Lynn Crump-Caine named Thrivent Board Chair, aims to inspire inclusive leadership 

Lynn Crump-Caine began serving as the board of directors chair at Thrivent, a Fortune 500 financial services company, earlier this month. She formerly served as a member on the board since 2016.

Crump-Caine said she is honored to serve in her new capacity as board chair at “one of the most unique and purpose-driven companies in the country.” 

There is diverse talent ready to shape corporate boards, Crump-Caine said. 

“I’m supportive of efforts to diversify the boardroom and build corporate boards that best represent the clients of those companies. I believe it would serve companies well to broaden their leadership lens and support more inclusive governance and I am very excited about what that could mean in our future,” she said. 

“There are many great Black board chairs who have come before me and I’m proud to be in this role today – I hope I can be a positive example and role model for those who aspire to hold this seat in the future.”

When Crump-Caine joined Thrivent’s board she wanted to contribute and support the company’s transformation and long-term success, she said. 

“While I didn’t envision the board chair role at the time, this opportunity reflects both my commitment to serving where I can add the most value and the trust I’ve worked hard to build along the way.”

Bringing decades of leadership experience to the role, Crump-Caine previously served as executive vice president of worldwide operations for the McDonald’s Corporation where she contributed for 30 years, according to Thrivent’s news release. She currently serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including as a director of Advocate Health, board chair of Wingstop Inc., and lead director and executive mentor at The ExCo Group.

In 2005, Crump-Caine founded OutsideIn Consulting, which provides executive coaching, strategic planning and operational assessment for clients.

Crump-Caine told the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder that these experiences in corporate leadership, operations, consulting and board service, have each shaped who she is and how she leads. 

“I’ve built a strong foundation in strategy, governance and leadership development,” she said. “I also believe that people need to know who you are, and what you stand for…what your values are as a leader, if you expect to gain followership from them. These principles and experiences have built the foundation of my leadership and prepared me to guide the Board and Thrivent into the future.”

Most recently in her time on Thrivent’s board, Crump-Caine served as chair of the Human Resources and Governance committee and a member of the Executive committee.

“As Board Chair, my perspective is now broader,” she said. “The role centers on guiding the Board as we oversee all aspects of Thrivent’s business and transformation, including critical responsibilities like CEO and executive succession planning.”

Taking on this new role spoke to Crump-Caine’s commitment to advancing Thrivent’s purpose to empower lives of service and faith, she said.  

Her priority as board chair is to “build on the strong momentum already underway and help Thrivent continue accelerating its transformation to serve future generations.”

Under the leadership of current CEO, Terry Rasmussen, the company is focused on improving experiences for its financial advisors and clients, informing the public on who they are and updating operations.  

“The Board, along with Thrivent’s Executive Leadership Team, will continue this work, staying focused on helping more people build, grow and protect their financial wellbeing through purpose‑driven advice,” Crump-Caine said.

For more information, visit www.thrivent.com/about-us/our-leadership/lynn-crump-caine.

Damenica Ellis welcomes reader responses at dellis@spokesman-recorder.com.