Our investment services team is comprised of veterans of some of the world's best-known financial firms, banks and universities. They work diligently to leverage that experience to help LCMS ministries invest their resources wisely so that they might thrive for generations to come.
Mark Cannon
314-996-1462
Chief Financial Officer
Mark is Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer for the LCMS Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2013, Mark worked in the corporate sector for 20 years, serving in a variety of financial reporting, management, and analysis roles, primarily in the banking industry. He earned a B.A. in economics from Washington University and an M.A. in economics from Vanderbilt University.
Mark is responsible for all investment, finance and administrative areas of the Foundation. He leads the Foundation’s investment team, working closely with the Foundation’s investment committee and fund managers to monitor the Foundation’s $1.1 billion in assets. He leads a team of 11 at the Foundation to manage investments, accounting, and information technology.
Mark and his wife Cristyn are both from St. Louis, and have been married since 1996. They have three children, and are active members at St. Paul’s in Des Peres, Missouri, where Mark serves on the church council and Cristyn works as a teacher. Mark was an adjunct professor of finance for four years, and has volunteered extensively in the St. Louis area. He enjoys biking, golf, and spending time with his family.
Brad Conrad
314-996-1457
Vice President, Investment Research & Operations
Brad is the Vice President of Investment Research and Operations for the LCMS Foundation. Brad administers all research and operational aspects of the Foundation’s $1.1 billion investment portfolio. This includes overseeing investment consultants, fund managers, and custodians, as well as the Foundation’s commercial bank, brokers, and auditors. Brad works closely with the President, Chief Financial Officer, Investment Committee, and other senior leadership to analyze the results of the Foundation’s investment portfolio, including its impact on ministry partners and donors.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Brad held positions in investment research at Stifel, institutional investment consulting at Mercer, and as an asset allocator at Saint Louis University. Brad earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Quincy University and a master’s degree in business administration from Saint Louis University. Brad has also earned the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation.
Brad and his wife Erin are both from the Saint Louis area. They have three daughters and are active members in the Kirkwood community. Brad currently serves as a board member for the Kirkwood School District Foundation. He enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with his family
We provide congregations, schools, RSOs, seminaries and universities with the expertise to invest their assets in a variety of market funds. With vision, these funds can provide long-term stability, helping fund your ministry for generations to come.
Starting a gift plan program for your ministry can be simple. We have partnerships with dozens of LCMS congregations, schools, ministries and even our seminaries. If you think your congregation or ministry should have a program in place, we’re happy to talk with your pastor or ministry leaders.
If you're interested in serving LCMS members and ministries professionally, the LCMS Foundation is a great place to work. In addition to the rewards of working to support the Church, the LCMS Foundation has been listed as one of the best places to work in St. Louis.
In today’s busy world with volatile markets, we appreciate the expertise and cost efficiency of the Foundation to manage the congregation’s investments. Partnering with the LCMS Foundation provides for not only the ministries of Immanuel, but for the ministries of the church at large.
Bob Wurl
Chairman, Immanuel Endowment Fund Committee
Hankinson, ND
Our school was blessed with our first gift from a donor who wanted to start an endowed scholarship fund. The LCMS Foundation helped guide us through the process of creating an investment fund that reflected the donor’s wishes and provided an opportunity for future financial growth for our school. We were thankful to work with a trusted partner who understood the importance of incorporating our mission and vision in our financial planning.
Jen Pawlitz
Director of Mission Advancement, Christ Community Lutheran School
St. Louis, MO
Our partnership with the LCMS Foundation has been a tremendous blessing. In just a few years, we’ve identified more than $20 million in gifts planned for St. Peter and other Lutheran ministries.
Rev. Micah Greiner
Lead Pastor, St. Peter Lutheran Church
Arlington Heights, IL
Working with the LCMS Foundation has not only been stress-free but immensely beneficial for our congregation. We are thankful to have a partner in our investing that cares deeply about the proclamation of the Word of God, the administration of Christ’s sacraments, and the congregations of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The endowment we have started is meant to support these important things in Montana no and for future generations.
Rev. Ryan Wendt
Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church
Billings, MT
How can we help you today? If you're a current donor, account holder or investor with a question, or if you're new to the LCMS Foundation and would like more information, we'd love to hear from you. Please use the "I have a question or comment about" drop-down field below to get your comment to the correct person or department faster.