Mark A. Conner, CEBS, CFP®

Mark Conner is a certified employee benefit specialist (CEBS) and certified financial planner (CFP®). After graduating from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1979 with a Master of Divinity degree, Mark’s vocation became clear. He has worked almost 30 years at two United Methodist Church general agencies.

Mark began his career at the General Board of Pension & Health Benefits serving in various capacities from senior assistant general secretary to plan/service manager. After a nine year hiatus, he returned in 2006 to begin serving as benefit education specialist. He now works in the Education and Plan Sponsor Relations department. Mark conducts approximately 20 retirement, life-time planning and financial education seminars every year, around the country.

From 1999 to 2006, Mark served as the director of Current and Deferred Giving for the Northeast Jurisdiction at the General Board of Global Ministries. The program was entitled “Financial Planning for Caring Christians” where he collaborated with L.D.Rice & Associates in developing and counseling many United Methodist clergy, missionary and lay church workers about their financial goals and charitable giving.

Mr. Conner has been active in many United Methodist positions at both the conference and church levels. He worked with the New England Conference Board of Pensions for eight years, chairing the Pension and Investment Committees, and served on the Bishop’s panel to address retiree health care matters. At his local church in Grantham, N.H. he served on the Staff Parish Relations Committee and on previous church committees, including finance, missions, youth and camping, etc. Outside of the Church, he has worked as an officer and member of the Chicago Society of Financial Planners, (current member of the Financial Planning Association); he also has been treasurer of a townhouse association, a credit union officer and member of the credit union's loan approval and investment committees.