Our Team

Johara serves as chief investment officer for each of Wespath’s subsidiaries, with responsibility for executing their respective investment programs as directed by their investment policies and managing all investment operations. She also serves as chief executive officer for Wespath Institutional Investments, one of Wespath’s subsidiaries. Johara is responsible for managing the entire Wespath investment operation comprised of Investment Management, Sustainable Investment Strategies and Institutional Investment Services. Johara joined Wespath in October 2023 as deputy chief investment officer.

Prior to Wespath, Johara served as the executive director and chief investment officer of the Illinois State Board of Investment (ISBI), where she oversaw the investment management of state employees’ retirement benefits. She previously served as a portfolio manager and portfolio officer at ISBI. Before joining ISBI, Johara worked at Hilco Appraisal Services and the Central States Health & Welfare & Pension Fund. 

Johara received a bachelor’s in Finance and an MBA from DePaul University. Johara has received several honors, including being named as a Pensions & Investments’ 2025 Influential Woman in Institutional Investing, Notable Executive of Color in Finance by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2022, and a 2021 Pensions & Investments Excellence & Innovation Leadership Award winner. 

She sits on the Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago. She also is a member of the Board of Trustees and Chairwoman of the Investment Committee at The Francis Xavier Warde School in Chicago.

Jake joined Wespath in January 2020. As the managing director of Sustainable Investment Strategies for Wespath and its subsidiaries’ investment programs, Jake leads a team that focuses on investment stewardship and ESG integration. In addition, he interacts with key partners in The United Methodist Church (Church), works to foster collaboration with the Church and collaborates with colleagues across Wespath to prepare for General Conference. Before Wespath, Jake worked at Morgan Stanley’s Graystone Consulting. Jake currently co-leads the Engagement Track of the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance and is a Board member for the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility. Jake received his bachelor’s degree in Economics, International Studies and Political Science from Ohio Wesleyan University.

Frank joined Wespath in March 2012. As the managing director of Investment Management, Frank provides strategic investment support and risk management for Wespath and its subsidiaries’ investment programs, as well as administrative and operational oversight. He leads a team of investment professionals responsible for sourcing, monitoring and reporting on all fixed income, equity and alternative investments, as well as the internally managed Positive Social Purpose Lending Program. Prior to this role, Frank was the director of Public Equities and Fixed Income at Wespath, where he oversaw the strategic direction and staff of the equities and fixed income investment programs. His previous experience includes serving as managing director at Barrington Strategic Wealth Management Group and working as a fixed income portfolio manager and trader at Chicago Asset Management Company. Frank received a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Lake Forest College.

Amy joined Wespath in March 2013. As Director, Private Markets in Investment Management, she is responsible for monitoring and expanding alternative investments and supporting the administration of the alternative investment programs for Wespath and its subsidiaries. Previously, she was an investment analyst at the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, where she covered private real estate and other sector portfolios. Prior to that, she worked as an analyst in the CMBS market at LaSalle National Bank and GMAC Commercial Mortgage. Amy received a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from DePaul University.

Hoa Quach joined Wespath in June 2024, bringing extensive experience in asset manager research, fund construction and investment analytics. As Director, Public Markets, she is responsible for monitoring, developing and implementing strategies for Wespath’s public equity and fixed income investments. Before Wespath, Hoa served as Managing Director, Portfolio Manager at Christian Brothers Investment Services, where she oversaw the selection of asset managers, portfolio construction and monitoring of a diverse range of funds. Prior responsibilities include manager research at Mercer and portfolio management for natural resources and public equities at the University of Chicago’s Investment Office. Hoa earned her bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame and her MBA from the University of Chicago. Hoa is a CFA Charterholder.

