Cannon named senior VP at LCMS Foundation

For Immediate Release
Contact:    Vicki Biggs, 314-996-1236, 314-556-3829 (cell), @theLCMS

Download photo here: Mark Cannon

Former bank executive to oversee ministry’s finance, administration functions

ST. LOUIS, August 13, 2013— Mark Cannon joined the staff of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Foundation as senior vice-president for Finance and Administration July 15.

As the LCMS Foundation’s chief financial officer, Cannon will oversee the organization’s financial operations and liaison with external vendors and associates, including legal counsel, auditors, regulatory authorities and investment managers. Cannon also will play a key role in developing and implementing strategies to increase the number of trusts managed by the Foundation and he will join with the Foundation’s leadership team to oversee human resources, facilities and risk management.

Cannon brings nearly 15 years of banking industry experience to his new position. He worked for Commerce Bancshares as vice-president/controller of the Commercial Equipment Finance Group (2008-2013) and as a senior financial analyst (2002-2007).  He left Commerce Bank for about a year and a half between these two positions to serve as director of financial reporting for Technisource, Inc., a technology consulting firm. Cannon, a native St. Louisan, also worked in the banking and finance industry in Nashville, Tenn., before returning to his hometown.

“Mark’s banking background has prepared him well for this position,’’ said David Fiedler, president of the LCMS Foundation.  “He comes to us with terrific knowledge and experience, and with a strong history and commitment to the church. We are pleased that Mark has joined the Foundation in this role.”

Cannon succeeds Wayne Price, who retired in May after serving with the LCMS Foundation for 19 years.

“I am excited to join such a strong team,’’ said Cannon.  “The Foundation has grown tremendously over the years, and the future looks very promising.  I look forward to serving the church and supporting its ministry.”

Cannon, a native of St. Louis, is active in church leadership and serves his home congregation, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Des Peres, Mo., as an elder. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and and a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University.  He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

About The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is a biblical, confessional, witness-oriented Christian denomination with 2.3 million members – 600,000 households – in 6,200 congregations. Through acts of witness and mercy, the church carries out its mission worldwide to make known the love of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.lcms.org.

About The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Foundation
Established in 1954, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Foundation is the Synod’s primary financial organization providing Lutheran donors with charitable expertise and opportunities to ensure that families are provided for and beloved ministries are supported.  The foundation also manages financial instruments and the gifts they represent, entrusted to it by congregations, organizations, and individuals.  As of fiscal year 2012, the foundation had more than $900 million of assets and generated more than $59 million in new funds for 513 LCMS ministries.  For more information, visit http://lcmsfoundation.org.

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