wfn.org | Lita Brusick Johnson Appointed to New Position

[NEWS@ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 17, 2003

Lita Brusick Johnson Appointed to New Position
03-204-MR

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lita Brusick Johnson, director for the
World Hunger and Disaster Appeal of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA), was appointed associate executive
director for the ELCA Division for Global Mission (DGM) effective
Dec. 1.
     As associate executive director, Johnson, 51, "will be
responsible for supervising the work of DGM's international
programs and continental desks, and international development and
disaster programs.  She brings solid expertise in the areas of
finance, planning and relationships, particularly with the [65]
synods of the ELCA and church networks," said the Rev. Rafael
Malpica Padilla, executive director for DGM.
     Johnson succeeds Malpica Padilla, who became executive
director of the division on Aug. 1.
     Since 1998 Johnson has served as director for the ELCA World
Hunger and Disaster Appeal.  In that role she guided the church
in moving from attaining an annual income goal of $12.2 million
to $16 million.  In 2002 the appeal garnered $17 million, which
included Stand With Africa -- a Lutheran campaign that funds
relief and development efforts in Africa, particularly in the
areas of prevention and awareness for HIV/AIDS, fighting hunger
and building peace.
     "During these years, Lita has deepened her knowledge of the
global context and the theology that support the ELCA's work with
companion churches and partners in ministry throughout the world"
in connection with the "Lutheran World Federation, Lutheran World
Relief and in cooperation with ecumenical partners like the
National Council of Church of Christ U.S.A. and Church World
Service," said Malpica Padilla.
     From 1987 to 1998 Johnson served as executive assistant to
the ELCA presiding bishop.  She served in several positions at
the former Lutheran Council in the USA Office for Governmental
Affairs (now Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs),
Washington, D.C., from 1977 to 1987.
     Johnson earned a master's degree in medieval studies at the
University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1976.  She was a
Fulbright Fellowship Scholar at the University of Muenster,
Federal Republic of Germany, from 1974 to 1975.  In 1974 Johnson
earned a bachelor's degree in history from Valparaiso University,
Valparaiso, Ind.
     Johnson and her husband, Whipp, have one daughter, Myrece.
They are members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church here.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news