Pension Boards appoints David A. Klassen as its President, CEO

The Pension Boards, an affiliated ministry of the United Church of Christ recently announced its appointment of David A. Klassen as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. He takes over from Walter Reyes, who served as interim President after Brian Bodager stepped away for health reasons. Bodager passed away on February 15, 2025.

The Pension Boards announced today that David A. Klassen has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pension Boards-United Church of Christ, Inc., effective March 31, 2025, following a comprehensive national executive search.

Since 2011, Klassen has served as Chief Investment Officer of the Pension Boards and United Church Funds, bringing a strong background in investment and finance, including positions as V.P. and Portfolio Manager at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and Managing Director and Head of Equities at JPMorgan Chase. In a productive decade away from Wall Street, Klassen graduated from divinity school, earned 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and was Partner of Springboard Leadership LLC, working with top leaders and organizations to build diverse leadership capacity in the finance, not-for-profit, and government sectors.

“Throughout his 14-year tenure with the Pension Boards, Klassen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing retirement income security to those engaged in the life of the church,” stated the Rev. Dr. Rodney Franklin, Chair, Board of Trustees. “He believes in the intersection of faith and finance as both a theological foundation for action and a compassionate goal. This approach aims to empower leaders to provide trusted and valued ministry to future generations,” he continued.

Klassen led the Pension Boards’ sustainable investment efforts, helping to ensure security for our members and the confidence that their investments support and align with the UCC’s vision of a “just world for all.”

Under his leadership, the Pension Boards became a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), joining thousands of organizations around the world that have publicly demonstrated their commitment to responsible investment. This is an example of the outstanding work Klassen and the investment team have accomplished that showcases the Pension Boards’ commitment to the “double bottom line” of doing good for creation and humankind while achieving strong financial performance.

“I am of course deeply honored and humbled to assume this role and guide our organization into its next chapter of growth and service,” said Klassen. “My theological background and practical experiences as a chaplain resident and on the Union Seminary Board will continue to inform the respect and compassion I feel for the unique challenges our clergy members face, particularly regarding their health and financial wellness. Now more than ever, I believe that true stewardship encompasses both faith and financial responsibility, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our organization offers the support, resources, and guidance necessary to empower our UCC community. We are here to enable them to answer their call with confidence and thrive sustainably,” he continued.

Klassen will continue to build upon the legacy of the former President and CEO, Brian R. Bodager, whose visionary leadership and dedication advanced the Pension Boards’ mission.