We’re honored to announce James Reynolds has been appointed executive director of the Brethren in Christ Foundation and Mitchell Martin has been selected as director of finance and director of shared services for the BIC U.S., both effective immediately.
Since Rick Snyder — director of BIC U.S. shared services and CEO of the BIC Foundation — retired end of July, Jim and Mitch have skillfully led in these respective positions in an interim capacity. The BIC Foundation board of directors named Jim the executive director Friday, November 10; General Conference Board approved Mitch as director of finance and shared services, Tuesday, November 28.
“We’re grateful to have two talented, driven individuals leading the BIC Foundation and the BIC U.S.” said Alan Robinson, national director of the Brethren in Christ U.S. “Their commitment to excellence will continue to guide the BIC Foundation and the BIC U.S. in this next era of our history.”
Jim Reynolds
While new to his role as executive director, Jim has influenced the direction of the BIC Foundation since 2006. During his tenure as controller, Jim has directed day-to-day procedures — as well as adeptly handled the transition of longtime leader Elvin Peifer in 2014 and Rick Snyder’s retirement earlier this year.
“For more than a decade, Jim has been a key leader in the daily operations of the BIC Foundation,” said Rod Musser, chair of the BIC Foundation board of directors. “With his extensive knowledge of the BIC Foundation, the Brethren in Christ Church, and our investor base, Jim is well positioned to lead the organization. We look forward to working with him in his new role.”
Jim’s knowledge of business markets also stems from his prior leadership experience. From 1987 to 2006, he served as director of finance for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association Insurance Trust (PSBA). Before his leadership at PSBA, Jim was an accounting manager and controller for a variety of businesses. Jim received a degree in accounting education from Delaware Tech in Georgetown, Delaware. Father of four children, Jim lives with his wife, Laura, and their two children still at home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
As executive director, Jim said he is grateful to provide customized financial services to investors wanting to make an impact for the Kingdom, as well as to pastors and churches expanding their ministries.
“We’re here to help grow and support your ministry,” said Jim. “I’m privileged to connect congregations and individuals with financial services that fit their specific ministry needs.”
Mitch Martin
Before joining the BIC U.S. in summer 2016, Mitch had already tackled its financials: A certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner, Mitch was involved in the audit of the BIC U.S. since 2012.
Interested in helping churches and nonprofits flourish financially, for five years Mitch specialized in churches and faith-based nonprofits as an auditor at public accounting firm Hamilton & Musser, P.C. His niche in nonprofits and training as a CPA made Mitch an ideal leader at BIC U.S., first as assistant controller of the BIC Foundation, now as director of finance and shared services.
“With his background as an auditor of faith-based nonprofits and churches, Mitch understands how financial realities intersect with church life,” said Alan. “He has a desire to see churches operate with financial excellence.”
In his role, Mitch oversees the departments of human resources, communications, and finance —all focused on supporting the ministry of the local church — an objective he is thrilled to advocate.
Since joining the BIC U.S. team, Mitch has championed the idea that the denomination’s purpose is to build up the local church, noted Alan.
“We as the BIC U.S. exist to serve the local church as Christ transforms lives through your ministries,” said Mitch. “As I begin this role, you’re always welcome to let me know how we as a denomination can better come alongside you.”
An accounting graduate from Messiah College, Mitch and his wife, Sarah, live in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.