Thrivent is a membership organization of Christians, and our members are our owners. This means our leaders work in the best interest of our membership – not third-party shareholders, like publicly traded companies. It also means that clients with a benefit membership can have a voice in determining who will lead the organization, by voting in the annual election for the Thrivent Financial Board of Directors. As the organization’s supreme governing body, the board focuses on serving the interests of the membership, both now and into the future. The board establishes and promotes Thrivent’s purpose and oversees major business decisions. It also works with leadership to assess and manage risk. Get to know the women and men who are proud to serve on the Thrivent Financial Board of Directors and the executive leadership team by visiting the Governance page on Thrivent.com
The Thrivent Member Network regional board is made up of Thrivent Members throughout the Ohio Valley Region.
The board provides leadership and strategic insights to help carry out Thrivent's mission on a local level. If you’re a member, you can have a voice in making a meaningful choice by voting in the elections for the Thrivent Member Network board. Now … we’re pleased to introduce the Thrivent Members who will serve you as part of the Thrivent Member Network - Ohio Valley Regional Board.
Carl Young, Board Chairman
Hometown : Canton, Ohio
Congregation : Holy Cross
As Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer for the Kenan Advantage Group, North America's largest tank truck hauler and logistics provider, Young hopes his financial savvy and 35-year membership with Thrivent will be an asset to the board. "I like what Thrivent stands for. I think I bring a perspective that will be helpful in getting them active in many more congregations."
Judge Brown
Hometown : Ravenna, Ohio
Congregation : Faith Family Church
Michael Fiffik
Hometown : Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Congregation : Ascension Lutheran Church
Fiffik firmly believes that we all are called to be God's instruments. The 20-year Thrivent member is a shareholder at law firm Welch, Gold, Siegel & Fiffik, P.C. He is also active in his community and church. "To the extent that I can bring my own experiences to bear, I hope to help Thrivent think strategically in order to grow and expand its mission and connection to the greater regional community."
Wayne Hassay
Hometown : Hillard, Ohio
Congregation : St. Andrew Parish
"The combination of personal financial well being and concern for your larger community in one organization is a spectacular concept." Hassay look forward to applying his 22 years of knowledge as a Managing Partner at Maguire Schneider Hassay, LLP to help expand Thrivent's Mission!
Doug McNelis
Hometown : Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Congregation : Crossroads Church and Orchard Hill Church
Cathy Ponitz
Hometown : Dayton, Ohio
Congregation : Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church
Ponitz is a new Thrivent member who is eager to share her knowledge of community building and social innovation with our team. As Vice President of the CareSource Foundation, Community Relations & Diversity, Ponitz has almost 20 years leading corporate foundations and connecting with community, legislators, nonprofit organizations and philanthropic influencers.
Carolyn Streiltel
Hometown : Brecksville, Ohio
Congregation : Community of Hope Church
Streitel is excited to learn about the needs of members in the region and to be a part of strategic planning for membership growth and development. The new product development manager at Nestlé has been a Thrivent member for over a decade and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge.
Brain Upton
Hometown : Lakewood, Ohio
Congregation : Trinity Lutheran Church
Upton serves as the Executive Director of Building Hope in the City, a faith-based organization that partners with local congregations, people and communities to see the city restored to God. He has also been a Thrivent member for a number of years. Upton sees his role as a board member as an opportunity to meaningfully support the expansion of Thrivent's business and philanthropic model.
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Thrivent is the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance products issued by Thrivent. Not available in all states. Applicants must meet membership, insurability, and residency requirements. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc. A registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC, and a subsidiary of Thrivent. Licensed agent/producer of Thrivent. Registered representative of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. Advisory services available through investment adviser representatives only.
The Thrivent Choice charitable grant program engages Thrivent members in providing grants that support charitable activities, furthering Thrivent's mission and its purposes under state law. All grant decisions, including grant recipients and amounts, are made at the sole discretion of Thrivent. Directing Choice Dollars® is subject to the program's terms and conditions available at Thrivent.com/thriventchoice.
Thrivent member activities, such as Thrivent Action Teams, Thrivent Builds, and Thrivent Choice, engage Thrivent members and Thrivent Member Networks in charitable activities, furthering Thrivent's mission and its purposes under state law. You should never purchase or retain any insurance or annuity products simply to be able to participate. Participation is subject to applicable Terms and Conditions and Thrivent reserves the right to cancel any Thrivent member activity at any time and may limit participation at its sole discretion.
