The Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program (PILP) board of directors has named James G. “Jim” Rissler as its next President  & Chief Executive Officer. Rissler succeeds James L. Hudson, PILP’s CEO since 2003, who plans to retire at the end of 2014. 

james rissler

 “Following a search that included nearly 200 Presbyterian leaders from across the country, the search committee soon recognized Jim as the best next leader for PILP,” said search committee chair Josephine Stewart. 

Rissler joined PILP as Vice President & Chief Operating Officer in 1999. He was promoted to Senior Vice President & COO in 2004. Prior to joining PILP he enjoyed a successful career as a commercial banker. 

“I am honored and flattered by the board’s confidence,” said Rissler. “For the past 11 years, I have been privileged to serve under one of our denomination’s most dynamic leaders as we worked with churches across the country to help finance expanded ministries and facilities. I am excited about the future of the organization and look forward to the new role with enthusiasm and humility.” 

During Hudson’s tenure as CEO, PILP’s loan portfolio grew from about $30 million to a 2012 peak of $84 million.  

 “As COO, Jim has been integral to every success the agency has enjoyed over the past 15 years. The respect he enjoys across the denomination along with his expertise and reputation for integrity will serve PILP and the larger church exceedingly well,” said PILP board chair Stephen Bacon. “He is the ideal choice to become just the third CEO in the agency’s history.” 

Rissler, a ruling elder at Louisville’s Harvey Browne Memorial Presbyterian Church holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Vanderbilt University. 

In addition to Jo Stewart and Stephen Bacon, the PILP Board’s executive search committee included Linda Bailey, Joyce Smith, Connie Tubb, and Catesby Woodford. Rissler will assume responsibilities effective January 1, 2015 and will be presented to the 222nd General Assembly in 2016 for their confirmation. 

 

About the Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program 

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Investment and Loan Program, Inc., is one of six agencies that make up The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Widely known as PILP, they are a nonprofit corporation of The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that provides low-cost loans for capital projects to churches, governing bodies and related entities.  Funds for these loans come from two sources, PCUSA endowment funds and investments by churches, governing bodies and individual Presbyterians. Both a church extension fund and religious mortgage lending operation, PILP is registered to offer investments in every state.

Further information about PILP can be found at http://pilp.pcusa.org.