Meet Evan Witkowski, the CMSS Board Treasurer since 2022. Evan works as an Institutional Relationship Manager at Wespath Benefits and Investments, an investment firm providing services to the United Methodist Church. In this role, Evan develops and manages relationships with institutional clients, oversees the creation of products and services to enhance the institutional investor experience, and develops investment plans for Endowment & Foundation portfolios.
With more than 15 years of experience focused on finances, planning, and investments, Evan brings valuable knowledge to the CMSS Board. Evan received his Bachelor’s degree in History from Ohio State University and his Master’s in Finance from Roosevelt University. In his two years on the Board, Evan has consistently brought great energy and perspective to the organization.
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Q: Can you tell us when and how you first heard about CMSS and what initially interested you about the organization?
I work at Wespath Benefits and Investments, which manages health and retirement benefits for active and retired clergy and laity within the Methodist Church. We also manage endowment assets.
Wespath is a member of the United Methodist Association (UMA). I met CMSS President and CEO Bill Lowe at a UMA meeting in 2022. He shared with me all the wonderful work CMSS does for older adults across Chicagoland.
I was drawn to CMSS because of its commitment to helping each person we serve to live and feel as well as possible. I was excited to bring my experience gained at Wespath to the Board and to learn more about aging through working with CMSS. I am proud to serve on CMSS’ Board and build on the work of those before me to make a positive difference in the lives of older adults.
Q: Your academic background includes a Bachelor’s in History. What drew you to study History and how does it inform your perspective on your work today?
Ironically, I started school as a business major. I bounced around majors but landed in history because I liked reading and history is a lifelong passion. It was dumb luck that I chose this major, but the premise of doing what you love has never left me.
One of my favorite investors, Howard Marks, always says, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.” There’s a lot of truth in the statement. We tend to think that whatever complex or unique issue right in front of us is so unique that nobody can possibly understand. The truth is, open a history book, and you can find lots of similarities.
Q: Your career has focused on finance, investments, and planning for the future. Can you share a little about your career path and what you’ve learned helping institutions prepare for the future?
Luck and interest led me into finance. I graduated college in 2007 and worked in a call center supporting a large retailer. In that position, I talked an older population off the metaphorical ledge in 2008. These individuals lost a substantial part of their retirement savings by investing in the company stock. My late grandma also worked for the same retailer before she retired. As I talked with these folks about their retirements, I imagined each person I helped was my grandma. The experience taught me a lot and made me determined to learn to manage my finances so that I wouldn’t feel helpless about my own retirement.
This led me down a rabbit hole of trying to learn as much as possible about retirement plans and obscure investments. Finally, I spent a decent part of my career aiding active asset managers in identifying their sources of skill vs. luck in investing. I’m fortunate that I have had some great mentors along the way.
I’ve learned that institutions have a much different perspective than individuals when it comes to planning for the future. Institutions are perpetual in nature, so my experience allows me to help set them up to withstand market volatility, without panicking.
Q: Which of your previous roles has best prepared you for your role as the CMSS Board member and Treasurer?
My role at Wespath has prepared me well for working with the CMSS Board. In my position, I get to work with many Treasurers and Finance Committees. Also, my work at Wespath allows me to learn from some of the best board members out there.
I am also a member of the Board of Police and Fire in Highland Park, Illinois. I was asked to join in December of 2022, just five months after a mass shooting at our town’s July 4th parade. I couldn’t say no to such an important request. Working with this Board has taught me a lot about operating and deliberating around complex and pressing issues.
Q: We greatly appreciate your leadership on our Board. Could you share which CMSS programs and initiatives you are most enthusiastic about and what you are eagerly anticipating for the organization?
First, I have great admiration for the CMSS staff and leadership. They do a great job with the resources entrusted to them. I’m impressed by the professionalism and commitment that the team demonstrates to the community. I am excited about our SASI Home Care program. As so many people are interested in aging in place, this program can help adults make that dream a reality.
The CMSS Board and leadership are in the middle of a strategic planning process, and I’m looking forward to seeing how we can expand our services in the future.
Finally, I appreciate how affordable we strive to be as a non-profit organization. We want to continue to honor that aspect of our mission with the creativity of the team we have in place.
Q: We know no one is all business, all the time. How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I have two children that keep me active. This summer, I’ve been able to run while my daughter bikes, and I coach soccer for my son. Last summer, I picked up golf and was hooked. To me, golf is a way to bond with my kids. I can be in a golf cart with my kids for a few hours at night without distractions. I enjoy anything outside which requires me to be active. My guilty pleasure is playing the Nintendo Switch when I can find the time.
