Member Spotlight

Mark Stutrud, President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan(LSSM), is embarking on a new journey beginning October 1, 2014 as he transitions to President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI). Both organizations are members of LSA. During his decade of service, LSSM has grown its foundation from $3.5M to $13.5M and the organization has grown its annual budget from $73M to $109M.

How does a Lutheran organization founded in 1868 remain true to its heritage while serving the needs of its current – and future – communities? From adoption and foster care to an alternative high school … to memory care and assisted living... to meals on wheels and disaster response services … to a program that acts as a clearinghouse for corporate donations and impacts over one million people a year – Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries is evocative of the great diversity we find within the Lutheran Services in America network. At its helm is a versatile leader, Mark Pile, who just celebrated his fifth anniversary as President and CEO of the organization. Last year, he tackled the sizable challenge of splitting Diakon into two divisions, each with its own Board of Directors – one to focus on senior services, and one for child, family and community programs. Read on to learn more about Mark’s approach to leadership and how he leads by example within our network.