Reflecting on a stellar legacy: Michaele Birdsall ends 17-year career of stewardship and service at ABHMS
VALLEY FORGE, PA (12/09/2024)—As 2024 draws to a close, so does an era of leadership at American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS). After 17 years of service to ABHMS, and 26 years in total within key organizations across the American Baptist denomination, Michaele Birdsall, CPA, ABHMS’ deputy executive director, CFO, and treasurer, is stepping down and into an active retirement.
Known for her financial acumen, commitment to social justice, and profound faith, Michaele leaves behind a legacy of stewardship and influence that has significantly touched both the fiscal underpinnings and the heart of ABHMS. She not only safeguarded ABHMS’ financial stability but also fostered a spirit of responsibility, growth, and integrity that will echo throughout the organization long after she departs.
“Michaele has been a steadfast steward of ABHMS’ mission and resources, guiding us with wisdom, integrity, and a heart devoted to our shared calling,” said Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Haggray. “Her leadership has not only fortified our financial foundation but has also deepened our capacity to serve faithfully and responsibly. We give thanks for her years of dedication, knowing her legacy will continue to bless and strengthen our ministry for generations to come.”
From the Beginning: A Journey of Purpose and Progression
Michaele’s journey with American Baptist national organizations began in 1998, when she joined the Office of the General Secretary as assistant treasurer. She held that role until 2004, when she transitioned to International Ministries, where she served as CFO and treasurer. At each stop, she cultivated her skills in finance and organizational development, building relationships that would later guide her to ABHMS, where she found her professional home in 2007.
Noting that international mission work often attracts attention and volunteers, Michaele says she was drawn to ABHMS by its unique culture and especially its commitment to mission work in the United States and Puerto Rico. “There’s something deeply personal and challenging about confronting issues of need and injustice here at home,” she explains. “It’s not something you can walk away from at the end of the day. It calls you to a deeper exploration of self, a real examination of what it means to be a disciple in a place of privilege.”
Tackling Challenges with Vision and Integrity
Michaele describes managing ABHMS’ finances as both a professional duty involving lots of details and a spiritual calling, where she could draw upon her faith to guide her decisions and interactions. “My accountability extends beyond the organization to God, to our donors, to those who support and rely on us,” she says. “It’s been a tremendous privilege to know that the work we do in finance directly impacts our ability to serve others and advance our mission”
When Michaele joined ABHMS, she quickly recognized the need for a structure that would provide investment guidance at a deeper level. One of her proudest achievements was establishing the Investment Advisory Council (IAC) to bolster ABHMS’ investment strategy. The IAC brought in experts to support the organization’s investment decisions and advise on complex investment matters.
“I had enough general knowledge to follow the investment conversations, but to make truly informed decisions, I needed additional expertise,” Michaele explains. “It’s all about being able to ask the right questions, and I wanted a team in place who had deep investment knowledge, so we could make the best possible decisions for ABHMS.”
With the IAC now providing a new layer of support for sound investment decisions, Michaele sought to reinforce ABHMS’ commitment to ethical investing. This goal resulted in the creation of the Socially Responsible Investment Advisory Council (SRIAC), which supports one of the most robust socially responsible investment programs among American Baptist organizations. “For ABHMS, investing isn’t just about generating returns; it’s about stewarding our resources in ways that honor our values and support social responsibility,” Michaele says.
Key focal points of the SRIAC are corporate accountability and donor confidence. The former inspires ABHMS to actively engage with corporations through meaningful dialogues on issues of consumer safety, environmental stewardship, human rights, and diversity. This activity, in turn, bolsters the confidence of donors as they consider their philanthropic options. “Donors who are confident that their gifts will be managed responsibly and ethically are much more inclined to give regularly and liberally,” says Michaele.”
Building a Legacy Beyond Financial Stewardship
Finance and investing are not the sole domain of Michaele’s career highlights. She also cites her role as project manager for the purchase and fit-out of the Leadership and Mission Building (LAMB), ABHMS’ current headquarters in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. “I feel a profound sense of pride when walking the halls of the LAMB,” she says. “This building represents a physical legacy that will continue to support our mission and serve our American Baptist partners well into the future.”
Yet another highlight centers on the development of ABHMS organizationally, which affects operations undertaken both inside and outside the LAMB. Michaele spearheaded the creation of the Interdisciplinary Table (IDT), a collaborative infrastructure that enables ABHMS to work more cohesively across departments. “IDT has been an iterative process of growth and adaptation, and it’s been worth every challenge,” she says. “It’s about building strong relationships and creating a supportive, unified environment.”
Looking Ahead: New Adventures and Continuing Service
Retirement does not mean slowing down for Michaele. After taking time to recharge, she is excited to apply her skills in new ways, supporting individuals and organizations that are committed to mission and ministry. She has already founded a consultancy practice, Lampstand Associates, LLC, where she plans to offer coaching and organizational development services. “I’ve always loved organizational development,” she says. “It’s about helping people and systems connect, collaborate, and thrive. When you get the human side of an organization right, the numbers follow.”
Aglow with memories of her tenure at ABHMS but eager to begin a new chapter in her life, Michaele acknowledges that leaving ABHMS will be bittersweet. She reflects warmly on the leadership style of the ABHMS executive directors under whom she served. “They had soft fronts but strong backs,” she says with admiration. More generally, she says she will “miss the people, the community, and the mission that has driven me every day. This work has been a profound part of my journey as a disciple, and I’m grateful for every moment.”
As she prepares to pass the torch, she offers simple but sage advice to her successor: “As you bring your fresh perspectives and new energy to help ABHMS grow, be patient. Show grace. Get to know the people.”
In a career filled with faith, purpose, and accomplishment, Michaele Birdsall’s time at ABHMS has been a testament to her unwavering dedication and a shining example of servant leadership. Her legacy is woven into the organization’s fabric, and with her departure, ABHMS says goodbye to a true steward of its mission—one whose influence will resonate well into the future.
