Regional Representatives

Every region has a regional representative — a youth ministry professional who works in collaboration with ELCA Youth Ministry and the Gathering to support regional youth ministry work. These reps are your go-to partners as you prepare for the 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering. They’re here to answer questions, share resources and connect you with other leaders in your area who are also preparing for the journey to Minneapolis. Whether you’re new to the Gathering or a returning veteran, your rep can help make the planning process easier and better connected.

This marks a shift from the model of the Gathering synod champion (or Gathering synod coordinator) used in previous cycles. By moving to regional representation, we can offer more consistent support, deeper collaboration and a broader network of leaders across the church. Your regional representative is equipped to guide you through the details — big and small — and help your group thrive long before you arrive at the Gathering.

Meet Your Rep!

Click on the image of your rep to send an email and get connected.

Gathering Staff

Region 1 Regional Representative
(
they/them
)
Region 1
Region 2 Regional Representative
(
he/him
)
Region 2
Region 3 Regional Representative
(
she/her
)
Region 3
Region 3 Regional Representative
(
he/him
)
Region 3
Region 4 Regional Representative
(
she/her
)
Region 4
Region 5 Regional Representative
(
she/her
)
Region 5
Region 5 Regional Representative
(
she/her
)
Region 5
Region 6 Regional Representative
(
she/her
)
Region 6
Region 7 Regional Representative
(
she/her
)
Region 7
Region 8 Regional Representative
(
she/her
)
Region 8
Region 9 Regional Representative
(
she/her
)
Region 9

Gathering Team Leaders

The Rev. Tony Acompanado
(
he/him
)
Worship and Chaplains
The Rev. Jennifer Schultz
(
she/her
)
Volunteers
The Rev. Jonathan Vehar
(
he/him
)
the tAble
Jonathan Zitelman
(
he/him
)
Technology
Kris Bjorke
(
she/her
)
SERVE
The Rev. Shawn Hannon
(
he/him
)
Safety and Security
The Rev. Kim Adams
(
she/her
)
Operations
The Rev. Nicolette Faison
(
she/her
)
Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE)
The Rev. Chris Marien
(
he/him
)
Mass Gathering
Dannica Olsen
(
she/her
)
ENGAGE
Catherine Slabaugh
(
she/her
)
Communications
The Rev. Cassie Overcash
(
she/her
)
Community Life

Young Adult Gathering

Daniel Kirschbaum
(
they/he
)
Senior Director, Young Adult Communities
Deacon Kayla Zopfi
(
they/them
)
Young Adult Networks Coordinator

How do I find what region I am in?

That's a great question! Visit the ELCA Directory and click on Congregations. Find your Congregation by searching your zipcode. Once you find your congregation in the search results, click the congregation name. On the left hand side, you'll see contact information such as location, congregational ID, etc. Locate your Synod Name. Before your synod name there is a code. The number in this code is your region! Have questions? Reach out to the Gathering office. (Oh, and jot down that congregational ID - you'll need it to register!)
ELCA Directory