It is with heavy hearts that we prepare to bid farewell to two long-time and well-loved executives at UCF, who are leaving us to pursue professional opportunities elsewhere.
Ted Phillips, Director, Finance & Administration, joined UCF in 2014, bringing with him extensive experience in finance and accounting. During his six years at UCF, Ted was instrumental in implementing client-focused technology and improving our approach to Client Services, streamlining procedures, finding operational efficiencies and developing the skills and certifications of UCF Finance & Administration staff. As a member of the Congregational Church of Huntington (New York), Ted has also helped ensure that UCF’s work reflected its mission. “The need for strengthening covenantal ties in the UCC is essential for our future,” he said. “Living the gospel will allow our clients and staff to support social justice needs, even in these most trying times. UCF has a dedicated, hard-working staff that deserve high marks for their dedication to clients.” Phillips will join the American Kennel Club as their Chief Financial Officer.
Katie McCloskey, Director, Social Responsibility, joined the UCF team in 2012 after working in not-for-profit and humanitarian fields, including six years at the Pension Boards-UCC. During her tenure at UCC, Katie was a driving force behind the creation of our Beyond Fossil Fuels funds as well as the recently announced Just World Fund, all of which have deepened the mission of our clients by investing for social and environmental outcomes. Katie worked extensively with staff and Board to create a social responsibility program and strategy that is widely acclaimed across the denomination and beyond. “United Church Funds provided the supportive, mission-focused environment that allowed me to contribute a socially responsible investing focus specific to the United Church of Christ,” said McCloskey. “I treasure the people who provided leadership during my journey, as well as my colleagues and our advocacy partners.” McCloskey will join the Mercy Investment Services as Vice President, Social Responsibility.
With regard to the imminent departures of Ted and Katie, UCF President & CEO Charles Buck said: “There’s no question that they will both be sorely missed, and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their tremendous service to UCF and all our clients. We wish them great success and satisfaction in their new endeavors.”
“That said,” Buck continued, “UCF will continue operating at full capacity even as we bid them farewell. Karen Sherman-Chang, who has worked for UCF since 2011 and is currently our Controller, has been appointed Acting Director, Finance and Administration. Karen brings to this role over 15 years of experience in finance and accounting, with a specialty in Credit Default Swaps and Commodity Trading Industries. We will also begin a search for a new Director of Social Responsibility, seeking a person who can maintain our high level of engagement and advocacy.”
Buck added: “In the meantime, UCF’s top-notch Client Services team will continue to handle all client transaction requests, either by email or telephone, during regular business hours, as they have since the COVID-19 crisis began. And our highly knowledgeable Institutional Relationships team continues to address any and all client questions and concerns regarding their investment portfolios.”
Click here for more information about the position of Director, Social Responsibility, and how to apply.