Boigegrain Installed as Church Benefits Association Chairperson

For Immediate Release
November 29, 2006

Contact: Colette Nies, Managing Director—Communications
(847) 866-4296 or cnies@gbophb.org

San Diego, CA—Barbara A. Boigegrain, general secretary of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The United Methodist Church, was elected as chairperson of the Church Benefits Association (CBA) Board of Directors for a term beginning in 2007, it was announced today.

Having served the organization as 2006 vice-chairperson and, now, the first woman to be elected chairperson of the CBA, Ms. Boigegrain commented on her upcoming leadership role: “The CBA is a unique fellowship whose interests in pension and health benefits have created a common ground for open dialogue. The members of the CBA, in order to remain a vital organization for the next century, share an interest in examining the growth, education, financial and health dilemmas facing denominations, as all clergy and church professionals age and move toward retirement.”

Also announced was the installation of Sarah Hirsen as secretary of the CBA Board of Directors. Ms. Hirsen is general counsel of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The United Methodist Church, headquartered in Evanston, Illinois.

The CBA represents approximately $40 billion in pension and benefit assets for 50 church pension boards, religious orders and denominational benefit programs for clergy and church professionals. The CBA began as a yearly conference in 1915. Its membership is open to any organization sponsoring or administering church benefit programs.

About the General Board

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits is a not-for-profit administrative agency of The United Methodist Church, responsible for the general supervision and administration of the retirement, health and welfare benefit plans, programs and funds for more than 66,000 clergy and lay employees of the Church.

The General Board manages and invests over $14 billion dollars in assets.

As a socially responsible investor, the General Board is actively involved in shareholder advocacy, proxy voting, portfolio screening and community investing.