Synod Staff
Bishop Daniel Beaudoin
Bishop
Bishop Daniel serves as the pastor for our synod. He leads, in collaboration with the Synod Council and Assembly, the implementation of the synod’s mission and vision. He oversees the work of the synod staff and oversees the Roster of Ministers including the ordination, installation, appointment, and discipline as necessary.
Sherry Krieger
Director of Leadership Development for Congregational Care
Please note that Sherry Krieger is on sabbatical from August 1 thru October 31, 2022. For call process questions, please contact your assigned Call Facilitator. If your congregation is new to the call process, please know that a Call Facilitator will be in contact with you shortly. For questions about congregations in transition, please contact Jenn and she will connect you to the appropriate staff member.
Sarah Schaaf
Director for Community Engagement
Pastor Sarah works with congregations and ministers to intentionally engage with their communities and leads mission and visioning workshops for congregations and leaders. She also works with Churchwide (national ELCA) on grant opportunities. Pastor Sarah also coordinates the synod’s diakonia program of lay theological education, in addition to preaching and teaching throughout NWOS congregations.
Jacob Henry
Synod Administrator
Jacob coordinates the general administration of the synodical organization including financial and operations oversight. He also supports the policy and governance work of the Bishop, Synod Council, and Synod Assembly. Additionally, Jacob coordinates synodical response to concerns of ministerial misconduct, ethics, and professionalism, and congregational conflict. Jacob also assists congregations with constitutional revisions and governance questions.
Jennifer Prueter
Executive Administrative Assistant to the Bishop
Jenn provides scheduling, communication, and administrative support for the Bishop and assists the bishop with pastoral care for Rostered and Authorized Ministers. She also maintains the synod’s database and files, in addition to ELCA reporting related to Rostered Ministers and congregations.
Cheryl Sondergeld
Coordinator of Programs and Candidacy
Cheryl provides leadership for our programming, events, and coordination of volunteers, in addition to supporting the Call Process for congregations in transition. She also oversees and facilitates our Candidacy process, working closely with Bishop Daniel, Sherry Krieger and the Synod Candidacy Team to provide guidance to individuals from discernment to ordination.
Caroline Guy
Coordinator of Communications and Technology
Caroline leads the implementation of the synod’s communication strategy, coordinating the synod’s social media and general communications. Caroline works closely with Brent to update the synod’s webpage and provide technology support for staff. Caroline also coordinates and provides planning for some synodical events.
Calla Gilson
Lead Coordinator for the Discipleship Initiative
Calla coordinates discipleship initiatives for our synod including the Innovator Learning Academy and helps lead mission and visioning workshops for congregational councils and leaders. In addition, Calla coordinates some grant opportunities including grants for campus ministries and Imagining Renewal microgrants. Calla also coordinates some synodical fundraising appeals.
Brent Gnagey
Technology Specialist
Brent is handling synod website updates, the database and electronic/systems support for the Synod Office.
Diane Stultz
Synod Receptionist
Diane provides general administrative support for staff and assists with financial services.