We’re pleased to announce the formal launch of our Public Policy and Advocacy Committee, transitioning from a successful one-year pilot into a permanent body that will guide and elevate our network’s federal policy agenda.
This marks a key step in advancing our shared mission. Building on the “Here We Stand” campaign, the committee will amplify our national advocacy efforts and reflect the diversity and expertise of our network, bringing together 20 leaders from across our network working in health, housing, aging, child and family services and disability.
The committee will focus on priority issues like Medicaid, affordable housing, and workforce development, while also exploring how data, AI, and emerging technologies can strengthen service delivery. It will help shape our federal policy positions and support coordinated advocacy across member organizations.
We’ll also leverage members’ connections to anchor strategic meetings with lawmakers, especially those in leadership or on key committees, alongside network members from the same states or districts. These engagements will support both federal and state-level advocacy.
At a time when public trust in institutions is waning, our “Here We Stand” polling offers both encouragement and direction: a majority of Americans trust faith-based providers to deliver high-quality care. This committee will help us lean into that trust by lifting up our collective voice, demonstrating impact, and deepening our commitment to the people and communities we serve.
The committee consists of:
- Michelle Angalet, Chief Operating Officer, Inspiritus
- Salah Ansary, Regional Director, Lutheran Community Services Northwest
- LaSharnda Beckwith, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California
- Murray Chanow, Sr. VP of Brand & Public Affairs, Upbring
- Stephanie Chedid, President & CEO, Luther Manor
- Héctor Colón, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan
- Anne Dennis-Choi, President & CEO, AK Child & Family
- Maria Foschia, CEO, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry
- Shelly Griffith, CEO, Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center
- Chris Koenig, President & CEO, Niagara Lutheran Health System, Inc.
- Adam Marles, President & CEO, Lutheran Senior Services
- Amy Moore, VP of External Relations , Ascentria
- Tara Muir, Advocacy & Government Relations Coordinator , Immanuel
- Margaret Nimmo, Chief Strategy Officer, enCircle
- Joan Plump, Chief of Staff, Gemma Services
- Mark Stutrud, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
- Erin Sutton, Senior Director of Advocacy, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
- Tom Syverson, Director of Government and External Affairs, Good Samaritan
- Linda Timmons, President & CEO, Mosaic
We’re excited to grow this committee into a cornerstone of our advocacy efforts, ensuring our values are reflected in the lives we touch and the communities we serve.
Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.