Rashed joined Wespath in November 2008. As the director of Investment Research, he leads Wespath’s overall investment research efforts, including conducting economic research, investment research, investment risk analysis, and capital markets research and return assumptions, as well as chairing the institutional client asset allocation committee and supporting fund development decisions. Rashed also oversees investment analytics and helps manage investment liquidity requirements. Before joining Wespath, he worked as a loan officer for Cambridge Realty Capital, a Chicago-based senior housing and healthcare finance company, and served as a loan administration officer at a certified community development financial institution. Rashed received a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Finance from Berea College. He is also a CFA Charterholder.

Sylvia joined Wespath in September 2011. As the director of Impact Investments, she guides the impact investing strategy for Wespath and its subsidiaries and provides managerial oversight for all aspects of the Positive Social Purpose (PSP) Lending Program. Previously, Sylvia worked at the Illinois Housing Development Authority in positions of increasing responsibility, most recently overseeing the state’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit and Illinois Affordable Housing Tax Credit programs. Also, she has managed a wide range of complex housing projects and programs including: HOME Multifamily Rental Programs, Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund, taxable first mortgage financing and tax exempt bond financing. Sylvia received a bachelor’s degree in Computing and Web Design from DePaul University.

Lucas joined Wespath in April 2023. He manages the investment stewardship and engagement activities of Wespath and its subsidiaries’ investment programs and supports their efforts to integrate material ESG risk consideration into the investment selection and decision-making process. Before Wespath, Lucas served as a director on the Catholic Responsible Investments team at Christian Brothers Investment Services. He was responsible for projects focused on quantitative ESG scoring models, screening and sub-adviser due diligence. Previously, Lucas was sector manager and lead analyst of Sustainalytics’ oil and gas research. Lucas earned a bachelor’s in Journalism from Northeastern University. In 2013, he was selected for the Fulbright “U.S. Young Journalists” research grant.

Connie rejoined Wespath in June 2023. As the manager of fixed income, she oversees the organization’s fixed income investment program and its securities lending program in collaboration with Wespath’s external asset managers. She joins from Christian Brothers Investment Services, where she served as portfolio manager and managing director. Connie previously served as Wespath’s manager of fixed income from May 2016 to October 2019. Connie also worked at ABN AMRO Asset Management USA and Brinson Partners (UBS). In addition, she taught math at Taft High School in Chicago for nine years. Connie received a bachelor’s degree in Finance and an MBA from Xavier University. She also earned a master’s in Mathematics Education from DePaul University. Connie is a CFA Charterholder.

Piotr joined Wespath in April 2014. As manager of Private Markets in Investment Management, he is responsible for monitoring and expanding alternative investments and supporting the administration of the alternative investment programs for Wespath and its subsidiaries. Piotr has also served as the manager of the Positive Social Purpose Lending Program, where he was responsible for executing and administering the commercial real estate loan portfolios. Prior to Wespath, Piotr spent more than seven years at Prudential Mortgage Capital Company (now PGIM Real Estate), where he held positions within portfolio management, special servicing and underwriting. Piotr received a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Real Estate from DePaul University.

Gabby joined Wespath in March 2026. As a senior investment analyst, Gabby’s primary role is to analyze, monitor and evaluate current and prospective investment portfolios for Wespath and its subsidiaries. She also conducts research on external asset managers. Prior to Wespath, Gabby was a senior investment research analyst at Harbor Capital Advisors, where she identified leading asset managers and brought them to public markets as ETF strategies. She also evaluated Harbor Capital Advisors’ existing subadvisors lineup. Previously, she was an institutional asset management analyst at PNC. She earned her bachelor’s in Finance from Simmons University and her MBA from Northwestern University.

Jon Morris joined Wespath in July 2025. As a senior investment research analyst, Jon conducts in-depth research across various asset classes, integrating his findings into portfolio construction, asset allocation, and investment strategy development. Prior to joining Wespath, Jon served as Second Vice President in the Risk Management division at Northern Trust. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from San Diego State University and an MBA from Northwestern University.

