ST. LOUIS, MO — Three Portico Benefit Services executives have been elected to the Church Benefits Association (CBA) Board of Directors, expanding the organization’s influence within the national faith-based benefits community.
During the CBA’s 2025 Annual Conference in St. Louis, Chris Johnson, Portico president and CEO, was elected to the CBA board. Stacy Kruse, Portico’s chief financial officer, was elected treasurer of CBA. Lori Brown, Portico’s general counsel, was re-elected as board secretary.
The elections reflect Portico’s visibility and leadership role within CBA, an interfaith network of faith-based benefits professionals that has served denominational benefit programs for over 100 years.
“The Church Benefits Association plays a vital role in advancing the work of faith-based benefits organizations across the country,” said Johnson. “As we navigate rapid change in our sector — from evolving workforce needs to new approaches in health and retirement benefits — collaboration and shared learning have never been more important.
“I’m honored to serve alongside Stacy and Lori on the CBA board,” Johnson continued. “This is an opportunity to contribute to the broader conversation about the future of benefits while bringing back insights and innovations that will strengthen how we serve ELCA members, social ministries, and affiliated organizations.”
With over 50 member organizations, CBA represents more than $100 billion in net assets across pension and health plans, serving over one million clergy, lay workers and their families. The association fosters interfaith collaboration, education and professional relationships to enhance benefit programs across Protestant, Catholic and Jewish organizations.
CBA’s mission aligns closely with Portico’s commitment to innovation and excellence in benefits administration. The organization’s annual conference brings together approximately 300 professionals including senior executives and benefits experts to share strategies and advance best practices in the faith-based benefits sector.