plan Services (The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod); Richard Lee, GuideStone Financial Services

Executive Level "Right Hand" Professionals Group

The Executive-Level "Right Hand" Professionals Group is a dynamic community designed to connect Executive Assistants, Legal Assistants, Office Managers, and others who support senior leadership within denominational organizations. This group empowers members through shared knowledge, practical resources, and peer collaboration—fostering growth, innovation, and professional development. Whether you’re refining governance processes, improving communication, supporting executives, or exploring new technologies, you’ll find a network of peers ready to share best practices, solve common challenges, and exchange helpful tools like document templates. Join us and be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking group that understands the vital role you play and is committed to your success.

Chair: Sherri Morris, Concordia Plan Services (The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod)

Financial Literacy & Wellness Group

The Financial Literacy & Wellness group is made up of financial educators and planners dedicated to helping plan members enhance their financial knowledge and achieve long-term financial well-being. This group meets annually at the CBA meeting, as well as once more mid-year, to exchange resources and explore potential opportunities for collaboration and partnership. Our goal is to extend the impact of our collective projects and resources to benefit the wider CBA community.

Co-Chairs: Mark Borchert, Concordia Plan Services (The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod); Larry Dresner, Church Pension Group

Health Benefits Group

For over two decades, the CBA Health Benefits Group has been a trusted hub for members who sponsor and manage health benefit plans. This collaborative group tackles the complexities of modern healthcare by sharing insights, addressing challenges, and identifying strategic opportunities. Since 2001, the group has successfully leveraged its collective strength to form purchasing coalitions—securing competitive pharmacy benefit contracts through Express Scripts/Medco and administrative services through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. These partnerships have delivered significant cost savings and expanded services for member plans, including mental health and disability administration. Today, the group remains at the forefront of navigating healthcare reform, partnering with the Core Lawyers Working Group (CLWG) to advocate for policies that support church plans and the people they serve. Join us to connect with peers, stay informed, and shape the future of church health benefits.

Co-Chairs: Sharon Castillo, The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Jennifer Markewitz, The Pension Boards (United Church of Christ, Inc.)

Human Resources Group

The CBA HR Topical Interest Group brings together senior human resources professionals from across member organizations to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and drive strategic HR success. Designed for the lead HR professionals within each organization, this group serves as a platform to exchange innovative ideas, navigate compliance challenges, evaluate best practices, and explore emerging trends in human resources. Regular meetings and networking opportunities provide space for meaningful conversations and peer learning, while guest experts offer valuable insights into evolving HR methodologies. Whether tackling employment compliance or developing forward-thinking strategies, members benefit from a strong, supportive community focused on advancing both their organizations’ missions and their own professional growth. If you lead HR at a CBA member organization, this is your space to connect, collaborate, and thrive.

Chair: Wendy Mortimer, Portico Benefit Services (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)

Information Technology Group

The CBA Information Technology Group brings together tech leaders from across member organizations to collaborate, innovate, and strengthen the role of technology in advancing our shared missions. Through regular meetings and an active online platform, members exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and share practical solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness. The group also invites external experts to deepen our collective knowledge of new and evolving technologies. Whether you're tackling complex IT challenges, launching new initiatives, or simply looking to connect with peers, the IT Group offers a dynamic space for insight, collaboration, and professional growth. Join us to stay ahead of the curve and help shape the future of technology within the church benefits community.

Co-Chairs:
Doug Batezel, The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Bryan Mjaanes, Wespath Benefits and Investments

Internal Oversight Group (Risk, Internal Audit and Compliance) 

The Internal Oversight Group unites professionals from across CBA member organizations to strengthen risk management, internal controls, and governance practices. Focused on safeguarding organizational value, this collaborative community leverages the collective expertise of retirement fund staff and related professionals to provide risk-based assurance, share insights, and drive continuous improvement. Open to those in internal audit, compliance, financial services, treasury, ERM, and more, the group hosts quarterly online meetings that offer opportunities for networking, learning, and exchanging best practices. From reviewing regulatory updates to sharing vendor experiences and documentation templates, members benefit from a rich forum dedicated to enhancing effectiveness and supporting each organization’s mission. Join us to connect with peers, stay informed on industry trends, and advance your organization’s oversight capabilities.

Co-Chairs:
Dawn Cooper, Pension Fund of the Christian Church; Karen Vitale, Church Pension Group 

Investments Group 

The Investments group convenes annually at the Church Benefits Association meeting to explore key issues relevant to those managing, administering, and overseeing investment programs for religious retirement plans. Participants engage in discussions on a wide range of topics of mutual interest, including asset/liability management, emerging asset classes, socially responsible investing, investment manager selection, alternative investments, fiduciary best practices, participant fund options, and other investment-related matters. This group provides an opportunity for members to network, share insights, and learn from each other’s experiences, addressing the unique challenges, opportunities, and initiatives within our organizations.

Chair: Don Walker, The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 

Retirement Benefits Group 

The Retirement Benefits group offers a forum for CBA members to address the challenges of managing contemporary retirement plans for clergy and other church employees. Group discussions center on topics such as plan design, funding strategies, member services, and compliance for both defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

Chair: Andrea Hart, Concordia Plan Services (The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod)