VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 11/13/06)-Michaele D. Birdsall, CPA has been named to be nominated treasurer and chief financial officer of National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA, when Dr. Margaret A. Cowden retires June 30, 2007. Birdsall begins transitional roles and responsibilities with the home mission agency beginning January 1.
Birdsall comes to National Ministries with great depth of denominational financial experience, having served both International Ministries and the Office of the General Secretary.
Since March 2004, the Sicklerville, N.J., resident has served as International Ministries' treasurer, where she has held a wide range of fiduciary responsibilities, ranging from budget planning and forecasting to managing financial and administrative functions.
Birdsall's service in the Office of the General Secretary as assistant treasurer-from 1998 to 2004-included overseeing denominational mission receipts totaling $42 million and providing senior level analysis and consultation to denominational leaders.
"Michaele Birdsall brings a wealth of skills and ABC experience to the National Ministries leadership table," says Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III. "As a current member of the General Executive Council, Treasurer's Council and Building Management Council, in combination with her ministries in the Office of the General Secretary and International Ministries, she will serve as an excellent bridge between these missional entities as we go forward seeking to fulfill God's future for this family of faith."
"We celebrate Michaele and applaud the excellent work that she has done in International Ministries (IM)," says the Rev. Charles Jones, acting executive director. "Her departure from IM is made a little more bearable in her transitioning to National Ministries. We pray that God will continue to use Michaele's personhood and gifts to inspire our entire ABC unity and excellence in servant leadership."
In addition, Birdsall has held fiscal management positions at Arthur Andersen, LLP in Philadelphia, Pa., and Tabernacle of Faith Church in Camden, N.J.
A certified public accountant, Birdsall is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of Black Accountants. She holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Rutgers University, where she graduated with honors. She is a member of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches, USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/