Board of Benefits Services Welcomes New Executive Director

On January 12, Sarah Derige joined General Synod Council (GSC) staff to lead the Board of Benefits Services (BOBS) team, serving as the executive director of benefits services. She comes on board as Kelly Oliveira, the executive director for the last 11 years, anticipates retirement.

“Sarah brings extensive experience in benefits administration, compliance, and human resources leadership within faith-based organizations,” says Tony Schmid, the RCA’s chief financial officer, who served as the hiring supervisor. “As a lifelong member of the Reformed Church in America and an active participant in an RCA congregation, Sarah brings both professional excellence and a strong personal commitment to serving the church. We are excited to welcome Sarah to this role and look forward to her leadership as she supports the RCA community through faithful stewardship and thoughtful benefits leadership.”

Derige most recently served at World Renew, working closely with the Reformed Benefits Association, a nonprofit insurance provider of the RCA and the Christian Reformed Church in North America. She holds degrees in human resources, social work, and biblical theology, and she has extensive experience with health and welfare benefits, retirement and wealth programs, and long-term financial wellbeing in nonprofit and healthcare sectors.

The Board of Benefits Services (BOBS) is an incorporation of the Reformed Church in America that “serves those who serve,” providing security and support so RCA ministers, their families, church staff, retirees and surviving spouses, and denominational staff can serve God’s church from first call through final breath. This includes retirement plan administration and insurance as well as a number of financial health resources, grant and financial assistance opportunities, education and support for retirement, resources for churches and employers in providing benefits for pastors, a retiree chaplains program, and more.

“This position provides alignment between my professional expertise, my faith, and my sense of calling from the Lord. I am very passionate about supporting pastors, church staff, and ministry workers,” says Derige. “My motto has always been to help the helpers, which fits very well with BOBS’ motto of serving those who serve. I’m happy to serve the denomination in a meaningful way.”

Oliveira will remain on GSC staff until February 11 to help train Derige and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

“I am extremely grateful for the awesome BOBS team who not only serve our ministers and lay employees well, but who collaborate extremely well as a team. As a result, we have created efficiencies and improved several processes and participant education over the years,” says Oliveira. “I am thrilled that we have significantly reduced the participant fees and feel confident that the new executive director will be able to continue that in future years.

“I have been blessed with board and committee members, the clerks, and commission members, who care deeply about the work that we do,” she adds. “They have allowed me to be fully transparent and supported me, encouraged me, and helped me to dream big. My life has been enriched because of the people and the work that I have loved doing over the past 11 years.”

“As Kelly Oliveira retires, we want to express our deep gratitude for the exceptional care and dedication she has shown throughout her service,” says Schmid, who oversees the BOBS’ executive director. “Kelly has faithfully and compassionately served RCA ministers, their families, church staff, retirees, surviving spouses, and denominational staff with professionalism, kindness, and genuine concern. Her commitment to serving people well has made a lasting impact and brought tremendous value to the life and work of the RCA. Kelly’s legacy is one of trust, care, and steady presence, and she will be greatly missed. We wish her every blessing in this next season of life.”