#United States #New York #New Canaan Society #National Board #Faith Movement

New Board Expansion at the New Canaan Society

On October 1, 2026, the New Canaan Society (NCS), which focuses on fostering faith, family values, and character among men, announced a significant expansion of its National Board of Directors. This marks the first addition of new members in three years, reflecting the organization's ongoing commitment to growth. Since the launch of 11 new chapters in the past year, NCS is poised to capitalize on this momentum as they look ahead to their upcoming National Retreat in Nashville, scheduled for March 2027.

In an effort to diversify leadership, NCS has appointed five accomplished individuals known for their expertise across various fields including finance, talent advisory, public service, and global ministry. The addition of these directors aims to strengthen the governance framework of NCS and ensure that it remains relevant and impactful for upcoming generations. Dr. Chip Roper, the Chairman of the NCS Board, voiced enthusiasm about the new members, emphasizing their high-caliber backgrounds and diverse perspectives as vital for nurturing the organization’s future.

Highlights of the New Directors

• - Benjamin Grizzle: As the Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, Benjamin leads their global distribution efforts. His background as a social entrepreneur and a founding board member of Church of the City New York exemplifies his commitment to community and faith impact.

• - Larry Hartmann: Currently serving as the CEO of ZRG Partners, Larry leads one of the fastest growing executive search firms worldwide. With extensive experience in various sectors, he provides deep insights into leadership development, which will benefit the strategic direction of NCS.

• - Brian Cournoyer: A REALTOR® affiliated with Compass, he merges entrepreneurial skills with a rich background in community service. Brian's previous roles as a firefighter/EMT-D and founder of Edge Entertainment add valuable experiential insights to the board's dynamics.

• - Christopher Houston: The retired senior chaplain with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Christopher is a published author and nonprofit founder. He embodies a national perspective on service and restoration, highlighting the role of love in personal transformation.

• - Kevin Palau: As President and CEO of the Palau organization, Kevin carries forward a legacy of evangelism established by his father, Luis Palau. His global connections and commitment to sharing the Good News position him as a critical voice in NCS's mission.

Focus on Generational Diversity

NCS is consciously promoting multigenerational representation on its board, integrating viewpoints from both younger leaders under 50 and seasoned leaders over 60. This deliberate approach aims to prevent assumptions about the motivations and needs of the next generation. As noted by Dr. Roper, understanding the evolving expectations of men, such as active fatherhood and varying family responsibilities, is crucial for the organization's growth and effectiveness.

James Ackerman, the NCS President and CEO, highlighted that younger men find value in what NCS offers, distinguishing it from traditional church groups or men's Bible studies. "We are a men’s faith movement where authenticity prevails, and engaging conversations are encouraged," said Ackerman, reinforcing that the new board members will support wise stewardship of the organization’s current momentum.

With the National Canaan Society now operating 58 active chapters globally and 18 more in development, the organization is leveraging innovative digital tools for engagement. Initiatives like virtual chapter meetings and a comprehensive online toolkit for members aim to enhance interaction and support.

Registration for the 2027 National Retreat in Nashville, set for March 5-7, is currently open, promising to be a key event celebrating NCS's growth and continuity in its mission to guide men in their faith journey.

For additional information, media inquiries can be directed to Jerry Boak at [email protected]