CFO

The CFO Topical Interest Committee is made up of financial officers (or individuals with financial responsibilities) from CBA member organizations. This group aims to support one another in navigating financial reporting legislation, technical pronouncements, and other financial matters that may impact CBA members. When relevant, the group fosters collaboration opportunities, shares best practices, benchmarks performance, and addresses any other financial topics of interest.

Click here for a list of committee members. 

Client Services

The Client Services Topical Interest Committee was established to harness our collective expertise in customer service practices. This includes, but is not limited to, areas such as technology, training and quality programs, and employee engagement—all aimed at enhancing the mission of our organizations. The committee achieves this through:

• Sharing ideas, programs, and practices across our organizations
• Discussing and evaluating emerging customer service trends
• Assessing customer service innovations that can align with our organizational goals
• Holding periodic meetings as a platform for discussions and visits to our service centers
• Sharing insights from customer service training, seminars, and conventions, and inviting guest experts on new and emerging service topics
• Collaborating on new initiatives and programs related to customer service
• Addressing common challenges and brainstorming potential solutions

Click here for a list of committee members.

Communications, Marketing and Education Group (CMEG)

Navigating health and retirement benefits communication within denominational organizations can be complex. The Communications, Marketing, and Education Group (CMEG) is here to provide support, insight, and shared expertise.

• A Network of Peers: CMEG connects marketing and communications leaders who understand the unique challenges you face. We share your journey, grasp the complexities of denominational benefits, and offer solutions tailored to your needs.
• Open Sharing, Real Growth: What sets CMEG apart is our culture of collaboration. Members freely exchange strategies, resources, and best practices, offering fresh ideas and innovative approaches that can help you thrive.
• Collaboration for Innovation: Through our monthly meetings and annual conference, CMEG fosters an environment of collective growth. Here, ideas flow, challenges are tackled together, and members leave empowered to overcome their biggest obstacles.
• Support and Inspiration: CMEG is a community where you're never alone. It's a place to feel understood, supported, and inspired by colleagues who are dedicated to your success and the success of the broader church benefits community.
• Monthly Zoom Meetings: Participate in 60-minute meetings and 30-minute hot topic discussions each quarter.
• Basecamp Community: A platform for ongoing communication, collaboration, and resource sharing.
• Supportive Network: Access a community ready to provide guidance and support.

Join Us Today: Take the next step in your professional growth with CMEG. Connect, collaborate, and become part of a community focused on setting the standard in church benefits communication and marketing. We look forward to welcoming you!

Click here for a list of committee members.

COO

The COO Topical Interest Committee was established to leverage our collective operational expertise to better support the missions of our organizations. We achieve this by:

• Sharing insights and information on initiatives across our organizations
• Holding regular meetings as a platform for discussion
• Facilitating networking opportunities within our organizations and beyond

Click here for a list of committee members.

Disability & Life

Disability and life benefits are essential offerings for many organizations within the CBA. Our committee focuses on these areas, providing a platform for CBA members to exchange experiences and best practices. Key areas of focus include:

• Discussions on funding arrangements
• Plan design strategies
• Trends, outcomes, and shared experiences with plans
• Vendor experiences and recommendations
• Opportunities for integration with other vendors
• Market research findings
• Effective communication strategies

What You Can Expect as a Committee Member:

• Quarterly Zoom Meetings: Engage with fellow members in a 60-minute meeting each quarter, where we encourage open discussions on challenges, successes, and best practices in managing disability and life benefits within your organization.
• Supportive Network: Gain valuable insights from a network of professionals who understand the complexities of administering these benefits in a denominational context. 

Click here for a list of committee members.

Executive Level "Right Hand" Professionals

The goal of the Executive Level "Right Hand" Professionals Committee is to foster meaningful connections among peers and industry professionals, enhance knowledge, and provide access to a wealth of resources. By drawing on the collective experience of seasoned executive-level assistants and office managers, the committee offers fresh perspectives, new opportunities, and a supportive community that is vital for career growth and professional development.

This committee provides a platform to exchange ideas, address common challenges, and share best practices. It is designed for Executive Assistants, Legal Assistants, and Office Managers, but we welcome anyone interested in collaborating on solutions for everyday challenges, improving communication, sharing document templates, supporting executives, refining governance processes, and exploring new technologies. Join us to be part of a collaborative environment that values growth, innovation, and mutual support.

Click here for a list of committee members.

Financial Literacy & Wellness

The Financial Literacy & Wellness Topical Interest Group is made up of financial educators and planners dedicated to helping plan members enhance their financial knowledge and achieve long-term financial well-being. This group meets annually at the CBA meeting, as well as once more mid-year, to exchange resources and explore potential opportunities for collaboration and partnership. Our goal is to extend the impact of our collective projects and resources to benefit the wider CBA community.

Click here for a list of committee members.

