Reimagining Diversity in the Workplace

October 3, 2022

“Diversity is the art of thinking independently together.” Are you looking for ways to increase your cultural awareness, inclusion skills and diversity dexterity while leveraging current best practices for leading your organization toward inclusive excellence? Join us for a new series of webinars, “Reimagining Diversity in the Workplace,” with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) expert Tommie Lewis from Make It Plain Consulting. Tommie will guide us through the “who,” “what” and “how’s” of making practical and realistic changes in our lives and workplace to better understand our differences, foster mutual respect and build more effective working relationships.

Webinar participants will raise awareness and understanding of DEI; increase knowledge of inclusive excellence; develop skills through real-world DEI case studies; and create personal, team and organizational plans of action. You’ll be able to more meaningfully engage with staff, clients and other partners.

Tommie has worked with several Lutheran social ministry providers and will bring targeted understanding to the webinars. These webinars are for anyone who wants to build their cultural competency muscle and take it home or in the workplace. Bring yourself and your teams!

Tommie is one of those rare consultants who was able and willing to be fully engaged with the leadership of our organization as a partner, dedicated to helping us achieve organizational change and personal growth. Tommie’s approach helped us move toward creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment and the tools to think differently. I hope you and your teams can join this three-part series hosted by Lutheran Services in America where we will share learnings with others who understand our challenges in a safe and trusted environment.

~ Ray Ratke, President and CEO of enCircle

Previous Sessions

Reimagining Diversity in the Workplace: The Who, What and How’s of Working in a Diverse Place” (November 8, 2022):

Reimagining Diversity in the Workplace: How Others are Creating Welcoming and Inclusive Spaces” (December 6, 2022):

Reimagining Diversity in the Workplace: Incorporating Appreciation of All into the Hiring Lifecycle, from Recruitment through Retention” (February 7, 2023):

About Tommie Lewis

Tommie has successfully guided companies, institutions and communities along their journey to equitable, diverse and inclusive cultures. As the co-host of “Diversity Conversations,” the national podcast show dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion topics, Tommie provides practical, research-based and outcome-driven solutions to complex individual, business and social issues.

Learn more about Tommie Lewis and Make It Plain Consulting.

Listen to Tommie’s “Diversity Conversations” podcasts.

About the Strength & Service Series

The Strength & Service Series is designed to help our member organizations nationwide—free of charge—stay in the know on new and evolving practices and resources, curating a broad line-up of topics and subject matter expertise. This interactive webinar is made possible by funding from a grant from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Special thanks to the ELCA for sponsoring this workshop.

2023 Lutheran Financial Managers Association Conference

September 9, 2022

Financial managers are facing complex challenges from today’s economic disruptors. Whether it’s increasing workforce costs, tightening cash flow, new business models or capital investments, the rising costs of doing business are forcing managers to make tough decisions. The Lutheran Financial Managers Association conference is your opportunity to network with your peers and learn from experts on how to respond effectively to our current environment. From expert topical presentations to in-depth networking opportunities, the conference is designed to give you the connections, tools and resources you need to navigate the “new normal.”

Resources

Hotel

The 43rd annual conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress hotel in Orlando, Florida.

Agenda

What is LFMA?

Our mission is to enable and support the continuing improvement of fiscal management services in Lutheran affiliated/recognized social ministry organizations by providing a vehicle and forum where people in the industry can join together for common sharing and educational experiences.

What Happens at the LFMA Conference?

The board of directors develops a program around the significant issues currently confronting our organizations. Topical experts provide their insight and knowledge, while peer speakers provide suggestions, ideas and best practices on tough issues. The conference is designed to be participatory, encouraging questions of the presenters and stimulating dialogue amongst the attendees. Plus, the networking is what distinguishes the conference and makes it a must-attend event. In addition to lessons learned from your colleagues, many collaborations and partnerships have been launched at the LFMA Conference.

How Do I Become an LFMA Member?

Membership entitles one person for your organization to attend the conference. While at the conference, nearly all meals are provided along with social engagement events. Dues are determined by your organization size.

Less than $30 million     $600

$30–50 million                $700

$50–80 million                $800

Over $80 million             $1,000

Contact Steve Anderson for more information.

2024 Lutheran Financial Managers Association Conference

February 7, 2024

Stewarding Resources with Integrity and Innovation

LFMA 2024 will focus on stewarding resources with integrity, while also embracing the need for innovation in today’s rapidly changing financial landscape. Today’s financial managers are facing complex challenges: whether it’s increasing workforce costs, tightening cash flow, new business models and capital investments, the rising costs of doing business are forcing managers to make tough decisions with limited resources.

The LFMA conference is your place to network with your peers and learn from experts on how to respond effectively to our current environment. From expert topical presentations to rich networking opportunities, the conference is designed to give you the connections, tools, and resources you need to navigate these new complexities.

This year’s conference will be held at the beautiful Scottsdale Marriott Old Town in Scottsdale, Arizona, right outside of Phoenix, from April 17-19, 2024.

