Archdiocese of Indianapolis begins search for new chief financial officer

By John Shaughnessy

The archdiocese has started a search for a new chief financial officer (CFO) after Jeffrey D. Stumpf recently accepted a similar leadership position with the Indiana University Foundation.

“I’ve already begun meeting with the Archdiocesan Finance Council and other key financial advisers for the archdiocese to ensure that there is a seamless transition between Jeff’s departure [on May 31] and the hiring of our next CFO,” said Bishop Christopher J. Coyne, apostolic administrator of the archdiocese.

“We are blessed in the archdiocese to have a dedicated finance and accounting staff and many talented lay people who are ready to lend their expertise.”

Bishop Coyne said the archdiocese has also been blessed with Stumpf’s 19 years of service, including the past 14 years as CFO and executive director for finance and administrative services.

“In the time I’ve worked with Jeff, I’ve come to know what an asset he is to the archdiocese,” Bishop Coyne said. “I wish he could stay, but I wish him all the best. This is a great personal opportunity for Jeff and his family. He is a good co-worker and a faithful Catholic.”

Stumpf views his career change as a move from his home in the archdiocese to a return to his home in the Indiana University community. He graduated from IU in Bloomington with a business degree in 1991. He also earned a master’s degree in business administration in 1998 at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

“Going as far back as when I was student body treasurer at IU, all of my experience has taught me the value of dedication and teamwork,” said Stumpf, who will join the IU Foundation as senior vice president for finance and operations.

Now 43, Stumpf put those values of dedication and teamwork into practice with the archdiocese.

“Thanks to Jeff’s efforts, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has earned the highest Moody’s rating of any Catholic diocese in the country,” Bishop Coyne noted. “Jeff led the efforts to reduce an archdiocesan budget deficit in the late 1990s, and we have since had eight consecutive years of break-even or better operating budgets. He also has helped implement a new health plan and health savings account, saving more than $4 million in its first two years.”

Stumpf echoed Bishop Coyne’s confidence that there will be a seamless transition in the archdiocese’s financial leadership, thanks to the strong qualities of the archdiocesan financial staff and the archdiocesan finance council.

“I’ve really been blessed to have the strong staff people I’ve had working for me,” Stumpf said. “The leadership base is in place for continuing the successes the archdiocese has had.”

Beyond the financial accomplishments, Stumpf considers his time with the archdiocese as “a great opportunity to grow in my faith.” He recalled how such events as the annual chrism Mass, the 175th anniversary celebration of the archdiocese in 2009 and the Jubilee celebration of the Catholic Church in 2000 deepened his faith.

The husband and father of two small boys also praised the efforts of the Catholic schools and charitable ministries to make a difference in people’s lives.

He also thanked Bishop Coyne for his support, and wrote a personal note to Archbishop Emeritus Daniel M. Buechlein, sharing his gratitude for the friendship, confidence and guidance that the now-retired archbishop gave him for the past two decades.

The emotional part of his career change also showed when he recently addressed the priests of the archdiocese during a semi-annual business meeting.

“The opportunity to look out at them one last time reminded me that they are my heroes of our work in the Church,” Stumpf said. “I’ve worked with them over the past 19 years, and it was humbling when I thought of all the years they have dedicated to the Church. It was a real blessing for me to share my appreciation for their work and to say thank you.” †