CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lita Brusick Johnson, 45, has been named director for World Hunger and Disaster Appeals of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). She serves as executive assistant to Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson of the ELCA. Johnson will begin her new responsibilities July 1.
"Most people are mindful of the exceptional skills Lita has provided in leadership as assistant to Bishop Anderson. Some may be unaware of her previous work in hunger, justice and advocacy combined with new skills in philanthropy," said the Rev. Mark Moller-Gunderson, an executive director for the ELCA's Division for Congregational Ministries.
Johnson has been executive assistant since the formation of the ELCA in 1987. In that position she serves as an advisory member to boards of the ELCA's churchwide units and as liaison to two of the ELCA's nine geographical regions. She also developes agendas for the ELCA's Church Council meetings and churchwide assemblies.
"Lita Brusick Johnson has been a valued and trusted member of the bishop's office," said Anderson. "She has shaped the role of the executive assistant to the bishop into a key part of the planning and administration of the Office of the Bishop. Although I regret the loss of her talent and experience in this office, I am very pleased that she will now be putting those gifts to good use in her new responsibilities."
Prior to the ELCA Johnson was deputy director for the Office for Governmental Affairs, Lutheran Council in the U.S.A., Washington, D.C., 1977 to 1987. She has a master's of arts degree in Medieval studies from the Pontifical Institute for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto, Ontario, in 1976. She was a Fullbright Fellowship Scholar at the University of Muenster, Federal Republic of Germany, 1974 to 1975. Johnson earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind., in 1974.
"She brings a wonderful combination of talents to this very important responsibility as director for World Hunger and disaster appeals. We look forward to the strong contributions she will bring to this ministry," said Moller-Gunderson.
Johnson will succeed the Rev. Roger O. Livdahl, 63, who will retire June 30. Livdahl was named director for the ELCA's World Hunger Appeal in 1990. He was ordained in the former American Lutheran Church in 1961 after graduating from Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minn. Livdahl served as regional director for Church World Service/CROP beginning in 1976.
"The church is extremely grateful for the length of service and deep commitment that Roger Livdahl has given," said Moller-Gunderson. "He has built upon a strong foundation of generous response from members of the church for hunger and disaster needs. His own personal stewardship and commitment to ministry have presented a healthy model for all of us to follow."
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
