Roman Franklin, CFO for the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, has accepted an invitation to serve a three-year term on the Client Council of the Church Pension Group.
“I am honored to have a seat at the table to participate in discussions with the decision makers of CPG,” said Franklin. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to represent our clergy and lay members as CPG considers which benefit plans (medical insurance, retirement, life insurance, etc.) and features to make available.”
A senior relationship manager from CPG recommended Franklin to the CPG executive team for consideration for the Client Council. “When I received the invitation, I forwarded it to Bishop Holcomb, informing him that I would serve in this capacity if he thought it was a good use of my time,” Franklin said. “I was ignorant about how great this opportunity was until Bishop Holcomb educated me on the importance of this council. He and Canon Dan [Smith, canon to the ordinary] strongly encouraged me to serve on the council and represent our diocese in a national setting.”
The Client Council consists of a diverse group of lay administrators, church leaders, bishops, priests, deacons and retired clergy from within and outside the United States. Since its launch in 2015, the council has played an essential role in shaping pension and health plan policy, enhancing client communications, preparing for General Convention and more.
“My understanding is this council exists to provide feedback and advice to CPG on its programs, products and services,” Franklin said. “CPG utilizes the advice of the council to enhance current offerings and develop new products and programs to address the changing needs of clients.”
His term with the Client Council begins in May. The council meets annually as a whole group and holds additional smaller virtual sessions as needed to evaluate new initiatives and collect feedback. The first meeting of the new council is scheduled for May 20-22 in New York City.
Franklin hopes to bring back to the diocese insights he will gain into CPG’s future employee benefit considerations and best practices for how clergy and lay in our diocese can maximize available benefits.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb is excited about the diocesan CFO’s new role. “This is a significant opportunity and a meaningful way to contribute to the church at a broader level,” he said. “Roman’s insights and leadership would bring great value to this council, and I am confident that his participation will help shape the structure of the church’s support systems in creative and impactful ways.”
Franklin had a significant background in finance before his role with the diocese and feels God has used that to prepare him to serve in this new way. “I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28,” he said. “The Lord continues to utilize my financial experience and education in ways I could not have imagined. My heart’s desire is to walk obediently in his calling as he opens doors. I anticipate utilizing my years of experience as a personal financial planner, investment manager and board member of multiple organizations to improve CPG’s service of our diocese.”
Serving on the CPG Client Council is considered a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the mission of CPG and to support the clergy and lay employees of The Episcopal Church. “I take this opportunity to have a positive impact on our diocese and the entire Episcopal Church seriously,” Franklin said. “I will be prepared, and Lord willing, I will give CPG as well as the bishops, canons to the ordinary and administrators serving on the council insight into some of the amazing aspects of the Diocese of Central Florida.”