BBT Board Calls New Leadership Following Resignation of Its Chair


Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board chairwoman Deb Romary unexpectedly resigned from the BBT Board of Directors on July 5, immediately following the action by the Annual Conference delegate body on two business items related to issues of human sexuality. She had served as chairwoman of the BBT Board since July 2010. She was elected by the BBT Board in Nov. 2010 to serve a second four-year term; that election was affirmed on July 4 by the Annual Conference delegate body.

“It was with great sadness that I resigned from my position as chairwoman and a member of the Brethren Benefit Trust Board,” she said in an interview on July 10. “However, factors beyond my control that impacted the work I was performing, as well as my family and the BBT Board and staff, made it imperative that I resign.”

“With Deb’s unexpected departure from the board, we have lost a capable leader as well as a friend,” said Nevin Dulabaum, BBT president. “Deb helped shape many key decisions at BBT over the past four years, and she will be sorely missed.”

The BBT Board met on July 6 for its regularly scheduled reorganization meeting, and called Karen Orpurt Crim to serve as board chairwoman for the next year. Ann Quay Davis was elected vice chairwoman and Nevin Dulabaum was elected Board secretary. The board also elected BBT’s corporate officers: Nevin Dulabaum, president; Scott Douglas, vice president; John McGough, treasurer; and Donna March, secretary.

On July 4, John Waggoner was elected by the Annual Conference delegates to serve a four-year term on the BBT Board. He joined the meeting by phone and was welcomed by the board. The board also welcomed back Craig Smith, who was elected by Brethren Pension Plan members to serve a second four-year term.

In an interview on July 10, Karen Orpurt Crim said, “The BBT Board and staff give thanks for the four years of service and leadership Deb Romary gave to BBT. It is with sadness and regret that we accept her resignation from the BBT Board.”

BBT’s next two regularly scheduled board meetings are a conference call on Sept. 19 and a meeting in the Altoona, Pa., area on Nov. 18 and 19.

(This release was provided by Brethren Benefit Trust.)

 

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