Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe announced today that he has begun working with Chief Financial Officer Kurt Barnes, who has served The Episcopal Church for 21 years in this role, on a succession plan for leadership in the church’s finance, investment, and development offices.
A search for The Episcopal Church’s next chief financial officer has begun, and the position description is posted here.
Barnes, who has announced that he will retire, holds simultaneous churchwide roles as chief financial officer for the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society; treasurer of the Executive Council; and treasurer to the General Convention. He will remain treasurer to the General Convention and Executive Council as he assists with the onboarding of a new chief financial officer.
“Kurt has served our church with expertise, diplomacy, and unflagging commitment, and I am profoundly grateful for his leadership and wisdom,” Rowe said. “I wish him every blessing in his retirement, and I am grateful for his willingness to assist us with his vast institutional knowledge as we move forward with our strategic realignment.”
The CFO reports to the presiding bishop and supervises the staff of the Finance Office, the Office of the Treasurer, the Investment Office, and the Office of Development. The role is based at The Episcopal Church Center in New York and works closely with members of the senior staff to ensure the financial management of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society in support of program initiatives and the directives of the General Convention.
Canon I.4.2.g stipulates that the Executive Council shall appoint a chief financial officer upon joint nomination of the presiding bishop and president of the House of Deputies, acting in their capacity as the board’s chair and vice chair.
Questions about the search can be directed to Pappas & Pappas at karen@pappas2.com.