Myles joined Wespath in December 2021. As a senior investment analyst, Myles’s primary role is to analyze, monitor and evaluate investment portfolios and investment manager performance for Wespath and its subsidiaries. Previously, he was a property manager responsible for maintaining rental properties, recruiting and retaining new tenants, and accomplishing financial objectives by forecasting cash flows, budgeting, and researching market trends. Myles received a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Illinois.

Trent joined Wespath in October 2012. As the manager of Impact Investments, he is responsible for evaluating, monitoring and reporting on the impact investments for Wespath and its subsidiaries. Trent also works to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the investment process. From October 2012 to February 2019, Trent was a senior analyst on the Positive Social Purpose Lending program. Prior to Wespath, he was an analyst at Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS), where he managed investor relations and portfolio reporting. Before that, he worked as a commercial real estate portfolio manager for Zions Bank. Trent received a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Idaho State University and an MBA from the University of Illinois. He is an FSA Credential Holder.

Andrew joined Wespath in May 2022. As a public equities associate, Andrew’s primary role is to analyze, monitor and evaluate investment portfolios and asset manager performance for Wespath and its subsidiaries. Prior to joining Wespath, he worked at JP Morgan as a private bank investor support analyst and a shareholder services analyst. In these roles he assisted with trade reconciliation, mutual fund trading, and institutional liquidity trading. Andrew received his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Denison University. Andrew is a CFA Charterholder.

Jon joined Wespath in May 2019. As a senior impact investments analyst. In his current position as the Impact Investments analyst, Jon’s primary role is to report on Wespath and its subsidiaries’ impact investment activities, including the organization’s internally managed PSP Lending Program, and measure the outcomes of these efforts. He also collaborates with other investment staff to ensure that ESG factors are integrated into investment selection and decision-making. Jon received his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Illinois State University.

Meagan joined Wespath in July 2025. As the manager of Sustainable Investment Stewardship, she helps ensure material sustainable investment risk considerations are part of Wespath’s investment selection and decision-making process. She also leads engagements with corporations, asset managers and public policymakers. Prior to Wespath, Meagan served as senior sustainable investment research analyst for Ariel Investments. In that role she developed and executed stewardship strategy for U.S. equities. She previously co-founded Nasdaq’s Sustainability Advisory Practice. Meagan received a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Lehigh University, and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

Kate joined Wespath in May 2021. As an executive assistant, Kate manages the office of the chief investment officer by providing various administrative and organizational support functions. Kate has also served as an institutional services specialist at Wespath. Before joining Wespath, she was a senior sales executive at Ajilon, where she handled a variety of account management, sales, business development and administrative tasks. Kate received a bachelor’s degree in French Language and Literature from Michigan State University.

Joe joined Wespath in March 2019. As the senior managing director of Institutional Investment Services for Wespath and its subsidiaries, he is responsible for the organization’s institutional sales, marketing and client servicing efforts. He leads a team of professionals who are responsible for expanding Wespath and its subsidiaries’ reach among institutional investors. Prior to this role, Joe was senior vice president and regional manager of Institutional Investments at PNC, where he was responsible for the Midwest and West Coast markets as well as PNC’s Healthcare National Practice Group. He has extensive experience servicing nonprofit institutions with a focus on sustainable investments. Joe received a bachelor’s degree in Finance and his MBA from the University of Illinois. He holds the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) designations.

Karen joined Wespath in April 2013. Karen is primarily responsible for developing and managing relationships with institutional clients for Wespath and its subsidiaries. Specifically, she helps guide clients with asset allocation analysis, investment policy statement development and in incorporating sustainable investing guidelines into an overall investment program. Karen also frequently presents on investment-related topics at United Methodist-affiliated conferences and events. Prior to Wespath, Karen served as an Associate Investment Program Manager for Northern Trust Global Advisors, where she was responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating custom investment programs for institutional and ultra-high net worth clients. Prior to that, she was a Senior Investment Performance Analyst within Northern Trust’s Investment Risk and Analytical Services department. She received a bachelor’s in Psychology and her MBA from the University of Illinois.

