[Episcopal Church Foundation press release] The Episcopal Church Foundation’s (ECF) board of directors has unanimously voted to elect two new members: Kurt V. Feaster of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Michael S. Penfield of Portland, Oregon.

“We are excited to welcome Kurt and Mike to the ECF Board,” remarked Donald V. Romanik, ECF president. “Together they bring deep experience and commitment to service in the church. We welcome their energy, experience, and insights.”

Feaster, a member of Calvary Episcopal Cathedral in Sioux Falls, serves as senior warden and trustee of the Calvary Episcopal Cathedral Foundation. He was previously chair of the Buildings & Grounds and Finance Committees. Kurt is married to Dr. Rebecca Feaster; they have three grown children and six grandchildren. He holds an MBA and CPA. Now retired, he is an investor and non-management chair of RENEW Energy Maintenance, a national service provider for the wind energy sector. Heis a two-time Rotary Harris Fellow; past Chair of Brookings County Red Cross; member Ascension Lutheran (ELCA) Church, Brookings, SD; and Adjunct Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and University of Minnesota.

Feaster notes “Serving on the ECF board will allow me to learn more about lay leadership development and share the experience of what I have learned about governance issues. I would like to explore whether ECF can develop information useful for congregations in training and educational programs for employment or lifestyle needs in their community.”

Penfield is a member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Portland where he serves as senior warden. Other Episcopal Church activities include trustee of the Diocese of Oregon; chair of the Diocesan Planned Giving Committee; member of Diocesan Finance Committee; and alternate deputy to General Convention. He holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Minnesota and currently serves as national director, U.S. Bank Charitable Services Group. Mike is in relationship with Michelle Weisenbach and has two grown children. Community involvement includes service on the Boards of the William Temple House and Volunteers of America.

“My whole professional life, I’ve had the good fortune to work with organizations that are
deeply committed to helping people and communities,” said Penfield. “When I was
presented with an invitation to join the board of directors for the Episcopal Church
Foundation, I said ‘yes’ immediately. ECF’s mission to help our Episcopal communities develop strategy, leadership and financial resources is an excellent complement to my own personal values and experience in church activities. I look forward to helping ECF work toward its goals. I am deeply honored to join this board.”

ECF’s board of directors will next meet in New York Nov. 12-14 when they will
explore the theme “fuel for ministry.”