Synod Staff - Western Iowa Synod ELCA

	Bishop Michael A. Last came to synod staff as an assistant to the bishop in June 1999. He was elected bishop of the synod and installed into the office in 2001. Bishop Last has primary responsibility for the ministry of Word and Sacrament in this synod and its congregations, providing pastoral care and leadership for this synod, its congregations, its ordained ministers and other rostered leaders. The synod bishop ordains approved candidates for ministry as well as consecrates and commissions lay rostered leaders. The bishop is the chief ecumenical officer of the synod. He exercises leadership in the mission of this church, including oversight of the synod's companion synod Hatua kwa Hatua relationship with the Southern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. While seeking to preserve the unity of the Church, the bishop oversees and administers the work of the synod.712-732-4968, Ext. 446 ~ bishoplast@wisynod.org

	Cynthia Johnson, administrator for the bishop's office, joined synod staff in September 2001. She is coordinator of office operations and staff projects, with particular focus on scheduling and resource needs for Bishop Last. Cindy is synod assembly planner and provides financial resource to the synod treasurer and finance committee. 712-732-4968, Ext. 446 ~ wiscj@wisynod.org

	Pastor Danette Johns was called to synod staff as assistant to the bishop in October 2001. Pastor Johns is call process coordinator, staff support to the Board for Ministry and shares staff responsibility for pastoral care and leadership development for congregations and rostered leaders. 712-732-4968, Ext. 448 ~ wisdj@wisynod.org

	Pastor Rodger Prois was called to be Director for Evangelical Mission beginning September 2009. This position represents the Congregational and Synodical Mission unit in the Western Iowa Synod. Pastor Prois has two main areas of focus: evangelical mission and stewardship ministry and education. In addition, Pastor Prois provides staff support to the Mission Table. 712-732-4968, Ext. 445 ~ wisrp@wisynod.org

	Pastor Peter Soli accepted a call to synod staff as assistant to the bishop in September 2009. Pastor Soli works with congregations which are in transition including those in the call process. He also provides guidance to congregations revising their constitutions, is staff support for the Board for Congregational Life, and shares staff responsibility for pastoral care for congregations and rostered leaders. 712-732-4968, Ext. 449 ~ wisps@wisynod.org

	Kay Broich, Office Operations Coordinator, joined the synod staff in November 2006. As bookkeeper, she keeps track of synod financial records, as well as congregational financial statements. In addition, Kay is coordinator of the Western Iowa Synod Lay School of Ministry. Her duties also include hospitality at the synod office. 712-732-4968, Ext. 440 ~ wiskb@wisynod.org


	Cynthia Wells, Global Programs Coordinator, has been on synod staff since April 2002. Cindy's work focuses on two areas: our companion synod relationship with the Southern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, and Global Mission/Hunger efforts. Within this realm of work, Cindy coordinates and assists in the on-going development of the 4 partner projects of our companion synod relationship, arranges for the sending and receiving of visitors between the Western Iowa Synod and the Southern Diocese, and coordinates and resources those in companion congregation relationships. 712-732-4968, Ext. 441 ~ wiscw@wisynod.org