Evan joined Wespath in January 2020. Evan is primarily responsible for developing and managing relationships with institutional clients along with overseeing development and execution of products and services that enhance the institutional investor client experience. Previously, Evan was with the State of Wisconsin Investment Board as the performance measurement operations manager where he worked to build client relationships and to implement data analytics systems used for performance reporting. Prior to that role, he worked at Northern Trust within the Investment Risk and Analytical Services group as well at Aon Hewitt where he managed and consulted on investment product enhancements in the area of defined contribution. Evan received his bachelor’s degree in History from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Roosevelt University. Evan holds a Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) and is an FSA Credential Holder.

Micah joined Wespath in 2016. As an Institutional Operations Specialist, he provides operational support to institutional clients and collaborates with the Institutional Investment Services team to address client needs. Previously, Micah worked on the Plan Adoption and Contributions team and the Customer Solutions team in Wespath’s Customer Service division, supporting participants, local churches, organizations, and agencies.

Bianka joined Wespath in January 2025. As an investment services analyst, she collaborates with the Institutional Investment Services team to provide analytical, reporting and service support to Wespath’s institutional clients. Previously, Bianka worked as a performance analyst at Marquette Associates, supporting financial consultants with institutional accounts through data compilation and reporting. Bianka received her bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Krystal leads a team of four client services managers and an institutional operations associate who deliver operational support to annual conferences, institutional clients and large plan sponsors. She joined Wespath in 2002 and served in multiple roles on our Customer Service and Institutional Investments teams before moving to the Plan Sponsor Relations department in 2021. With a depth of experience across varied parts of Wespath’s business, Krystal understands the needs of clergy and other benefit plan participants, as well as plan sponsors and institutional clients. She received a bachelor’s degree in leadership studies from DePaul University.

Alicia joined the Wespath Investments team in June 2018. As a senior institutional services specialist, she is responsible for supporting the communications and operational efforts of our Institutional Investment Services team for Wespath and its subsidiaries. She most recently worked with Wespath’s Meeting and Events team, planning and coordinating educational event opportunities for participants and institutional investors. Previously, Alicia worked as the global accounts director at SBC Communications (Cingular Wireless), where she was responsible for building new client relationships and servicing existing accounts. Alicia received a bachelor’s degree in Business Communications from the University of Kansas.

Joshua joined Wespath in March 2022. As an investment services analyst, he collaborates with the Institutional Investment Services team to provide analytical, reporting and service support to Wespath’s institutional clients. Previously, Joshua worked as a customer solutions specialist for Wespath, assisting with retirement plan funding and distribution. Joshua received his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Miami University of Ohio.

Neil joined Wespath in January 2022. As the manager of institutional investment services for Wespath and its subsidiaries’ investment programs, Neil is responsible for overseeing development and execution of products and services that enhance the institutional investor client experience. He also supports efforts that promote Wespath and its subsidiaries’ institutional investor relationships. He most recently served as an investment performance consultant for Northern Trust, where he was responsible for developing quarterly performance metrics, providing client servicing support and offering Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) performance solutions. Neil received a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

John joined Wespath in 2020 as a client relationship manager on the Plan Sponsor Relations team. He oversees the support and service for 11 United Methodist Church annual conferences, with dedicated focus on assisting the Boards of Pension to administer the Wespath benefit plans. John has over 25 years of experience in the employee benefits industry, servicing plan sponsor organizations and their employees to best utilize their retirement plans and health insurance coverage. He started out marketing and servicing 403(b) retirement plans for public school employees in northern Illinois. Throughout his career, John has also consulted with non-profit groups in the health, human service, educational and faith-based sectors, providing guidance for plan administration, benefit plan designs and employee-participant education. John holds the Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist (CRPS) designation from The College for Financial Planning and is a graduate of The University of Kansas.

