Larry D. Miller, Everence President and CEO, announced his retirement, scheduled for September 2014. “My time as president and CEO of Everence has been enjoyable and rewarding,” said Miller. “Everence is unique. Few denominations have such a financial organization, so I was passionate about keeping and transforming it for future generations within the church.”
Miller served as president and CEO of the organization’s credit union for 16 years. Then he joined MMA as its chief executive in 2006. When the two organizations united to create Everence, he continued in the role of president and CEO.
Recent direction of Everence
Founded almost 70 years ago in 1945, Everence now serves approximately 80,000 members and manages more than $2 billion in assets. During his tenure, Miller oversaw the creation of Everence in 2010, which brought together the financial services of MMA and the banking services of Mennonite Financial Federal Credit Union. Together, they offer comprehensive faith-based services for individuals and organizations.
Miller led the organization in strengthening its field offices with financial advisors around the country as well as the expansion of investment management services. Everence provides financial services and advisory expertise in banking, insurance, investments, retirement and charitable giving.
In recent years, the organization worked to bring stability to clients navigating the economic recession and slow recovery. Also, through its Sharing Fund grants and assistance through its partner LSS Financial Counseling, Everence provided support to people weathering financial difficulties due to the economic downturn.
Leadership transition
Today, Everence Board Chair D. Duane Oswald visited the corporate office in Goshen, Ind., to speak to staff and field advisors about the leadership transition. “The board has been very pleased with Larry’s vision and direction for Everence during his tenure,” said Oswald. “He brought together the church and business aspects of Everence in a positive way.”
Oswald and the board have created preliminary plans for the leadership transition. During its next meeting on Oct. 25-26, the board will finalize the search committee’s members, process and timeline.
“We expect the next leader to build on the successes that the organization is already achieving and to provide a vision for the future,” said Oswald. “We know we’ll need to make adjustments since Everence health plan services are changing, and we expect to strengthen banking and investment management services over time.”