A Conversation with Gerald Delk, MMBB Chief Client Services Officer

Gerald Delk, who joined MMBB in December 2025, brings deep experience in retirement planning, financial education, and faith-based service to his role as MMBB’s Chief Client Services Officer. A CPA/PFS with leadership experience at Vanguard, General Electric and the Church Pension Group, Gerald oversees teams that shape how members and employers engage with MMBB—from enrollment and education to financial planning and long-term stewardship.

In this Q&A, Gerald shares how his background informs his leadership, what he’s learning about MMBB members and participant churches, and his vision for delivering an aligned high-impact client experience.

How has your background prepared you for your role at MMBB?

With experience across leading financial institutions and mission-driven organizations—serving hundreds of thousands of retirement plan members across thousands of retirement plan sponsors and church employers—I bring a strong foundation in retirement planning, financial education, and client engagement. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on helping individuals and organizations make informed decisions that support long-term financial security. 

At MMBB, I look forward to applying that experience alongside a talented team to strengthen how we serve our church employers and members to continue advancing solutions that support their evolving needs.

How does MMBB deliver customized service to members and organizations?

I lead three teams that are central to the MMBB experience: Member Relations, Strategic Growth, and Financial Planning. Together, they support members, churches and faith-based organizations at every stage—from enrollment through retirement.
We meet people where they are financially, but we don’t leave them there. One-on-one financial coaching with an MMBB financial planning specialist helps members build confidence and make informed decisions. In addition, we offer tools, education, and services that support members throughout their financial journey.

For churches and organizations, our Strategic Growth team builds strong relationships and tailors retirement benefits and support based on direct feedback 
from church leaders.

What have you learned about members’ and churches’ needs in your first few months at MMBB?

Clergy face real challenges today. While attendance and giving have declined in mainline Christian denominations, faith remains strong, and people still need pastors. That makes supporting those who serve more important than ever.

I’ve also been impressed by the talent across MMBB. We already have strong products, services, and resources. My focus is creating a unified member experience, so we work seamlessly together and with the whole MMBB team.

Research shows people who work with a financial planner are more likely to reach their goals. Expanding access to financial coaching is a key priority. My aspiration is for every member to have a chance to receive one-on-one guidance with an MMBB Certified Financial Planner. 

Just as important is deepening relationships with churches. Administrators juggle many responsibilities and view us as an extension of their church retirement planning, so we want to make them aware that they can rely on MMBB as a true partner. 

What are your priorities for the year ahead?

Our work centers on three key goals:

• Expanding access to MMBB’s retirement products and services so more employers and members can benefit from the strength and stability we provide
• Enhancing the member experience to help members achieve lasting retirement security
• Delivering more personalized financial guidance—including access to Certified Financial Planner™ professionals—to increase access and engagement, helping members achieve stronger retirement outcomes

At its heart, this work is about stewardship—helping those who serve others build financial security for themselves and their families.

What is your long-term vision for Client Services?

Clergy and ministry professionals often face unique financial realities, including housing allowances, varied career paths, and complex retirement needs. Our goal is to ensure every member has access to trusted guidance and clear resources.

We’re also focused on strategic growth—expanding participation, strengthening retirement balances, and supporting MMBB’s long-term sustainability. That growth allows us to continue serving churches, ministry leaders, and lay employees for generations to come.

Collaboration across MMBB is essential. By working as one organization with a shared growth agenda, we can extend our collective impact.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in advancing our mission. It is especially rewarding to help strengthen members’ financial security while supporting employers in delivering competitive, high-quality retirement benefits. 

I also value working closely with colleagues across the organization to ensure MMBB continues to deliver excellent, comprehensive retirement solutions that meet the evolving needs of our employers and members.

Every day is different, and every day the work feels meaningful.