Jodi Harpstead

Chief Executive Officer

“We work with compassion and competence. First we need the compassion to serve the neighbor, and to be with them through whatever they are struggling or walking through. Then we need to have the competence to make a difference, so that our client’s lives are enhanced by walking with us in a way that makes a difference.”

Ken Borle

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

"LSS has high quality services supported by systems and business processes that work. Quality has a way of being self sustaining. When we get the job done, people develop confidence and they take pride in their work – that is pretty gratifying.”

Rod Brown

Vice President of Family Services

“I am passionate about serving others with dignity; it is important that the ways we interact with people are both elegant and efficient and have a beneficial impact on their lives. We are here to enable independence and interdependence.”

Kathy Hansen

Vice President for Development

“I am thrilled to be a part of the Lutheran Social Service team. The LSS mission is inspiring and compelling. I look forward to building on a solid record of development as together we create an even more ambitious program of major and planned giving. Lutheran Social Service is changing the lives of Minnesotans and I am convinced that an increasing number of donors will want to give generously in support of LSS.”

Joyce Norals

Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

"You realize that employees stay at LSS because they have come to care about the people they work with – whether client or colleague. They care about the community in which they serve. There is such compassion and zeal around pursuing social justice for others.”

Ember Reichgott Junge

Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer

“We are creating new ways for supporters to be involved with our work. Our advocates are becoming volunteers and donors. Donors are expressing the desire to help advocate. Our congregations want to help in all kinds of ways. The roles are all tied together, creating endless possibilities for service.”

Jeri Schoonover

Vice President for Community Services

“The staff and volunteers in this organization are amazing! Their commitment to helping people with disabilities and older adults have full, rich lives in community means that people are happier, healthier and more engaged. New ideas for new and better ways to serve are a near-daily occurrence.”