The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on July 28 approved the appointments of Christina Jackson-Skelton as executive director of the Mission Advancement unit of the ELCA churchwide organization and the Rev. Linda O. Norman as ELCA treasurer.
Jackson-Skelton, who has been ELCA treasurer and president of the Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA for the past nine years, was named acting director of the Mission Advancement unit in February 2011. The trustees of the Mission Investment Fund will have responsibility for electing a president to succeed her. After completing her term as ELCA treasurer on September 1, Jackson-Skelton will continue on the Council and Executive Committee of The Lutheran World Federation and chair its Finance and Administration Committee.
Norman has been with the ELCA churchwide organization since 2006, first as controller and as chief financial officer for the ELCA Foundation; she has been the ELCA controller since February 2011.
Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson extended his congratulations to both, as well as his enthusiastic endorsement of their contributions to this church. “As a member of the design team involved in creating the Mission Advancement unit, Christina Jackson-Skelton understands how bringing together marketing and public relations, planned giving, fundraising appeals, mission support and constituent services can increase awareness of and engagement in ELCA ministries. She will share enthusiastically with donors the story of this church engaged in mission and the joy that comes with giving.”
In regard to the appointment for ELCA treasurer, Bishop Hanson continued, “Linda Norman’s integrity and transparency will maintain the high confidence this church has in the office of treasurer. Her experience as a pastor in an urban congregation grounds her work in a passion for God’s mission, which we all share. Her wisdom makes her a great mentor and colleague. I look forward to serving with her.”
Jackson-Skelton said of Norman, “I could not imagine turning over this work with more confidence than I have today in entrusting it to my colleague, Pastor Linda Norman. Linda’s deep financial knowledge and integrity will ensure the highest level of fiscal management and careful stewardship of the gifts entrusted to us by this church.”
Carlos Pena, vice president of the ELCA and chair of the ELCA Church Council, expressed his gratitude for Jackson-Skelton. “Christina has served the church well. … She is tremendously gifted, and as such will bring excellent skills to her new position: integrity, professionalism, clarity and knowledge. The Church Council and I wish her well in this new endeavor, and we are glad for the opportunity to continue working with her.”
The ELCA treasurer serves for a six-year term; the Mission Advancement executive director has a four-year term.
The Church Council is the ELCA’s board of directors and is the legislative authority of the church between its churchwide assemblies. The 2011 Churchwide Assembly will be held August 15-19 in Orlando, Florida.