In this issue:
Wespath has a new general secretary: Andy Hendren
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As we launch the new year, Wespath welcomes a new leader: Andy Hendren. Effective January 3, 2022, Andy succeeded Barbara Boigegrain as Wespath’s general secretary/CEO. (Barbara retired at year end 2021 after serving 27 years.)
A Wespath employee since 2004 and a member of Wespath’s Senior Leadership Team since 2015, Andy’s promotion to general secretary/CEO provides for a smooth transition of Wespath leadership. Over nearly two decades, he has built strong relationships across The United Methodist Church and other faiths and with leaders in regulatory and secular environments.
Andy noted, “Thanks in large part to Barbara’s legacy, Wespath is a trusted presence that our participants, plan sponsors and institutional investors look to for calm guidance and steady stewardship. … I’m inspired to carry on Wespath’s mission. I will seek to ensure that Wespath continues its mission of caring for those who serve in a rapidly changing world.”
- Read more about Andy’s background in this press release.
- Read about Andy’s perspective on Wespath’s approach to sustainable investment and how it guides what he calls “stewardship evangelism” in this Investments Insights blog.
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Mental Health First Aid training now available
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According to the National Council of Mental Well-Being, one in five Americans has a mental illness or a substance use disorder. Yet many are hesitant to seek help or simply don’t know where to turn. Recognizing this gap in care and the results from the 2021 Clergy Well-Being survey showing a steady decline in mental and emotional health, Wespath is offering no-cost Mental Health First Aid training for all Wespath participants and their spouses, Church leaders and congregation members. Mental Health First Aid teaches how to identify, understand and respond with empathy to people struggling with mental health issues—it can help you with your own mental well-being or be more prepared to support others. Visit the Mental Health First Aid page to learn more. We hope you’ll make time to attend and share widely to encourage others in the UMC community to attend as well. |
New links to your statements
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Wespath puts your retirement account statements right at your fingertips in Benefits Access (benefitsaccess.org).
When you click on “Retirement” in the top banner, you can link to your statements in two places. One link is located underneath your Retirement Plans summary next to the clickable block labelled “View Account & Plan Details.” You’ll also find a link to view your statements under the summary of Recent Transactions next to the clickable block labelled “View More Transactions.”
We hope you find these new retirement statement links helpful as you plan and prepare for your future!
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When will I receive my tax forms?
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Wespath will mail 2021 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax reporting forms 1099-R, 1099-MISC and W-2 to participants by January 31, 2022. Reprint requests for these forms will only be honored after February 18, 2022.
Form 480.7C will be mailed to participants by February 28, 2022. (This form will not be available online and will only be sent via U.S. mail.) Form 1042-S will be mailed by March 15, 2022.
A copy of the tax documents sent to you via mail will be available at benefitsaccess.org after the mailing dates noted above. After logging in, click on “Retirement,” then select Accounts > Tax Forms. Can’t access your tax forms online after the mailing date? Contact Wespath at 1-800-851-2201 for an additional printed copy. Please allow two weeks for mail delivery.
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CBA/revitup! In-Person Events Cancelled
Due to our ongoing concern for the health and safety of those who serve, the Clergy Benefits Academy (CBA) and revitup! in-person events planned for late March have been cancelled. Wespath will host a virtual Delivered to You event on April 25-26 and will communicate details and registration information shortly.
