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Apr 22, 2015 | Carol E. Barnwell

Diocesan Treasurer To Retire

 

After more than fifteen years of oversight for the Diocese of Texas' finances, Robert Biehl will retire in June, 2016, the Bishop's office announced today.

 

"Bob has been an integral part of creating a sound financial footing for the mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas," said Bishop C. Andrew Doyle. "He is the consummate accountant, a gifted congregational guide, pastor and strategist and we give thanks to God for his work and ministry among us."

 

Biehl said he had considered the decision to retire at this time for more than a year "with much prayer" and in consultation with the Bishop. "I've been enormously blessed by this work and treasure the friendships that I've made," Biehl said. "I hope announcing the decision now will allow the Diocese and the Foundations ample time to begin the process of find the next treasurer and CFO."

 

Optimally, a new treasurer would be in place before November, in order for that person to be nominated as treasurer for election at council and to allow a period of transition before Biehl retires. A search committee, composed of members from the Finance Committee of the Executive Board and Foundation boards, will manage the search. "The process will be transparent and will assure that Bob's successor will be able to assume his or her duties for the Diocese seamlessly," Bishop Doyle said.

 

"Bob has been a dedicated and talented professional who has served with distinction,” said Sam Dodson, chair of the Finance Committee of the Executive Board and a member of St. James’, Houston. Dodson said he would miss Biehl’s “advice and counsel.”

 

Biehl, who served as trust officer for the Diocese for eight years prior to joining the staff, has a long list of accomplishments to mark his tenure. He has built a strong financial structure and gathered an expert staff to underpin the ministries of the Diocese, restoring faith in the Diocese' financial management and processes. This has been evidenced by the clean audits received by the Diocese and its Foundations. He combined the Diocesan and Missionary Budgets into one budget, led through some uncertain economic times. Biehl also hired a director for the Diocese's five foundations and put all five on a common and standard accounting system. One of the most profound changes Biehl has overseen is the reduction in assessments of congregations in order to leave more money at a local level for ministry. Biehl helped establish a framework for the startup of Episcopal Health Foundation following the transfer of St. Luke's Episcopal Health System to Catholic Health Initiatives and worked with the President of Camp Allen, George Dehan, to restructure Camp Allen's debt to allow the camp and conference center to expand their work.