Current leader Jim Sanft previously announced plans to retire after 17 years as President and CEO. Concordia Plan Services (CPS), the non-profit benefits provider of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), has begun the search for a new chief executive officer. The new leader will replace President and CEO James (Jim) Sanft, who previously announced that he will retire after 17 years of transformational leadership. Through Jim’s guidance, CPS has strengthened its financial position, expanded its support for worker wellness while continuing its deep alignment with the values of the LCMS. For the past five years, the organization has been recognized as one of the best places to work in St. Louis, and for the last three years as one of the best places to work on the national level.
The new CEO will be expected to continue the organization’s track record of operational excellence and will have a clear mandate to navigate economic pressures, demographic shifts, and technological advancements. CPS, which serves approximately 125,000 LCMS workers, dependents, retirees, and beneficiaries, and stewards roughly $5.0 billion in plan assets, remains committed to upholding its mission of serving ministries and caring for workers so that the Word of God spreads. “Jim has embodied servant leadership throughout his tenure,” said Scott Seefeld, Chair of the CPS Board of Directors. “His commitment to the people and purpose of CPS will have a lasting impact. We look forward to celebrating his legacy in the months to come. This transition reflects our ongoing dedication to maintaining strong leadership that aligns with the values and mission of the LCMS.”
CPS aims to have a new CEO in place by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with Sanft serving in an advisory role throughout the year. CPS invites inquiries and expressions of interest from qualified candidates who are members in good standing of an LCMS congregation, faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and supportive of the Synod’s Constitution, Bylaws, resolutions of the Synod in convention, practices and policies, and share a passion for serving the needs of LCMS workers and upholding the organization’s legacy of financial stewardship and mission integrity.
About Concordia Plan Services:
CPS is the benefits provider of the LCMS. Headquartered in Kirkwood, Missouri, CPS is dedicated to supporting the well-being of approximately 125,000 church workers and their families around the world by offering a wide range of employee benefits and business solutions tailored to the unique needs of those serving in ministry roles.
For more information, please contact: Cheryl Johnson, AVP of People Strategies at 314-885-6818 or by email at Cheryl.Johnson@ConcordiaPlans.org
Please visit: https://concordiaplans.org