Financial managers are facing complex challenges from today’s economic disruptors. Whether it’s increasing workforce costs, tightening cash flow, new business models or capital investments, the rising costs of doing business are forcing managers to make tough decisions. The Lutheran Financial Managers Association conference is your opportunity to network with your peers and learn from experts on how to respond effectively to our current environment. From expert topical presentations to in-depth networking opportunities, the conference is designed to give you the connections, tools and resources you need to navigate the “new normal.”

Register

Registration rates are determined by organization size.

Registration now closed!

Hotel

This year’s conference will be held at the beautiful Scottsdale Marriott Old Town in Scottsdale, Arizona, right outside of Phoenix.

Agenda

Conference Materials

What is LFMA?

The Lutheran Financial Managers Association mission is to enable and support the continuing improvement of fiscal management services in Lutheran affiliated/recognized social ministry organizations by providing a vehicle and forum where people in the industry can join together for common sharing and educational experiences.

What Happens at the LFMA Conference?

The board of directors develops a program around the significant issues currently confronting our organizations. Topical experts provide their insight and knowledge, while peer speakers provide suggestions, ideas and best practices on tough issues. The conference is designed to be participatory, encouraging questions of the presenters and stimulating dialogue amongst the attendees. Plus, the networking is what distinguishes the conference and makes it a must-attend event. In addition to lessons learned from your colleagues, many collaborations and partnerships have been launched at the LFMA Conference.

How Do I Become an LFMA Member?

Membership entitles one person for your organization to attend the conference. While at the conference, nearly all meals are provided along with social engagement events. Dues are determined by your organization size.

Less than $30 million     $600

$30–50 million                $700

$50–80 million                $800

Over $80 million             $1,000

To learn more, please contact Steve Anderson.

2025 Lutheran Financial Managers Association Conference

February 5, 2025

Financial managers are facing complex challenges from today’s economic disruptors. From uniform guidance to AI and accounting automation to self insurance trends to cybersecurity and employee financial wellness, you’ll hear the latest trends and strategies shaping financial management today.

The Lutheran Financial Managers Association conference is your opportunity to network with your peers and learn from experts on how to respond effectively to our current environment. From expert topical presentations to rich networking opportunities, the conference is designed to give you the connections, tools, and resources you need to navigate these new complexities.

What to Expect:

  • Cutting-edge insights on AI, data analytics, and automation in accounting
  • Expert-led sessions on risk management, regulatory changes, and cybersecurity
  • Practical strategies for optimizing financial operations and boosting profitability

From expert topical presentations to rich networking opportunities, the conference is designed to give you the connections, tools, and resources you need to navigate these new complexities.

Register

Registration is now closed.

Registration rates are determined by organization size.

Less than $30 million     $300

$30–50 million                $400

$50–80 million                $500

Over $80 million             $600

Hotel

LFMA 2025 will be held at the beautiful Mission Bay Resort in San Diego, California. Reserve your room using our discounted room block.

Agenda

View the programming for this event.

What is LFMA?

The mission of the Lutheran Financial Managers Association is to enable and support the continuing improvement of fiscal management services in Lutheran affiliated social ministry organizations by providing a forum where people in the industry can join together for common sharing and educational experiences.

Presentations

Bridging the Great Health Divide: The Linkage Between Nutrition Security and Health Equity

September 6, 2022

Join Dr. Sara Bleich, the first Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service, as she challenges us to examine nutrition security and how it relates to health equity. In this virtual session, Dr. Bleich will explore how the USDA is working to promote and elevate nutrition security to focus on ending hunger, reducing diet-related diseases and disparities, and accelerating health equity.

On leave from her position as a Professor of Public Health Policy at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Dr. Bleich’s long-standing research centers on food insecurity, as well as racial injustice within the social safety net. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of nutrition as a key social determinant of health, and how your organization can play a part.

Dr. Bleich will be joined by several Lutheran Services in America members to discuss how their efforts are strengthening food and nutrition security in their communities:

  • Derrick Felder, COO at Lutheran Social Services of Nevada
  • Jennifer Fralic, Director of Food Pantry Services at Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio
  • Tiffany Mitchell, Psy.D., EVP and COO at Lutheran Social Services of Southern California

CEO Summit 2024

April 27, 2023

CEO Summit 2025

February 29, 2024

Lutheran Services in America-Disability Network Winter Meeting 2023

September 1, 2022

CEO Summit 2020-2021

August 3, 2022

CEO Summit was virtual in 2021, and while we missed seeing everyone, our new format offers the opportunity for additional CEOs to participate nationwide, and for us to engage an even broader, strong lineup of thought leaders.  With your direct feedback, we’ve developed a series of virtual leadership seminars designed to strengthen, inspire and enrich leaders across our network with a focus on emerging stronger.

CEO Summit 2022: A Future Reimagined

January 24, 2022

CEO Summit 2022 was held virtually January 24–26, 2022.

Join us for an event where you will discover new insights, ideas and strategies to forge new paths forward.

Details about the event are available below.

Supporting
Our Neighbors,

TOGETHER.

Our shared Lutheran tradition of service to our neighbor is more vital than ever.

Join us as we work to ensure our network continues delivering essential services to all in need.