ECFA ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT
Michael Martin to Lead 41-Year-Old Organization into New Decade
WINCHESTER, Va., March 19, 2020—Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) announced today the appointment of Michael Martin as its seventh president. After launching a national search in October 2019, ECFA’s Board of Directors unanimously confirmed Martin, previously ECFA’s executive vice president.
"Michael is experienced, capable and highly educated, and he exudes and exemplifies the mission of ECFA,” said Danny de Armas, ECFA's immediate past board chairman. “Over the last decade, we’ve seen Michael demonstrate strong leadership in a perfect balance of confidence and humility. His technical skill and a straightforward communication style allow him to discern and explain complex regulations to those who desire to operate with integrity and transparency in our unique evangelical context. We are confident that under Michael’s leadership ECFA will be well positioned to reach an emerging generation of evangelical leaders.”
Since joining ECFA staff in 2011, Martin has served as a leader of ECFA’s professional compliance team and supported several key ECFA initiatives, including the Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations and the launch of the ecfa.org website and the ChurchEXCEL.org free resource community.
"In a culture that is desperate to know where to turn and who to trust, ECFA’s standards and practical resources help organizations be the best possible representation in sharing the love and hope of Jesus Christ,” said Martin. “I am honored to continue service as ECFA’s next president and am committed to extending ECFA’s influence as a champion for financial integrity and accountability for years to come.”
Former ECFA President Dan Busby proactively approached ECFA’s board in early 2018 about his desired retirement and to initiate succession planning. In his new role as president emeritus, Busby will continue to actively assist in advancing the work of ECFA.
"My friend Ralph Enlow says, ‘The difference between leaders and other people is that leaders are endowed with perspective. The greater the perspective, the greater the leader.’ Michael Martin has unusual perspective to go along with his humble spirit and servant heart,” said Busby. “As ECFA’s seventh president, Michael’s leadership will leave a gospel-shaped mark on ECFA. I could not be prouder of him as he assumes this new role."
Martin has a passion for helping churches and ministries maintain high standards of financial integrity through ECFA membership. Martin also uses his training as an attorney and CPA to contribute to ECFA’s many practical educational resources, including books, webinars, videos, podcasts, and more. Beginning with the 2013 edition, Martin and Busby co-authored the annual Zondervan Minister’s Tax & Financial Guide and the Zondervan Church and Nonprofit Tax & Financial Guide.
About ECFA
The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, founded in 1979, provides accreditation to leading Christian nonprofit organizations that faithfully demonstrate compliance with the ECFA standards pertaining to financial accountability, fundraising and board governance. ECFA’s membership is comprised of over 2,400 accredited churches and Christian ministries, including 50 of the 100 largest churches in the U.S. For more information about ECFA, including information about accreditation and a listing of ECFA-accredited members, visit ECFA.org or call 800.323.9473.
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