Ken Hochstetler announces plans to retire in spring 2027

Everence President and CEO Ken Hochstetler has announced his intention to retire in the spring of 2027, beginning a thoughtful leadership transition developed in partnership with the Everence Board of Directors.

“After much reflection, I believe spring 2027 is the right time for me to begin the next chapter and for Everence to prepare for its next season of leadership,” said Hochstetler. “It has been a deep privilege to serve alongside such a gifted and committed team, and I am grateful for the many ways we have worked together to strengthen relationships, serve members and clients, and advance the mission of Everence. What has made this work so meaningful to me is the opportunity to be part of an organization grounded in purpose and stewardship – one that seeks to make a lasting difference in people’s lives, in the church and in the broader communities we serve.”

The Everence Board has engaged North Group Consultants, a leadership search firm based in Lititz, Pennsylvania, to guide the search for the next Everence President and CEO. Hochstetler will continue serving in his current role throughout the search process and has worked closely with the board to develop a succession plan designed to ensure a smooth and successful transition. The board intends to select the next President and CEO by spring 2027.

“We are deeply grateful for Ken’s leadership and for the ways Everence has grown and flourished under his guidance,” said Steve Lindsey, Chair of the Everence Board of Directors. “Over the past 12 years, Ken has helped strengthen the organization, built a capable senior leadership team and kept Everence focused on its mission, values and strategic priorities. As the board begins the search for the next Everence President and CEO, we are confident the next leader will be well positioned to continue building on the strong foundation established during Ken’s tenure.”

Over his 12 years of leadership, Hochstetler has helped Everence remain firmly grounded in its faith-based mission while expanding its reach beyond traditional denominational boundaries to serve churches, organizations and individuals more broadly. He has guided the organization through significant growth and transformation, including the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting workforce dynamics, while fostering a people-centered culture built on collaboration and shared purpose. That focus helped position Everence as an employer of choice and strengthened its mission, values and identity as an organization. The common thread throughout his tenure has been a commitment to purpose-driven growth that leaves both Everence and the communities it serves stronger for the future.

Hochstetler also reflected on what this moment means in the arc of the Everence history:

"I joined an organization built by generations of people who carried this mission forward long before I arrived. Their faithfulness, sacrifice and hard work laid the foundation that made everything since possible. Everence carries 81 years of history, and I've come to see my time as President and CEO as one piece of that story, a season of stewardship. As we move through this transition, I hope we can take a moment to honor what all of us, past and present, have built together."

As Everence looks ahead to its next chapter of leadership, that same commitment to purpose and people will continue to guide the organization forward.