Tim Brennan, New UUA Treasurer, Takes Office

Tim Brennan

(August 23, 2006) After receiving the Board of Trustees' enthusiastic approval during their June meeting, Tim Brennan became the new Treasurer and Vice President of Finance for the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.  He joined the UUA full-time on August 7th, succeeding Jerry Gabert, who retired this summer after ten years of dedicated service to the Association.

Brennan comes to the UUA after nearly seven years with Ceres, the national network of institutional investors working to advance corporate responsibility for the environment. As Senior Director, Development and Communications, he worked with major environmental organizations, religious investors (including the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, of which the UUA is a member), and major pension funds on issues such as global warming and corporate disclosure.

"At Ceres, I saw first-hand the power of committed shareholders to change companies and ultimately to help build a better society," said Brennan. "I am thrilled to be a part of an organization so committed to socially responsible investing and shareholder activism, and I look forward to working with the board and its committees to express our Unitarian Universalist values through the way we manage our assets."

With an MBA from The Wharton School in finance and accounting, Brennan's training is well-suited for the job of chief financial officer of a national religious organization. He also has many years of experience in managing the finances of non-profit organizations, including two theater companies and PBS's American Playhouse. His investment experience includes serving as head of finance for a New York company that invested over a billion dollars in feature films.

For several months last spring an extensive, nation-wide search was conducted for a new treasurer. The finalists were interviewed by the Association's president, executive vice president, moderator, financial advisor, and chairs of the audit and finance committees.  UUA President Bill Sinkford submitted Tim Brennan's name to the full board, which warmly approved the candidate in a unanimous vote.

Bill Sinkford commented on Brennan's unique personal and professional qualifications: "Tim brings not only all of the skills a chief financial officer needs, but he also offers an articulate and engaging presence and a deep commitment to the values of Unitarian Universalism. Among Tim's gifts is experience with fundraising; he understands where the money comes from as well as how to account for it."

Dan Brody, the UUA's Financial Advisor, expressed his satisfaction when Brennan accepted the position. "Tim has many years of experience in non-profit financial management, including expertise in the important areas of development and socially responsible investing," Brody noted. "I'm delighted that someone so capable is willing to serve the Association in this important role."

In addition to overseeing the complex activities of the UUA's Department of Finance, Brennan will supervise all of the UUA's internal service offices, including the General Assembly, Information Technology Services, and Operations staff groups. He will also serve the following committees as a member or staff liaison: Finance, Investment, Audit, Socially Responsible Investing, Congregational Properties and Loan Commission, Compensation Benefits and Pension, and the Liberal Religious Charitable Society.

A long-time Unitarian Universalist, Tim Brennan was formerly a member of the Westport, Connecticut congregation. He now lives in the Boston area and is a member of First Parish in Needham along with Nancy, his wife of nineteen years, and their two teenage children, Emma and David.

Unitarian Universalist Association
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