Join our Team!
The Northeastern Iowa Synod is currently accepting applications for three openings on the executive team:
- Director for Evangelical Mission
Bishop Kevin T. Jones
The Rev. Kevin T. Jones was elected Bishop of the Northeastern Iowa Synod at the 2021 Synod Assembly and begin serving a six-year term on Sept. 1. He most recently served as pastor to Youth, Families and Education for Trinity Lutheran in Mason City, Iowa, from 2014 to 2021. Prior to that, he served as pastor to Lutheran Church of the Resurrection at Marion, Iowa, from 2001 to 2014, and as pastor to Blair Lutheran Churches at Blair Wis., from 1993 to 2001.
Bishop Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in English at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Mich., in 1986 and a Master of Divinity degree from Lutheran Northwestern Seminary in St. Paul in 1993. His internship was served among the people of Good Shepherd Lutheran in Novato, Calif.
Bishop Jones currently serves on the Board of Directors for Lutheran Services in Iowa, Ewalu Camp and Retreat Center in Strawberry Point, IA, and North Central Iowa Habitat for Humanity in Mason City. He is married to Amy, who is a nutrition and wellness specialist for the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. They have two adult children, Nate and Sara.
Synod Staff
The Rev. Steve Brackett
Assistant to the Bishop
The Rev. Steve Brackett joined the synod staff in 2015 and serves as assistant to the Bishop for Rostered Leadership. His primary responsibilities include call process, candidacy, and leadership support for compensation, sabbaticals, Safe Ministry, Colleague Group, Men’s Ministry, and other areas assigned by the Bishop.
The Rev. Dr. Joelle
Colville-Hanson
ELCA Director for
Evangelical Mission
The Rev. Dr. Joelle Colville-Hanson’s primary areas of responsibilities: use social media outreach as an evangelism tool to support congregations and conferences; support mission developments and redevelopments; participate in ministry networks, conflict resolution as a ministry of renewal and responses to sexual misconduct; coordinate the synod’s participation in Barnabas Uplift, and be available for preaching opportunities.
Liz Albertson
Assistant to the Bishop
The Rev. Liz Albertson joined the synod staff in January 2022 as assistant to the Bishop for Shared Ministry. Her primary responsibilities include Mission Support and development, leadership growth and renewal, interim and synodically authorized ministries, and assisting with call process on occasion.
Jan Glaspie
Executive Assistant for Synod Administration
Jan Glaspie oversees administration of the synod office, synod budget, Synod Assembly planning, and governance documents; serves as a congregational resource for administrator and treasurers; and assists in other areas assigned by the Bishop.
Marcia Hahn
Coordinator for Communications and Events
Marcia Hahn maintains the synod website, coordinates events and publications, and is editor of the Star newsletter. She is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, with journalism and marketing minors.
Kathy Liddle
Receptionist-Secretary
Kathy Liddle greets people who come into or call the synod office. She provides secretarial support for synod ministries related to Mission Support and development, Youth Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Companion Synods, Disaster Response and Synod Assembly
Alison Pettit
Administrative Assistant
Alison Pettit provides clerical support and assistance related to the roster, call process, candidacy and committees connected to the Synod Council.
Michelle Van Riper
Synod Bookkeeper
Michelle Van Riper keeps track of mission support and other designated gifts from congregations. She also maintains payroll and expense accounts and the synod budget. Michelle has a Master of Science Degree in accounting from Kaplan University.
2021-2022 Synod Council
The Northeastern Iowa Synod Council is the board of directors of this synod and serves as the legislative authority between meetings of the Synod Assembly. The Council may make decisions which are not in conflict with actions taken by the Synod Assembly or which are not precluded by provisions of the constitution or the constitution and bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
