Board Members and Leadership Team
Lutheran Social Services’ board members and leadership team are deeply connected to the mission and values of the LSS Network of Hope. We will always maintain our clients’ dignity and manage our resources responsibly, as inspired by our faith. We live out our faith by ensuring all people are received and treated with unconditional kindness, respect and dignity.
Our Leadership Team
Rachel Lustig
President and CEO
“For more than 100 years, Lutheran Social Services has been a force of hope, compassion and justice that has transformed countless lives. I am both honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve alongside LSS’ tremendous board, team and partners to advance our mission of creating a better world by serving people in need.”
Phil D. Helser, CPA
Vice President for Finance, Chief Financial Officer
“Serving is the best way to demonstrate to others the love of Christ.”
Michele B. Cenci
Vice President of Development
“I love working for an organization that shares my own personal values. I am proud that we offer help and hope to people who are experiencing very hard times. It feels good knowing LSS services are offered with the utmost dignity and respect, and it’s rewarding to see our board, leadership team, staff, volunteers and donors all come together to help restore lives.”
Heather Dubbe
Vice President of Human Resources
“I know that by helping to provide great employees and volunteers who are caring and dedicated, and who know we care about them as we do those we serve through our programs, we in turn improve the experience our clients and residents within our various facilities receive each and every day.”
Dawnya Underwood, LMSW, PMP
Vice President of PROGRAMS
“Through my work at LSS, I plan to leverage a collaborative, future-forward culture that empowers communities and individuals to create successful community-based programs providing trauma-sensitive and strengths-based services for those people who live at the highest levels of vulnerability and are impacted by all forms of abuse, violence, chronic homelessness, unemployment and poverty.”
Chad Wolverton
Vice President of Information technology
“I enjoy providing technology solutions that have a direct impact — Not only to the organization and its mission but most importantly to the community we serve.”
Our Board Members
Board Chair and Chair, Executive Committee
Todd Treon
Real Estate Investor/Owner
“I feel a calling to serve those who are less fortunate and especially those with pressing needs for the basic necessities in life which aligns with the LSS mission.”
Chair, Economic Engines Committee
Deborah Mitchell
Founder and President
cypresstree corp.
“LSS is a unique organization, filled with individuals who are deeply committed to helping others in need. I serve at LSS because it truly reflects what Frederic Buechner described as the place where God calls one to serve: “…the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”’
Chair, Human Services Committee
Rev. Mark Diemer
Pastor
Grace of God Lutheran Church, Columbus
“Service allows us to say ’no!’ to the world’s games of promotion and authority. It abolishes our need and desire for a ’pecking order’.” – Richard Foster
“I truly believe this to be true and I think this is why Jesus gives us the example of humble servanthood. LSS gives myself and others the opportunity to say “no” to the ways in which the world is ordered and “yes” to the way God would have us order our lives. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of LSS work and service in Central Ohio.”
Dan Bailey
Chair
Bailey Cavalieri LLC
“I have been affiliated with the LSS Board for nearly 25 years and am continually impressed with the Agency’s compassionate staff, thoughtful leaders, caring volunteers and generous donors. The needs we address are great, but everyone associated with LSS should be very proud of our efficient use of the resources we have and the critical difference we are collectively making in the lives of so many people.”
Greg Jordan
Senior Vice President and Chief Audit Executive
Nationwide Insurance
“Being part of LSS, who helps those with life’s basic needs, is both humbling and rewarding and a part of the Lord’s grand plan.”
Ed Kendall
CFO
ELFORD INC.
“Lutheran Social Services aligns my faith with the ability to positively impact those in our community who need assistance with basic needs. The organization’s operating model is attractive and enables efficient delivery of programs and services to our clients.”
Ron Kerr
VP, Customer Experience Solutions
Cardinal Health
“Problems don’t get any more fundamental than having food, shelter and safety. I can’t think of a better way to help address these problems in our community than serving at LSS and am grateful for the opportunity to work with such caring people.”
Marlene Manser
Senior Vice President, Supply chain operations, New Business Opportunities
Bath and body works
“I am honored to be a part of the Lutheran Social Services team. It aligns with my commitment to serve and enable meaningful impact for people in our community.”
Aaron McClendon
VP Global Talent Acquisition
VS&Co.
“I’m humbled and energized to serve this faith based organization that’s mission is to create a better world by serving people in need. This values-based focus aligns with my approach to life and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help create positive impact in peoples lives.”
Andrew Meslow
retired executive and current community leader
“Martin Luther famously said ‘God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does.’ I am pleased to be joining with Lutheran Social Services in helping so many of our neighbors here in Ohio.”
Brandon Riggins
Senior Project Executive
Messer Construction co.
“I am very appreciative of the opportunity I have to serve at LSS and help individuals overcome challenging situations with dignity and love of your neighbor. The scope of services this Agency provides to meet the various needs of the community is impressive, it’s truly a remarkable organization.”
Adam Steinbrenner
LEAD PASTOR
St. John Lutheran Church, Dublin
“As a pastor at one of the Lutheran churches in the Columbus area, I find great joy in partnering with Lutheran Social Services. LSS provides a direct avenue for the members of my congregation to make real and ongoing impact in the lives of our Columbus neighbors. As a board member, I look forward to fostering a stronger connection between the local congregation and the community care of LSS.”
Brian Suiter
Principal, RiverWest Partners
‘”The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” LSS, it’s partner organization and all of their staff exemplifies this adage, perfectly. I am proud to serve an organization that is successfully focusing on the holistic and critical needs of our community.”
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio is a United Way agency, a member of Lutheran Services in America and a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Copyright © 2016 Lutheran Social Services. All Rights Reserved.