Leadership

The leadership team at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is dedicated to ensuring all people have the opportunity to live and work in community with full and abundant lives.

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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."

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Patrick Thueson

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Patrick Thueson became Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer on April 2, 2018, and is responsible for Services, Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, Marketing & Communications and Information Technology.

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Christopher Beach

Vice President and Chief Development Officer

Christopher Beach became Vice President and Chief Development Officer in July 2015. As a key member of the senior leadership team, he is responsible for building financial resources to support greater organizational impact and visibility throughout Minnesota.

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Susie Emmert

Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer

Susie Emmert is Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer at LSS. She oversees both state and national advocacy initiatives for the organization to improve services and public policies. She is known for her energetic resolve and ability to galvanize bipartisan support on important policy issues that promote health, stability and a full life in community for all Minnesotans.

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George Klauser

Executive Director, Altair-ACO

In 2013, George Klauser was named Executive Director of the Altair Accountable Care Organization (ACO), a new collaboration of seven disability, health and wellness partners including Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.

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Joyce Norals

Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

Joyce Norals has provided strategic direction for Human Resources at LSS since joining LSS in July, 2000. In her role she oversees staffing, compensation and benefits, organizational development and training, and employee relations for the organization and its 2,300 employees statewide.

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Jeri Schoonover

Chief Service Officer

Named Chief Service Officer in July 2012, Jeri Schoonover leads development of new service and redesign initiatives and oversees delivery and service outcomes for Older Adults and People with Disabilities.

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Maureen Warren

Vice President and Chief Family Services Officer

Maureen Warren became Vice President and Chief Family Services Officer for LSS in September 2013. She oversees mental health counseling, youth services, financial counseling, housing development and services, refugee services and the operations of the Center for Changing Lives in Minneapolis.

Board of Directors

Dr. Paul Dovre, Chair
Andrea Carruthers, Vice Chair
Nicole Griensewic Mickelson, Secretary
Dan Anderson, Treasurer
Bishop Thomas Aitken
Ross Allen
Rev. Mark Aune
Shirley Carter
Jon Evert
Cindy Jesson
Ayan Musse
Bob Niedringhaus
Greg Vandal
Bishop Ann Svennungsen
Tom Seidelmann
Pat Strong
Rev. Dee Pederson
Mandy Tuong
Rev. Kari Williamson

LSS Foundation Board of Trustees

Todd Sylvester, Chair
Michele Abbott, Vice Chair
Ann Beatty, Secretary
Peggy Stefan, Treasurer
Sonja Baertsch
Dr. Paul Dovre
Jodi Harpstead
Paul Jacobson
Kelly Kautz
Gwen Kuhrt
Dana Lonn
Russ Michaletz
Mark Peterson
Mike Ranum
Tom Seidelmann
Dan Thorson
Paul Tillquist
Luke Winskowski