Stephenie Benes Named Diocesan Comptroller

The Right Reverend Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has appointed Stephenie Benes as Diocesan Comptroller, effective May 7, 2024.

“Stephenie comes to our team with all the skills we need to take us to the next level in the financial management of our diocese,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. “Her work will support churches across the diocese as faithful stewards of their resources and will help us accomplish our diocesan goals in the mission of the gospel. I am thrilled to welcome her as she begins this vital ministry.”
 
As diocesan comptroller, Stephenie will serve on the bishop’s staff on a full-time basis, with responsibility for general accounting duties including day-to-day bookkeeping, preparation of quarterly financial statements, federal and state tax reporting, and annual budget support. In addition, she will handle all accounts payable, accounts receivable, diocesan grants, payroll, and audit compliance. In partnership with our diocesan treasurer, Stephenie will work to ensure the overall financial health of the diocese.
 
A 2004 graduate of Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, with degrees in Banking and Finance and Business Management, Stephenie has worked for more than 20 years in banking, accounting, and insurance.  For the past eight years, she has been managing the financials for multiple companies with an accounting firm.
 
While the role of diocesan comptroller is a new position on the bishop’s staff, Stephenie will assume the majority of the financial duties previously handled by Andrea McKellar in her role as Canon for Finance and Administration. McKellar was recently named Canon for Strategy and Vitality, and she will work with Stephenie through this transition, expecting to hand over the role completely by June 1. Congregations and institutions are asked to continue to contact Canon McKellar for financial needs until June 1. After this time, Canon McKellar will continue to serve as the diocesan administrator for benefits including all medical, insurance, and pensions—in addition to her new responsibilities as Canon for Strategy and Vitality.
 
Stephenie and her husband, Neil, live in North Charleston with their two children, and their dog Ellie.

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