Bob oversees a team of benefit educators who provide financial, retirement, health and other benefits education services for clergy and lay employees throughout the denomination. The team works closely with annual conferences, plan sponsors and UMC foundations to provide both on-site and virtual benefit education services. Prior to joining Wespath in 2014 as a benefit educator, Bob worked for 12 years at the Cultural Institutions Retirement System in New York City, a not-for-profit multi-employer pension and 401(k) system, providing benefit communications and participant education for employees of New York City museums, botanical gardens, zoos and performing arts centers. Before that, Bob spent 12 years at Dreyfus Corporation, a mutual fund investment company where he was a licensed investment representative in a corporate retirement services division, focused primarily on participant education for national corporate 401(k) plans. Bob has a bachelor’s degree in Business from St. John’s University. 

Helen oversees Wespath’s Customer Service department and is responsible for more than 100 professionals who respond to participant and plan sponsor requests, determine benefit eligibility, and set up retirement, welfare and health plan benefits for participants. Helen joined Wespath in 2002. During her tenure with Wespath, she has been focused on improving the effectiveness and quality of customer service through the evaluation and redesign of administrative processes, department structure and benefit delivery systems. Helen previously worked for Mercer Human Resource Consulting. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications from Marquette University and her MBA from DeVry University.

Lynn works with 10 annual conferences, assisting their benefits officers, treasurers and Conference Boards of Pensions in administering retirement and health benefits. She has also built strong relationships with the Black Clergy Women of the UMC, Black Methodists for Church Renewal, and the annual Carolinas Black Clergy Leadership Retreat. Lynn joined Wespath in 2020 and has more than 20 years of experience with institutional retirement plans. Prior positions include relationship manager, financial consulting and retirement services specialist roles with various companies, including Lincoln Financial Group and TIAA. Lynn has extensive knowledge of both defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans and has worked with private colleges and universities, not-for-profit organizations, as well as governmental institutions. She graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication. 

Peter supports 12 annual conferences, helping their benefits officers, treasurers and Conference Boards of Pensions administer their retirement and health benefits. Prior to being a Client Relationship Manager in the Plan Sponsor Relations department, Peter was a Wespath benefits educator for 12 years and presented in every U.S. annual conference in The United Methodist Church. The relationships built during those years help him understand and be an advocate for the conferences which he serves. Peter joined Wespath in 1999. Peter received his bachelor’s in Business Administration from Trinity International University. He also studied business management at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he had accounting internships. Peter is a “PK” (preacher’s kid), as his father was an elder in the Iowa Annual Conference. 

Fred oversees Wespath’s U.S. retirement plans and the Actuarial Services team, which is responsible for producing actuarial valuations and assisting plan sponsors in understanding and assessing the risk associated with their benefit programs. His team also provides benefit plan reporting services to plan sponsors and internal plan managers. Fred joined Wespath in 2011. Prior to Wespath, Fred was a consulting actuary with Mercer for three years and with Watson Wyatt (now WTW) for 13 years. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and an Enrolled Actuary. Fred received his bachelor’s degrees in Actuarial Science and Computer Science from the University of Iowa.

Dale leads Wespath’s Church Relations team, which seeks to establish and maintain Wespath’s relationships with key UMC groups such as caucuses, advocacy groups, General Conference delegates, and other conference leaders. The team also directs Connectional Pension Support program, which serves UMC participants in Africa, the Philippines and Europe. Prior to joining the agency in March 1999, Dale served as treasurer and benefits officer for the Kentucky Annual Conference. He has a bachelor’s in Engineering and an MBA from Xavier University.

