For Immediate Release

Contact: Julie Capozzi
Managing Director, Communications
(847) 866-4111
[email protected]

Glenview, IL—Wespath is pleased to announce it has engaged Thomas Kemper in a part-time consulting agreement in support of Central Conference Pensions (CCP) and central conference relationships. The agreement is effective January 1, 2021. Kemper will retire as general secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries at the end of August of this year.

Kemper’s primary focus will be the important work of bolstering the long-term sustainability of pension plans in the central conferences – geographic organizational units outside the United States comparable to domestic jurisdictions. He will consult with central conference bishops, conference leaders, and boards of pensions to assist them in addressing pension program challenges and opportunities, including the systems and structures in which the plans operate.

A secondary focus for Kemper will be the exploration of positive investment opportunities outside the U.S. He will facilitate connections with UMC, other Methodist, or other Wesleyan-heritage organizations for whom sustainable, socially responsible investing is a priority, or who could otherwise benefit from Wespath’s investment management services.

“We are delighted to have Thomas join us in a consulting capacity,” said Barbara Boigegrain, Wespath general secretary. “His extensive international experience, coupled with the breadth and depth of his relationships across The United Methodist Church, uniquely qualify Thomas to support our central conference work. He will be a valuable resource as we continue to build and maintain critical relationships important for CCP success and effective support of non-U.S. pensions.”

Kemper will work in consultation with the Wespath Church Relations team. “Thomas’ many relationships with UMC groups and leaders worldwide will enable Wespath to reach out more effectively to the Church outside the U.S. His expertise will help us better support central conference pension plans in moving toward sustainability and more fully serve the global Church,” said Dale Jones, managing director of Church Relations at Wespath. “We are fortunate that Thomas will continue his long service to the Church by working in consultation with Wespath.”

As general secretary for the General Board of Global Ministries for the last ten years, Kemper serves as chief executive officer of the worldwide mission agency of The United Methodist Church. He is recognized for promoting the internationalization of mission operations and missionary personnel, opening new regional offices and increasing the numbers and range of young adult Global Mission Fellows.

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About Wespath Benefits and Investments
Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) is a not-for-profit agency that has been serving The United Methodist Church (UMC) for over a century. In accordance with its fiduciary duties, Wespath administers benefit plans and, together with its subsidiaries, including Wespath Institutional Investments, invests over $24 billion in assets on behalf of over 100,000 participants and over 100 United Methodist-affiliated institutions (as of February 28, 2020). Wespath invests in a sustainable manner that seeks to achieve positive financial, social and environmental impact while upholding the values of the UMC. Wespath maintains the largest reporting faith-based pension fund in the world. For additional information about Wespath Benefits and Investments, please follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.