WASHINGTON — Lutheran Services in America announced the recipients of its 2026 Leadership Awards during a ceremony held on Feb. 3 at the Summit, an annual gathering of Lutheran social ministry leaders. The faith-based national network of 300 nonprofit social service organizations recognized:
- Grace Araya, president and CEO of Concordia Place, with the Innovator Award;
- Sven Schumacher, executive director of Lutheran Child and Family Services of Indiana/Kentucky, with the Micah Award;
- and Mark Stutrud, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, with the Paragon Award: The Ken Daly Award for Excellence in Mentorship
“The Leadership Awards celebrate the very best of our network for their innovative approaches to serving our communities and for having the courage to lead with compassion, creativity, and conviction, especially at the most challenging times,” said Alesia Frerichs, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America.
Araya was honored with the Innovator Award, which recognizes “those who step boldly into the gap and advance new approaches to strengthen communities.” Araya reshaped early childhood education and youth development in Chicago by expanding programs, strengthening partnerships with city agencies and health systems, and for providing socially responsive care and essential resources. She has also transformed internal leadership pathways for staff who come from the very neighborhoods Concordia Place serves.
Schumacher was recognized for his leadership in addressing justice, mercy and equity and exemplifying the spirit of Micah 6:8, “Act justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Schumacher led significant advancements in trauma‑informed care, including major investments in new residential facilities and supportive housing for homeless young adults. Under his leadership, LCFS has expanded food security programs that serve tens of thousands, strengthened partnerships with Lutheran congregations that support survivors of human trafficking, and introduced spiritual engagement opportunities that provide counseling and faith‑based mentorship.
The Paragon Award: the Ken Daly Award for Excellence in Mentorship was awarded to Stutrud in honor of his commitment to mentoring and investing in the next generation of leaders in the Lutheran Services in America network. Throughout his career, Stutrud has guided organizations through significant change, expanded access to community‑based behavioral health care, and played a pivotal role in statewide collaborations. His commitment to mentoring fellow CEOs, supporting emerging leaders, and strengthening the broader network reflects the spirit of the award’s namesake.
About Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America, one of the nation’s largest networks of health and human service providers, is rooted in a century-long, faith-based commitment to service. Its 300 nonprofit organizations operate in 1,400 communities across 46 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, reaching more than 7 million people each year. Together, they improve outcomes for children, youth and families, support independence for older adults, champion meaningful services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and strengthen stability and purpose for veterans and others. Lutheran Services in America brings together a broad network of leaders, partners and stakeholders, connecting insights, elevating innovation, fostering collaboration, and shaping policies and practices that advance health and opportunity for all.