[Church Pension Group press release] The Church Pension Group (CPG), a provider of employee benefits, property and casualty insurance, and published works to the institutions and individuals that comprise the Episcopal Church, May 23 announced the appointment of Francis “Frank” P. Armstrong as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

In this role, he will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for all client-facing programs and business operations. He will report directly to CPG Chief Executive Officer and President Mary Kate Wold. He replaces former COO Jim Morrison, who recently retired after 15 years of outstanding service to CPG.“Frank has been involved with our work, and has been an important part of the CPG leadership team, for many years,” said Wold. “This appointment will ensure a seamless transition as we continue to focus on providing our clients with a comprehensive set of products and services designed to suit the unique needs of those we serve. Building on the work Jim started, Frank will continue to push us forward so we can continue to meet the needs of the changing Church.”

Prior to his appointment, Armstrong served as senior vice president, benefits policy, and chief actuary of CPG since 2011. Before CPG, he served as a managing principal and practice leader for the eastern region for Hewitt Associates’ Health Management Practice, where he served as lead consultant to CPG. Prior to this, he was an actuarial consultant for Buck Consultants and an actuarial associate for US Life Insurance Co.

He is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. He holds a BA from Rutgers University.

“We feel very fortunate to have been able to fill the role of COO with someone as talented as Frank,” Wold continued. “As he was recruited and trained by Jim, I have every confidence that he will continue the tradition of compassionate yet fiscally sound service to the Church.

“I want to thank Jim for his efforts over the past 15 years. He was instrumental in the creation of various service models that have allowed us to operate more effectively and provide the best possible experience to our clients. Jim is a tremendous colleague and friend, and we wish him the very best in his retirement.”

The Church Pension Fund is an independent organization affiliated with the

Episcopal Church with approximately $12 billion in assets. CPF and its affiliated companies, collectively the Church Pension Group, provides retirement, health and wellness, and life insurance benefits to clergy and lay employees of the Episcopal Church. CPG also offers property and casualty insurance, as well as book and music publishing, including the official worship materials of the Episcopal Church. Its affiliated companies include Church Life Insurance Corp., the Episcopal Church Medical Trust, the Church Insurance Companies and Church Publishing Inc.