MONTREAT, NC — The Mountain Retreat Association, Inc. (MRA) has announced that its chief financial officer, Richard Sills, plans to retire in January 2027 after more than 22 years of service.
Throughout his tenure, Richard has played a significant role in the financial stewardship and stability of the MRA. His experience, work ethic, sound judgment, and deep knowledge of the organization have helped guide the conference center through some of the most consequential and challenging periods in Montreat’s history.
“From his earliest days on our staff, Richard was instrumental in the conference center’s efforts to move from a model of financial dependence on denominational support toward one characterized by greater self-reliance and long-term sustainability,” says Richard DuBose, MRA president. “His steady leadership contributed significantly to the stronger financial foundation the MRA enjoys today, and his influence continues to be reflected in our commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and responsible care of the resources entrusted to us.”
These contributions were particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when programming abruptly halted and the conference center faced profound uncertainty about its revenues and future. Richard remained prudent and disciplined as always when the financial strength he had helped build was put to this extraordinary test. Because of the fiscal foundation he had helped to establish, the MRA was able to navigate those difficult months without layoffs of full-time staff, preserving the people and institutional knowledge essential to the MRA’s ministry. The conference center emerged from the pandemic financially sound and organizationally prepared to resume programming as quickly as circumstances allowed.
More recently, following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, Richard has been instrumental in navigating the complex financial, insurance, and recovery issues that followed — once again, work that has been critical to Montreat’s recovery and continued stability.
“More than 22 years of service represents a significant commitment to the MRA and its mission, and Richard’s work has made a lasting impact on this organization that will be felt for years to come. We are deeply grateful for his many contributions and for the expertise and steady leadership he has brought to his role over the years,” noted DuBose.
A search will soon begin for the next chief financial officer.
The Mountain Retreat Association Inc (MRA) DBA Montreat Conference Center is a private, nonprofit national conference center rooted in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Known simply as “Montreat” to the more than 30,000 guests, conferees, and cottagers who pass through its gates each year, the center welcomes individuals and groups from all backgrounds to experience its unique setting for renewal, reflection, and community. Learn more at montreat.org.