Rio Texas Conference Welcomes Tony LoBasso as Incoming Director of Financial Services
/By: Rev. Amanda Banda, Director of Communications, Rio Texas Conference
Tony lobasso – Incoming Director of Financial Services for Rio Texas, effective April 1, 2026. Photo courtesy of Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
The Rio Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church is pleased to announce that Tony LoBasso will join the Conference staff on April 1, 2026, as the next Director of Financial Services.
After exploring several candidates, the Conference is confident that Tony is the best choice to lead our Financial Services into the future. He brings more than 40 years of extensive financial and accounting leadership to this role. Since 2014, he has served as Chief Financial Officer at Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM), where he was responsible for the organization's overall financial health. Under his leadership, MHM's budget grew from $58.2 million to $213.6 million, with zero external audit findings.
He also guided the organization through milestones such as property acquisitions, federal grant partnerships, and upcoming system upgrades.
Tony's career began in public accounting, serving large financial institutions and health care/health insurance clients. Over the years, his work has spanned health insurance, specialty medical care, and hospital systems, giving him a broad foundation for financial stewardship. He also brings extensive experience in investments, real estate, and general business law, an expertise that will serve the Conference well.
A graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Tony is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has also faithfully served the Rio Texas Conference, including on the Pensions and Benefits Committee since 2016 and as its President/Chairman since 2019.
Tony and his wife, Carrie, are active members of Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, where they serve on the Foundation Investment Committee and Finance Committee. They have two grown children and one grandchild.
Reflecting on this transition, Tony shared:
"I have enjoyed the last 12 years serving MHM clients and our Board of Directors, and look forward to serving the Rio Texas Conference and developing further partnerships between MHM and the Conference."
Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey welcomed Tony with these words:
"Tony brings a wealth of experience in accounting, insurance, property, and investments—expertise that is especially needed in this season of the church. Even more, he brings a deep heart for ministry and a call rooted in faith. I am excited to welcome him into this role and look forward to the impact of his leadership."
Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries, reflected on Tony's legacy at MHM:
"He is an extraordinary leader, colleague, and friend to all of us. His commitment to MHM is evident in his excellent work ethic and tremendous contributions to furthering our mission. Tony will leave a legacy of leadership and wisdom for many years to come."
As the Conference prepares for this transition, we also pause to honor Rev. Kendall Waller, who has served faithfully for the past nine years as Director of Financial and Administrative Ministries. His steady leadership and pastoral presence have guided the Conference through some of the most challenging seasons in our denomination's history.
Rev. Dr. Aaron A. Gonzalez, Chief of Staff, noted:
"We are deeply grateful for Rev. Waller's years of service and look forward with hope to Tony's leadership as we move into the future together."
This moment marks both gratitude for the steady guidance of Rev. Kendall Waller and anticipation for the leadership Tony will bring. Together, these seasons of service strengthen the Conference's mission to steward faithfully and serve boldly in the years to come.
Tony Lobasso will join the rio texas conference staff as director of financial services, effective april 1, 2026.
