Art Rhodes Honored with Prestigious Community Award
Cleveland, TN–Art Rhodes, president and CEO of the Church of God Benefits Board, was named recipient of the 2018 Robert J. Varnell Leadership Award from the Cleveland/Bradley County Chamber of Commerce. The award is one of the three top annual awards and was presented at the 92nd annual meeting of the local Chamber on Tuesday, January 23.
The Varnell Award is one of two recognitions bestowed on an outstanding community leader by the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber. Established in 1994, the Varnell Award is designed to “recognize demonstrated leadership in the professional, religious, and civic endeavors.” The winner is chosen by a panel of past winners, leaders representing all areas of the Cleveland/Bradley County community.
“His resume and character demonstrates outstanding leadership in his profession, community service and church,” stated nominator Bob Card, president of Easy Auto Credit, Inc.
Presenting the award was Dr. Ron Coleman, winner of last year’s Varnell Award.
Art Rhodes, right, is presented the Robert Varnell Leadership Award by Dr. Ron Coleman, 2017 recipient (click photo to enlarge)
“Art has played an active leadership role in the community since he and his family moved to Cleveland in 1999,” Coleman stated. “As a lawyer by training, Art has served in a variety of roles in his profession and business, since completing his education at the University of Mississippi Law School. Early on in his career, while serving as a prosecutor he was appointed by the Governor of Mississippi to serve as legal counsel for the State Department of Public Welfare. Following this stint of public service, Art went into private practice where he specialized in construction litigation with a firm in Jackson, Miss.”
“Art Rhodes brings a broad perspective to any organization he represents. His advice is generated by his experience at both the public and private level,” stated Donald Lorton, retired executive from the Maytag Corporation. In 1988, Rhodes joined Mississippi State 4th District Representative Mike Parker’s staff in Washington, D.C., to serve as chief of staff and legal counsel for legislative matters. He served in that capacity for over a decade, until Congressman Parker retired. Art’s dedication to the institution of Congress was recognized in 1996 when he was named a recipient of a fellowship from the John C. Stennis Center for Public Service and the first Mississippian to receive the prestigious award.
“Art Rhodes is a treasure in the Church of God,” stated Church of God General Overseer Tim Hill. “His contributions to the church are enormous. For him to be recognized in this community in this fashion, adds another level to his value to the Church of God. I congratulate him on this tremendous honor.”
In 1999, Rhodes assumed leadership of the Benefits Board, which manages a pension plan for ministers and church-related employees and oversees the investments of the Board, now totaling $350 million. In 2010, Rhodes was also appointed the president and CEO of the Church Loan Fund, Inc., an organization which currently services 135 church loans totaling over $35 million. He has also chaired the Ecumenical Association, Denominational Investors and Loan Administrators Boards.
“Art models the spirit of service by his consistent and valuable contributions to the United Way and his community. Art has a way of bringing strong business sense to his volunteer and service work with the compassion and grace that has defined his leadership in our community. Wisdom and heart, Art represents leadership at its very finest,” states Matt Ryerson, president and CEO United Way of the Ocoee Region. Art previously chaired the United Way, served on the Executive Committee, led the Investment Committee and numerous other United Way committees. He also received the highest volunteer award designation from United Way as a William F. Johnson Award recipient in 2012.
“Everything he becomes involved with becomes better as he brings his own style of leadership to the table,” shared Cameron Fisher, communications coordinator for Church of God International Offices. Fisher, who was honored with the same award in 2013 went on to say, “I am so pleased that we have leadership in the Church of God that extends beyond the walls of headquarters and makes such an impact. It sends a powerful message to Cleveland and Bradley County residents.”
“He is a thoughtful, sincere and committed community volunteer, as evidenced by his years of leadership and involvement in the United Way, Cleveland Rotary Club, Rotary Foundation and Gideon’s International,” states C. Louis Patten, Jr., Partner in Cornerstone Insurance. Art became a member of the Cleveland Rotary Club in 1999 where he’s served as president and is recognized as one of the founders of the club’s foundation. In addition Rhodes is a member of Gideon’s International, serves on the executive committee of the Bradley/Cleveland Public Education Foundation, the Family Resource Agency Board, the Youth Counseling Service Board and president for the local YMCA.
Art is a life-long member of the Church of God and has been very active in church activities, which have included numerous mission trips around the globe. Art is a guest lecturer and author, providing training to ministers and church leaders from across the country. He has also chaired a Global Education Board for the Church of God denomination which oversees more than 120 educational institutions around the world.
Art and his wife, Angie, are the parents of Taylor and Katelyn.
