Lutheran Services in America, one of the largest not-for-profit organizations in the U.S., begins its 2020 fiscal year with two new members joining its 12-member board of directors: Colleen P. Frankenfield and Karen L. Himle. Frankenfield and Himle’s terms as board members began on July 1 and run through June 30, 2022. Lutheran Services in America, based in Washington, DC, is comprised of a national network of 300 health care and human services organizations that work with one in 50 Americans each year, helping them reach their full potential and live purpose-driven lives.
“Colleen and Karen are accomplished leaders who bring with them years of valuable experience guiding their respective organizations to the highest levels of success,” said Charlotte Haberaecker, Lutheran Services in America’s president and CEO. “As we continue to add key skills and diverse backgrounds to our board, their expertise from the human services world will strengthen our national network’s efforts even more.”
Frankenfield is president & CEO of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey, which provides senior services through three continuing care retirement communities and 16 affordable housing communities, as well as hospice and home care programs. With more than 30 years’ experience in faith-based health care and senior services, she also has served on several national and regional boards. Frankenfield earned a juris doctorate from Widener University and a master’s in health care administration from St. Joseph’s University.
“From my experience with Lutheran Services in America’s valuable programs, I’ve seen the power of its national network, and all that can be achieved by joining forces with each other and with national partners,” Frankenfield noted. “I’m honored to be able to serve alongside so many respected colleagues on both its board of directors and throughout its dedicated network. The many ways this trusted organization works with such a wide variety of people every day is unparalleled in my view, and I consider it a real honor to be a part of its national efforts in the health and human services realm.”
Himle brings to Lutheran Services in America’s board a diverse portfolio of accomplishments. As senior vice president for customer experience and corporate affairs at Thrivent, Himle leads the organization’s customer experience efforts, corporate communications, community affairs and public policy. Himle, who brings a strong public affairs and advocacy background to Lutheran Services in America, also has worked in the education and health care space, and as a policy adviser for the governor of Nebraska. She holds a juris doctorate from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and a master’s in systematic theology from Luther Seminary.
“Health and human service organizations across the country know Lutheran Services in America as an instrumental force for good,” Himle said. “I’m inspired by the organization’s ability to apply new, data-driven approaches and strategic partnerships in its many program efforts around the country, and I’m eager to help build on its trusted reputation as a leader and innovator in helping transform the lives of so many seniors, children, families and people with disabilities,” said Himle.
About Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America is the national network of Lutheran social ministry organizations — connecting over 300 health and human services nonprofit service providers located throughout the country. Recognized by The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Forbes as one of the nation’s largest nonprofits, the Lutheran Services in America network operates with more than $22 billion in annual revenue and over 250,000 member employees. Together, the network lifts up the nation’s most vulnerable people from children to seniors — making a difference in the lives of one in 50 Americans every year. To learn more, please visit www.lutheranservices.org.
