Rachel Wind Elected ELCA Executive for Administration

Chicago — The ELCA Church Council has elected Rachel Wind as the ELCA churchwide organization’s executive for administration, a position whose term coincides with that of the presiding bishop.

Wind has served as the ELCA’s executive for development since 2022. Previously she served as ELCA executive for philanthropy (2019-22), director of development for Year Up Chicago (2017-19), director of philanthropy for Youth Outreach Services in Chicago (2016-17) and director of the ELCA Fund for Leaders (2013-15).

“I am humbled by the opportunity to step into this position at this moment in the life of the church,” Wind said. “The Holy Spirit is up to something, and I'm grateful I get to be a part of it.”

Wind received a Bachelor of Arts in social work from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., in 2006 and a Master of Divinity from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) in 2010. LSTC is one of seven ELCA seminaries.

The Rev. Wyvetta Bullock has served as interim executive for administration since 2024. She was the executive for administration from 2007 to 2021 and has served at the churchwide organization for more than 30 years.

“I want to thank Rev. Bullock for modeling what a dedicated and effective executive for administration looks like,” Wind said. “Her years of service to this church have been instrumental in leading the churchwide organization through significant moments of transition with clarity and commitment to the gospel. I wish her well and thank her for her years of mentorship and support.”

Wind will begin her new role on Sept. 8.

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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 2.7 million members in more than 8,300 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean. 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

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