Rev. Bob Ruedebusch, a retired elder, has been named the interim treasurer for the Dakotas Conference. He will serve part-time in this role until a full-time treasurer is elected and fills the job role of Executive Director of Finance and Administration, a position vacated by Jeff Pospisil, in August, for other employment.

Bob is no stranger to leadership in the Dakotas Conference. He has served as the Southwest District Superintendent twice, the dean of the cabinet, and the chair of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA). He stepped away from his role as chair of CCFA when he was elected interim treasurer.  

“I have been the chair of CCFA and have a lot of history with the Conference. I am happy to serve,” said Ruedebusch.

Rev. Ray Baker was recently select to serve as interirm chair of CCFA until a new conference treasurer is hired.  When a fulltime treasurer is in place Ruedebusch will return to chair of CCFA and Baker will return to the role of vice-chair. The Dakotas Conference Common Table, the body that acts on behalf of the Dakotas UMC between annual conference sessions, approved these nominations.

“I give thanks that we have two experienced leaders to guide our path in this time of transition,” said Bishop Deborah Kiesey, who is serving as the iterim bishop for the Dakotas. "These are two exemplary leaders and servants of God. We are in very good hands as we step forward in faith."

The office of the conference treasurer and Executive Director of Finance and Administrative Services acts as the chief financial officer of the Dakotas Annual Conference and supervises other administrative functions, including human resources, the work of the trustees, pensions, and health benefits.

Ruedebusch and Baker have been working closely with JoAnn Schlimgen, assistant director of finance and administration, Leana Stunes, chief benefits officer, and Dana Bassett, accounting clerk in the Dakotas Finance Office.  

"JoAnn brings 40 years of service to this work. Her expertise and experience are invaluable to CCFA and the Board of Trustees,” said Baker. “We can move forward with confidence because of the Finance Office staff and Bob’s leadership.”

As interim chair of CCFA, Baker is responsible for proposing and managing the budget. This work is done in collaboration with the Finance office and under the guidance of the entire committee.

The primary financial resource that funds the leadership, ministries, and services provided through the Conference is apportionments. A goal of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA) is to pursue reducing apportionments from the current 15%. 

“As we face disaffiliations of some congregations, we are committed to a Dakotas United Methodist Church that supports the leadership and ministries of the conference financially and spiritually, while at the same time being good stewards of our resources,” said Ruedebusch.