New National Ministries chief financial officer is a familiar face

The National Ministries of the United Church of Christ have a new, but familiar face as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Brian Tracy, who previously served as the Controller, and doubled as acting CFO in 2020 started work as the CFO January 1 following a national search. He replaced Tami Marinella, who left the National Ministries after four years to become the vice president and chief financial officer for the Cornerstone Fund.

Tracy began his tenure with the National Ministries back in 2018, after spending nearly 14 years as controller with the Cleveland-based Positive Education Program. He brings more than 25 years experience having worked for several accounting firms, cutting his teeth and doing the grunt work that often is associated with those beginning in the field of accounting.

The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President/CEO, said Tracy “has a vision, and understands the complexities of the financials of the National Ministries, which I think makes him a good fit for the job.”

A Natural Choice

Thompson, who worked closely with Tracy previously when she was the associate General Minister for Wider Church Ministries, personally encouraged him to apply for the role when it became available. “He knows the organization, and the intricacies, and it allows us to move forward with the work because he has that knowledge and established relationships with staff and partners,” Thompson said.

He said he knew what the job entailed, and this was the right time for him to achieve a long goal of his: to become a chief financial officer.

“It was an easy choice to make this transition, and it seems other folks feel the same way,” Tracy said of his appointment and the reception he has received by other National Ministries staff members.

This isn’t the first rodeo for Thompson and Tracy. They worked together previously in the last roles as Controller and Associate General Minister, respectively. While Tracy is getting accustomed to his new role and added responsibilities, he has the benefit of an established relationship with Thompson making for a smoother transition.

Many Responsibilities

Among his many responsibilities, Tracy will oversee the day-to-day financial work of the UCC’s national Covenanted Ministries. That includes overseeing monthly financial reports, wire transfers, check authorizations, contracts, banking relationships and audit preparation, to name just a few responsibilities.

He will also prepare and present financial reports to the General Synod; serve as treasurer of the United Church of Christ Board, and staff several of its committees; and supervise the national ministries’ financial services, information technology and building services staff.

When he’s not at work, Tracy is a husband, and a father to two daughters. A native to Northeast Ohio, Tracy obtained his Bachelors in accounting and administration from Baldwin Wallace University in 1998 and went on to obtain his certification as a certified public accountant (CPA) in 2000.

Tracy says that among his many goals for his new role, is to work to ensure the financial health of the National Ministries remains in the black.

One of Tracy’s first tasks as new CFO is to hire his replacement. The job description and application are available to be viewed HERE.

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