Episcopal Relief & Development Welcomes New Board Member

February 10, 2014

Episcopal Relief & Development announces that Franklin M. Berger, CFA, has joined its Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2014.  A leading biotechnology analyst specializing in business development, finance and investment, Berger has contributed to the expansion of major biotech firms at the leading edge of innovation.  He was responsible for technical, scientific and clinical due diligence as well as company selection in his work at J. P. Morgan Securities, Salomon Smith Barney and Josephthal & Co.  In addition to consulting, he currently serves on the board of three publicly traded biotech companies, advising on the scientific, technological, business and financial aspects of the industry.

“Franklin Berger’s expertise in the private sector and investment field will be invaluable as Episcopal Relief & Development continues to solidify its standing as a leader in international development” said the Right Reverend Robert J. O’Neill, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado and Chair of Episcopal Relief & Development’s Board of Directors. “Franklin is an experienced board member with a wealth of executive and operational knowledge, and I look forward to working with him.”

Berger earned his MBA from Harvard and his BA and MA from Johns Hopkins University.  He has served on the vestry and the Investment Policy Committee at St. James’ Episcopal Church in New York City.

“I am extremely pleased to have Franklin Berger joining Episcopal Relief & Development’s board of directors,” said Rob Radtke, the organization’s President. “As we seek to grow in our capacity to leverage donor contributions to their greatest effect, Franklin’s ability to see potential and capitalize on it will help immeasurably.”

As Berger joins the board, Teri Lawver steps down, having completed her final term. Based in New Jersey, Lawver is the Global Commercial Strategy Leader, Global Vice President, for the Cardiovascular and Metabolism Therapeutic Area with Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.  Lawver will continue to serve on the Advisory Council of the NetsforLife® program partnership for malaria prevention in sub-Saharan Africa.  She also joins the board’s Advancement Committee to help diversify and strengthen the organization’s fundraising efforts as it moves toward celebrating its 75^th anniversary in 2015.

“Teri has provided superb leadership during her tenure on Episcopal Relief & Development’s board,” Radtke said. “She will continue to be engaged with the organization and I look forward to working with her in the future.”

Episcopal Relief & Development is currently governed by a 21-member board. Board members are invited to serve three-year terms, which may be renewed once.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating under the General Convention of The Episcopal Church, Episcopal Relief & Development is governed by a Board of Directors that includes clergy and lay leaders from around the country. The Honorary Chair of the Board is the Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, and the Chair of the Board is the Right Reverend Robert J. O’Neill, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado. Members of the board are nominated by the Presiding Bishop and the Chair of the Board of Episcopal Relief & Development, with assistance from the board’s Governance Committee. New members are then elected by the board, and this decision is ratified by the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church.

For more information about the Board of Directors, please visit our Board and Staff page.

Episcopal Relief & Development is the international relief and development agency of The Episcopal Church and an independent 501(c)(3) organization. The agency takes its mandate from Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25. Its programs work towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Episcopal Relief & Development works closely with worldwide Church and ecumenical partners to help rebuild after disasters and to empower local communities to find lasting solutions that fight poverty, hunger and disease, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.