Pension Fund Board Celebrates the Life of Art Hanna; Discusses Investment Strategies and Strategic Initiatives

Indianapolis - Pension Fund’s Board of Directors met Nov. 11-13, 2022. The meeting focused on reviewing the risk profile associated with our investment portfolio and how well the investments have weathered recent market volatility. Current funding levels and market returns did not support awarding any Good Experience Credits on interest bearing accounts for 2022. The board also approved the 2023 operating budgets and policy/plan revisions as well as received an update on the 2022-24 Strategic Plan.

On Saturday evening, the board gathered with past and present staff members to celebrate the life and service of former Pension Fund President, Rev. Art Hanna. The delayed celebration was initially planned for April 2020. The board was joined by his wife Sue, their children Lin and Jim, and daughter-in-law Sally. “Art was first and foremost a faithful and generous servant of the church who took a pastor’s approach in how he cared for and loved the mission of Pension Fund,” shared Rev. Dr. Todd A. Adams, President and CEO. Additional reflections were offered by former Presidents Lester D. Palmer and James P. Hamlett, Treasurer Emeritus Richard Cohee, current board member Rev. Esteban Gonzales-Doble, and current Chief Investment Officer David Stone. The board celebrated the Hanna Fund for Ministerial Relief and Assistance.

In the board update on the 2022-24 Strategic Plan, Rev. Dr. Todd A. Adams, shared that consulting firm P3 Development Group is currently in the process of conducting one-on-one interviews with leaders in the church who were identified by the staff working groups. These interviews will be used to shape a market survey, as Pension Fund seeks to measure our engagement with historically underserved communities as part of our Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Accessibility (DEBA) Initiative. As part of this initiative, Adams shared that Rev. Gabriel Lopez-Patina’s role will shift within the organization from an Area Director to the Director of DEBA. This position is being created to ensure our commitment to being a Pro-Reconciling/Anti-Racist organization and that our efforts to better engage the racial/ethnic ministries of the church is part of our ethos and culture, not just a three-year initiative.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Apr. 11-15, 2023, where board members will meet virtually to consider Special Apportionments based on Dec. 31, 2022 pension assets and liabilities.