wfn.org | ABCUSA: International Ministries Names New Treasurer

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

by Eleanor Lundy, American Baptist International Ministries

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 1/22/04)--After a careful
and prayerful search process, International Ministries has named Michaele
Birdsall to the position of treasurer. Birdsall, currently assistant
treasurer of American Baptist Churches USA, will replace International
Ministries Treasurer Bruce Borquist, who was reappointed in August 2003 for
missionary service in Brazil. Birdsall's appointment was announced today by
the Rev. Hictor Cortez, executive director of International Ministries.

Birdsall, who joined the ABCUSA staff in April 1998 as assistant treasurer,
has held primary responsibility for accounting, collection, and distribution
systems that track all American Baptist mission support. In previous
positions for Arthur Andersen, LLP and the Tabernacle of Faith Church, Inc.,
Camden, N.J., she held a wide range of responsibilities related to
accounting and fiscal management.

Birdsall is a New Jersey licensed certified public accountant and a member
of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania
Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Black
Accountants and the American Payroll Association. She is a graduate of
Rutgers University, where she earned a B.S. degree in accounting with
honors.

"Michaele Birdsall brings wonderful qualities to International Ministries as
we face a time of financial difficulties and organizational change," said
Cortez. "She has a deep faith, a passion for mission, extensive financial
expertise, and a strong knowledge base in organizational development and
leadership. We are blessed and excited that Michaele joins IM's leadership
team as we move into the future with hope and faith in God."

"Michaele is a professional of extraordinary gifts and capabilities," said
the Rev. Dr. Cheryl H. Wade, American Baptist Churches USA treasurer and
associate general secretary. "While OGS will miss her gifts, we are
delighted that she will continue in ABC life at a new level of
responsibility."

K/2004ABNS/04ABN8

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org