Dorlimar brings lifelong dedication to The United Methodist Church, having been baptized in the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico and nurtured in its teachings from a young age in the New York Annual Conference. As a cradle Methodist, her spiritual journey is deeply rooted in her call to serve, guiding her path to ultimately becoming an Elder in full connection. Dorlimar comes from a rich history of service across the UMC Connection, having spanned from serving the local church, to being elected as a delegate to the General Conference, to serving on the executive committee of the General Board of Church and Society. Dorlimar joined Wespath in 2023 as the Connectional Relations Manager in Wespath’s Church Relations department, where she champions support and access to resources for clergy and Church leadership around well-being. Dorlimar holds a master’s of divinity from Boston University School of Theology and a bachelor’s in Sociology and History from The City College of New York. She applies her insight and a keen awareness of the social and historical landscapes that shape understanding of faith and community. Her ministry is characterized by connecting and empowering our expansive Methodist connection.

Lois manages Wespath’s relationship with seven annual conferences, assisting their benefits officers (CBOs), treasurers and Conference Boards of Pensions in administering retirement and health benefits. Prior to joining Wespath’s Plan Sponsor Relations department, she was a client service manager at Wespath for 20 years, assisting CBOs with service record research, The Book of Discipline interpretation, financial transactions and much more. Lois is also Wespath’s client relationship manager for the African Methodist Episcopal Church—a partner within the broad Wesleyan connection. Lois joined Wespath in 1999. Prior to Wespath, Lois worked at Pepsi Cola Bottling Company where she managed 10 bottling and distributions offices. Lois earned her bachelor’s in Business Management from National Louis University.

Rachel serves in the Church Relations department and works to strengthen and establish mutually beneficial relationships between Wespath and United Methodist organizations, groups, leaders and affiliated organizations. Rachel joined Wespath in 2023. Previously, she served as the VP of Commercial Lending and Business Development for United Methodist Financial Credit Union. Rachel received bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Music Education from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Lakeside Chautauqua and has served as the Division of Deacons Chairperson, Member of the Board of Ordained Ministry Executive Team, CFA, and was a delegate for the 2020-2024 General and Jurisdictional Conferences.

Tony oversees a team of 12 plan sponsor support professionals who focus on annual conferences, general agencies, and Wespath’s more complex local churches and large employers. The team works to coordinate and bring the full support of Wespath to help these stakeholders plan for the future, manage current programs, and solve issues. Tony grew up in The United Methodist Church and started professionally working for the UMC South Carolina Annual Conference in 2010 as the conference treasurer—a role he also held for several years in the Florida Annual Conference. 

Tony received a bachelor’s in Accounting from Wofford College and a master’s in Accounting from The College of William and Mary.

Andy joined Wespath in 2020 as a client relationship manager in the Plan Sponsor Relations department. He provides support for 11 UMC annual conferences, as well as many non-conference entities. Andy has over 21 years of experience in the retirement services industry. He started in the industry in a recordkeeping support role, uploading, converting and processing payroll files, before moving to a client relationship position. Throughout his career, Andy has worked with both defined contribution and defined benefit plans across a wide variety of retirement plans, including in the 401(k), 403(b), union multiemployer, police and fire pensions, and non-profit space. Andy holds the Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) and the Qualified Pension Administrator (QPA) credentials from the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA). He obtained a bachelor’s in Political Science and History from Carroll University.

Manuel joined Wespath in March 1993. As a client relationship manager in the Plan Sponsor Relations department, he manages the overall relationship with organizations participating in the benefit programs administered by Wespath. Manuel works with many different types of organizations including general agencies, annual conferences, large churches, hospitals and retirement communities. Manuel consults in benefit planning and design, conducts educational seminars, and assists plan sponsors with special projects and compliance matters. He also works with active and retired bishops, assisting them as participants in our benefit plans. Prior to joining Wespath, Manuel was a paralegal in a law firm in downtown Chicago.

Kelly oversees all health and well-being plans, products and efforts at Wespath. This includes the HealthFlex plan and retiree medical offerings, as well as robust well-being programs, the Clergy Well-Being survey and denominational partnerships to promote clergy well-being. Kelly came to Wespath in 2008. Previously, she was an inpatient physical therapist at the University of Illinois Medical Center. She has a master’s in Physical Therapy from Boston University and a master’s in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She completed her bachelor’s in English at Illinois Wesleyan University.