News Release -- 2006

Jeff Garber resigns as BBT’s director of Employee Benefit Plans; Randy Yoder named interim Brethren Insurance Plans director

March 1, 2006, Elgin, Ill.

Jeff Garber has resigned as Brethren Benefit Trust’s director of Employee Benefit Plans, effective April 3. Also effective on this date, Randy Yoder of Huntingdon, Pa., will begin serving as interim director of the Brethren Insurance Plans; Wil Nolen, BBT president, will serve as director of the Brethren Pension Plan and Church Workers’ Assistance Plan until new leadership of these plans is in place.

Jeff joined BBT in August 1995 as director of Insurance Plans, a position he held until his responsibilities were expanded in January. Prior to joining BBT, Jeff worked for a for-profit insurance company and for a denominational insurance ministry.

“Jeff has provided BBT with strong leadership during some difficult and unsettling years in the Brethren Medical Plan,” said Nolen. “With healthcare costs continuing to escalate rapidly, Jeff has worked tirelessly to secure affordable healthcare solutions for all active and retired Brethren pastors and employees. His concern for and advocacy on behalf of all Plan members will be missed.”

Randy has served as a BBT field staff representative for 14 months, with most of his work focused on the Brethren Medical Plan and the Brethren Foundation. In 2005, Randy helped establish the Brethren Medical Plan District Advocate network and facilitated many insurance-related meetings throughout the denomination. Prior to joining BBT, Randy served for 20 years as Middle Pennsylvania District executive.

The leadership transition comes at a time when the long-term viability of the Brethren Medical Plan is being examined by an Annual Conference study committee. That committee, which was formed in July 2005, is expected to hold a hearing and give a report at the 2006 Annual Conference. It is also expected to ask for an additional year of study. Randy will serve as BBT’s insurance point person at this year’s Annual Conference, which will include representing the Plan on the Conference floor, at the BBT booth, and at related insight sessions.

Brethren Insurance Plan members who have questions should contact Lori Domich at 800-746-1505 or at ldomich_bbt@brethren.org. Brethren Pension Plan members who have questions pertaining to their accounts or to the Plan in general should contact Peggy Bruell at 800-746-1505 or at pbruell_bbt@brethren.org.