NBA Trustees Meet Virtually to Deepen Equity Work, Celebrate Outgoing Trustees

by NBA Cares

The National Benevolent Association (NBA) hosted a virtual meeting of the NBA Board of Trustees on June 10-11, 2022.

With NBA President and CEO, Mark D. Anderson, away on sabbatical, NBA’s Acting President, Rebecca L. Hale, and Board Chair, Rev. Orlando Scott, opened the meeting with their remarks and a devotional moment.  The Board spent the first portion of the meeting in training sessions as part of the NBA’s ongoing organizational commitment and strategic efforts on Belonging, Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (BEID). Some of the priorities in this equity work involving the Board relate to racial equity principles and practices being woven throughout Board committees and processes.

CPA firm Forvis gave a presentation on NBA’s clean audit. In accordance with guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the NBA’s consolidated financial records are audited annually by independent auditors. The 2021 audit report is now available.

The Board also affirmed a report on the first-ever Spring grantees for the Mission & Ministry Grants. With the program now in its fourth year, the Board has seen the increased granting needs of health and social service organizations along with ministry projects in Disciples congregations. Last year the Board approved an increase of offering two application periods. The Fall 2022 grant application period is August 8 through September 28. A full list of the spring 2022 grantees can be found here.

NBA Staff offered reports on activities from all our program areas. Highlights included events such as a series of focus groups for young adults, a combined in-person retreat for Peer Learning & Wellness Groups, and a visit to Incubate Partner Recovery Café San José for the 2021 and 2022 Social Entrepreneur Cohorts.

NBA Trustees Bill Jennison and Rev. Pedro Ramos-Goycolea concluded their service on the Board. For Jennison, who also served as the Board Treasurer and assisted in the recent transition of retiring NBA CFO, Gary Zimmerman, to the current NBA CFO, Amy Johns, much appreciation was offered for his eight years of service and leadership. Rev. Thomas Harshman was elected to succeed Jennison as Treasurer beginning in July.

The next meetings of the NBA Board of Trustees will take place in August and November 2022.