West Virginia Annual Conference Director of Administrative Services, Jim Berner, was named the 2017 recipient of the Charles L. Calkins Award, presented by Wespath Benefits and Investments.

Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) conferred two distinguished leadership awards during its recent board of directors’ meeting in Hollywood, Florida.

Rev. Dr. Bill Wilson of the West Virginia Annual Conference said, “Jim’s leadership helps the conference as a whole become healthier and more effective in ministry to the community and to the world. He goes the extra mile, making extraordinary efforts to try to make sure people understand and have what they need. He connects with people; and is able to cast a vision with the ability to translate the vision into action.

“Jim is supportive of the connectional system, with a great desire to learn and to share what he discovers. He truly understands the concept of being blessed in order to be a blessing to others.”

Left to right: Board Chair Bishop Robert Schnase, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, Jim Berner, Beth Berner, Rev. Dr. Bill Wilson, General Secretary Barbara Boigegrain