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Press Releases & Statements Lutheran Services in America Names New Board Chair: Seasoned Health and Human Services Leader Colleen Frankenfield

June 12, 2023

WASHINGTON — Lutheran Services in America announces today that Colleen Frankenfield, the president and CEO of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey, has been elected chair of its board of directors, effective July 1.

Frankenfield joined the Lutheran Services in America board in 2019 and currently serves as vice chair.  She has more than 30 years of experience as a results-driven CEO, healthcare leader, executive director, nursing home administrator, risk manager and practitioner of health law. Frankenfield holds degrees in nursing, healthcare administration and law.

“Colleen is a strong leader committed to the power and potential of the Lutheran Services in America network. We are blessed to have her leadership as we move the network forward and grow our collective capacity to advance health and opportunity for all,” said Alesia Frerichs, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America.

“Lutheran Services in America is at the center of leading broad system change to address the increased challenges facing people and communities across the country,” said Frankenfield. “I am honored to support and advance the work of this national network.”

Frankenfield will succeed Darrell Gordon, who has chaired the board of directors since 2021. Other changes to the board effective July 1 are:

  • Eric Gurley, president and CEO of Immanuel, will serve as vice chair
  • Bill Andrews (ret.) will serve as treasurer
  • Kristen Gay, the president and CEO of Gemma Services, will serve as secretary

Lutheran Services in America welcomed Andrews and the Rev. Barbara Lund as the two newest members of the board in May.

About Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America is a national network of 300 health and human services organizations that reaches one in 50 people in the United States each year. Recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy and Forbes as one of the nation’s top nonprofit organizations, the Lutheran Services in America network operates with more than $23 billion in combined annual revenue. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Lutheran Services in America leads innovative collaborations with its member organizations and partners in philanthropy, academia, healthcare and business to address the most critical challenges in our communities and empower people to lead their best lives.

To learn more, visit lutheranservices.org or find us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.