New leader takes the helm of FaithLife Financial
WATERLOO, ON—Karen Bjerland will be the first woman to lead FaithLife Financial when she assumes the role of president and CEO on September 20.
Bjerland says she's extremely blessed to be taking on the role as president and CEO of the company she's worked at for more than two decades years. She follows Dieter Kays who led the not-for-profit financial organization for the past six years and retires next month. FaithLife Financial provides life insurance, income protection and investment products with offices in six provinces.
"I suppose being the first woman in this role could be considered a milestone, but for me, as long as a leader has the vision, passion and accountability in what they do, whether they're male or female doesn't really matter," says Bjerland.
Since joining FaithLife Financial in 1980, Bjerland has played pivotal roles in a number of areas and has assumed increasingly senior roles: regional sales manager, director of Field and Branch Services and vice-president in various departments.
In her new role, Bjerland says she'll continue to grow the organization, including increasing FaithLife's reach into the broader Christian community.
"It's a tremendous honour to lead FaithLife Financial into the future. We're part of such an incredibly exciting organization because, as we grow financially, we're able to increase our outreach to those in need, at home and abroad."
She explains that one of FaithLife's values is to help its members engage in their community.
"We're an organization that helps Canadian Christians find balance in their lives and to put them in a stronger financial position to help others," she says.
Board chair Wayne Musselman says, in a news release, that Bjerland brings passion and a number of skills to the position.
"I have been very impressed with Karen's strong leadership skills, success in leading teams, her outstanding communication and organizational development skills, as well as her ability to manage change and lead people during turbulent times.
"She's passionate about fraternalism and is recognized in the industry for her skills in building partnerships."
Bjerland began her career in marketing at another company and although she enjoyed the work she says she wasn't convinced it was what God wanted for her life. Then she began work as a sales representative for FaithLife—a place where devotions and prayer are welcomed, she says.
"I fail more than I succeed in my faith, but at FaithLife Financial I am constantly being fed," she says.
In addition to her role at FaithLife, Bjerland also serves as board chair at Trinity Village, a long-term care and retirement facility in Kitchener; sits on the board of the Evangelical Lutheran Foundation (Eastern Canada); the Canadian Fraternal Association and is active in the Lutheran community. She's also a wife, mother and grandmother to four grandchildren.
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