Health Benefits

The CBA Health Benefits Committee provides a platform for members who sponsor health benefit plans to discuss the challenges and issues of managing modern health plans. Established over 20 years ago, the committee has traditionally hosted semi-annual meetings to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. In 2001, we formed purchasing coalitions to negotiate pharmacy benefits contracts for CBA member organizations, resulting in more than 20 plans now purchasing prescription drugs through the merged Express Scripts/Medco Health entity, achieving pricing benefits that individual plans couldn't secure on their own.

In 2002, we also established a coalition to purchase PPO administrative services through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and we've since expanded to include coalitions for purchasing Mental Health services and Disability Administrative services.

Today, the committee continues to monitor federal healthcare reform regulations, assess their impact on church plans, and, in partnership with the Core Lawyers Working Group (CLWG), advocate for regulatory and legislative changes that benefit CBA healthcare plans and the individuals they cover.

Click here for a list of committee members. 

Human Resources

The HR Topical Interest Committee was established to leverage the collective human resources experience and expertise of its members to better support the missions and goals of our organizations. The committee's purpose is to foster collaboration and the sharing of insights that can drive success in human resources initiatives.

Our objectives include:

• Sharing Ideas and Information: We facilitate discussions on HR initiatives within each organization, as well as common challenges, encouraging brainstorming of innovative solutions.
• Employment Practices Compliance: We exchange processes and solutions to address compliance and regulatory challenges in employment practices.
• Evaluating HR Best Practices: We evaluate the latest trends and innovations in human resources that could add value to our organizations' goals.
• Seeking External Expertise: We engage outside experts to deepen our knowledge of emerging HR practices and methodologies.
• Periodic Meetings: We host regular meetings that provide a platform for open discussions and idea-sharing among committee members.
• Networking Opportunities: We offer opportunities for networking among HR professionals and others within our organizations, helping to strengthen connections and partnerships.

Eligibility to Join: The primary role of a committee member should be the senior-most human resources professional employed by a CBA member organization.

Click here for a list of committee members.

Information Technology

The Information Technology Topical Interest Committee was established to leverage our collective technology expertise in order to better support the missions of our organizations.

We achieve this by: 

• Exchanging ideas and insights related to initiatives within each of our organizations
• Analyzing and assessing emerging technological trends and innovations that can enhance our organizations' goals
• Engaging external experts to expand our knowledge of new and emerging technologies relevant to our operations
• Hosting regular meetings to facilitate collaborative discussions
• Offering an online platform for sharing discussions and resources
• Creating networking opportunities within our organizations and beyond

Click here for a list of committee members.

Internal Oversight Group (Risk, Internal Audit and Compliance)

The Internal Oversight Topical Interest Committee brings together professionals from various organizations within the CBA to address risks and implement effective internal controls. This committee is dedicated to enhancing and safeguarding organizational value by providing risk-based assurance, advice, and insights.

The committee's purpose is to leverage the collective experience and knowledge of retirement fund staff to better support each organization's mission. Through collaborative discussions, the committee aims to evaluate and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of risk management, controls, and governance processes. This group also offers opportunities for learning, networking, and sharing best practices.

Recognizing that the organizational structures, roles, and responsibilities vary across different entities, the committee is open to all individuals involved in internal audit, compliance, financial services, treasury, enterprise risk management (ERM), and other relevant areas. Quarterly meetings are hosted on an online forum, primarily consisting of internal auditors, but all are welcome to participate. Specific areas where the committee provides value include:

• Risk Management
• Internal Controls
• Governance Processes
• Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
• Compliance
• Review/Testing Methodologies
• Vendor Experience Sharing
• Documentation Template Sharing
• Industry Trends
• Best Practices
• Regulatory Updates

Click here for a list of committee members. 

Investments

The Investments Topical Interest Committee convenes annually at the Church Benefits Association meeting to explore key issues relevant to those managing, administering, and overseeing investment programs for religious retirement plans. Participants engage in discussions on a wide range of topics of mutual interest, including asset/liability management, emerging asset classes, socially responsible investing, investment manager selection, alternative investments, fiduciary best practices, participant fund options, and other investment-related matters. This committee provides an opportunity for members to network, share insights, and learn from each other’s experiences, addressing the unique challenges, opportunities, and initiatives within our organizations.

Click here for a list of committee members.

Legal

The Legal Topical Interest Committee of the CBA offers a forum for in-house counsel, compliance professionals, and outside legal advisors of CBA members to discuss the legal, compliance, and regulatory challenges affecting church plans. With over 15 years of history, the committee focuses on continuing legal education and facilitates the exchange of information and insights among peers.

Click here for a list of committee members.

Retirement Benefits

The Retirements Topical Interest Committee offers a forum for CBA members to address the challenges of managing contemporary retirement plans for clergy and other church employees. Committee discussions center on topics such as plan design, funding strategies, member services, and compliance for both defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

Click here for a list of committee members.