Staff Roles & Responsibilities

Rev. Lorna Halaas - Bishop

  • Preach, teach, and administer the sacraments
  • Provide leadership and pastoral care
  • Ordain rostered leaders
  • Synod Council
  • Lead and strengthen the mission and unity of the synod
  • Represent the Western Iowa Synod in regional, Churchwide and ecumenical gatherings

Rev. Judith Johnson - Associate to the Bishop for Call and Care

  • Pastoral Care
  • Support for rostered ministers
  • Assist in conflict resolution
  • Call Process

Kay Broich - Office & Financial Administrator

  • Maintain payroll and general synod bookkeeping
  • Property/Office management
  • Oversee and assist congregations with Portico benefits
  • Oversee coordination of Synod Assembly

Julie Cook - Administrative Assistant

  • Assist congregations with questions and concerns
  • Oversee organization and registration of synod events
  • Serve as the office receptionist
  • Support Synod Council
  • Support candidacy
  • Maintain roster

Deacon Eric Haitz - Director for Evangelical Mission

  • Communication
  • Website
  • Preach
  • Other duties as assigned

Michael Klinefelter - Regional Gift Planner, ELCA Foundation

  • Ongoing and planned estate gifts
    • Individuals in support of synods, congregations, churchwide ministries, ELCA related organizations
  • Assist with Stewardship, Endowments, and Planned Giving needs