NEW YORK, NY (ABNS 6/23/25)— On Monday, June 23, 2025, MMBB Financial Services released the following letter from Gwynn L. Perlich, president of the Board of Managers:
Dear American Baptist Family,
On behalf of the MMBB Board of Managers, I am pleased to share that Rev. Dr. Perry James Hopper has been appointed as the next Chief Executive Officer of MMBB Financial Services. His selection was unanimously approved by the Board and represents an important step forward in MMBB’s continued service to our shared ministry.
Dr. Hopper is no stranger to the American Baptist family. Over the past three and a half decades, he has faithfully served in various leadership roles at MMBB—including Associate Executive Director, Director of Denominational Relations, and most recently, Chief Client Services Officer. In each role, he has brought pastoral sensitivity, organizational insight, and a deep commitment to the financial well-being of our clergy and church communities.
Perry’s commitment to MMBB’s ministry has been central to strengthening MMBB’s covenant with ABCUSA. He has cultivated strong relationships with regional leaders, The Ministers Council, and the wider ABC community. His work has expanded participation across historic Baptist conventions and strengthened MMBB’s capacity to support and serve a diverse body of ministry professionals.
In addition to his executive leadership, Dr. Hopper brings a rich pastoral background and a heart for ministry. He has served as an associate pastor in several churches and continues to embody the values that are central to both MMBB’s mission and the life of our denomination.
As President of the MMBB Board of Managers, I have every confidence in Perry’s ability to guide the organization into its next chapter. His strategic vision, commitment to service, and deep-rooted faith make him a strong leader for this moment.
Dr. Hopper will begin a one-month transition alongside our current CEO, Louis Barbarin, whose extraordinary leadership over the past several years has strengthened MMBB’s foundation and reach. We are profoundly grateful for Louis’ faithful stewardship and look forward to honoring his legacy in the months ahead.
Please join us in lifting both Dr. Hopper and Dr. Barbarin in prayer as they walk together through this season of transition. We look forward to the continued partnership between MMBB and the American Baptist Churches USA, grounded in shared purpose and sustained by God’s grace.
In shared service,
Gwynn L. Perlich
President, Board of Managers
MMBB Financial Services
MMBB Financial Services is the non-profit financial steward for more than 18,000 faith-based employers, churches and church-related organizations, ministers, missionaries and their families in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. As pioneers in providing employee retirement benefits—and with nearly $3 billion in assets—MMBB carries forward a 100-year tradition of offering competitive returns, experienced management advice and sophisticated financial analytics tailored to the unique needs of the religious community.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.