Denise Stahura
Before I was ordained, I spent 30 years working in finance and strategic planning for Fortune 500 companies, including U. S. Bank and Pillsbury, and for non-profits, including Greater Twin Cities United Way. I managed a portfolio of services with million dollar budgets and charted the strategic planning for a $20 million non-profit. When discerning for the priesthood, I told my bishop that I enjoyed finance but didn't know what use it would be to God as a priest. He assured me that the "church needs people like you." Having worked in both the for- and non-profit arenas, I know that budgets and investment strategies reflect the priorities of an institution. Investment strategies that support social justice, earth care, and diversity are important indicators of a Church in God's world.