Rev. Dr. Leonard Bolick
Bishop of the NC Synod of the ELCA

The Rev. Dr. Leonard Bolick, bishop of the North Carolina Synod, is a native of Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Before coming to the bishop's staff, he served Calvary-Concord and St. James-Fayetteville. He joined the bishop's staff in 1986, with responsibilities in youth ministry and evangelism and served on the synod's transition team to form the new Lutheran Church. He was installed as Bishop of the N.C. Synod on February 2, 1997.

He holds two doctorates of ministry, from McCormick Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Indiana and a doctorate of Divinity from Lenoir-Rhyne College of Hickory, N.C.

He and his wife Rita have two children, Joseph and Sarah.

Of his office he states: "We, in the office of the bishop, are here to serve the synod for the sake of the Gospel. We try to be as available as we know how to be in terms of support, pastoral care, encouragement and sometimes to challenge."

Phone: ext. 115
E-mail: lbolick@nclutheran.org

back to top     

Ray Barnhardt
Finance and Administration

Originally from Kannapolis, I am a Lenoir-Rhyne graduate and a CPA. I worked four years with the international accounting firm, Ernst and Ernst, before taking a position with a major furniture manufacturer in Hickory as Chief Financial Officer. I worked there for 34 years before joining the bishop’s staff in January 2006. I serve the synod as the Director for Finance and Administration.
     I am thankful, honored and humbled to be in this place serving the NC Synod. There is no question in my mind—God put me here.

I am VERY proud of my family and my activities center around them. My wife Yvonne is an elementary reading teacher. We have twin daughters: Kelly, a nurse, and Stephanie, a speech pathologist, who are married to two great guys, Miles and Luis, engineers who work together. Our two grandchildren, Bailey and Madeline, are the cutest, smartest kids on the planet.

Phone: ext. 114
Email: rbarnhardt@nclutheran.org

back to top

Rev. Elizabeth (Beth) Kearney
Candidacy, Call Process

My responsibilities focus primarily on Candidacy and with other bishop's staff I also assist with the call process, first call theological education, consulting with leaders and congregations, and conflict management.

I was called to the synod staff in 1992 . Prior to that my husband, the Rev. Doug Kearney, and I served as pastors of St. Paul's-Crouse and as associate pastors of Epiphany-Winston Salem.

We have two children, Kathryn and Micah.

My leisure-time activities include making baskets, gardening, and old house restoration (mine).

Phone: ext. 113
Email: bkearney@nclutheran.org

back to top

Rev. Judy Klusman
Congregational Health & Devolpment/
LFS Partnership Initiatives Associate

I am a second career pastor who spent most of my life on my family’s dairy farm near Oshkosh, Wisconsin. During that time I was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly and served 12 years.

After graduating from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa I served Fountain and Trinity Lutheran Parish in Hustler, Wisconsin and an interim call at Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi before joining the bishop’s staff.

On my call: Helping congregations to develop and carry out their vision for ministry in their communities based on the call of the Gospel is an awesome and humbling task.

My husband Tim and I have two sons, Charlie and his wife Amanda of Fuquay-Varina, NC, and James of Wisconsin.

Phone: ext. 117
Email: jklusman@nclutheran.org

back to top

Wayne C. Nelson, AIM
Congregational Life, Stewardship, Call Process

I am an Associate in Ministry who has served 32 years on congregational ministry teams in five different areas of the country: Buffalo, N.Y., Cumberland, Md., Denver, Colo., Orlando, Fla. and Charlotte, N.C. I have served on bishop’s staff since January 1, 2005. Most of my time is spent in three areas: working with committees and programs that support congregational ministries, stewardship support throughout the synod, and call process. I also serve as bishop’s liaison for: Women of the ELCA, Caring for Creation Task Force, and Transition Team, and as supervisor for our program ministry staff.

I met my wife Jill while serving in Denver, Colo., and we have been married 23 years in 2006. We enjoy traveling, reading, dining out, being sports fans and keeping in touch with friends and family around the world.

Phone: Ext. 120
Email: wnelson@nclutheran.org

     back to top

Rev. Philip (Phil) Tonnesen
Outreach, Call Process

I have been serving on the bishop’s staff since 1997 . Prior to this call I served in a team ministry at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church in Matthews.

Most of my time is spent in the areas of Call Process and Outreach. In addition, I serve as the bishop’s liaison for the following ministries: Global Mission, Multicultural, Campus Ministry and Lutheran Men in Mission.

Debbie and I met while attending Lenoir-Rhyne College and we have been married since 1988. We are blessed with three wonderful children, Julie, Greg and Katie. We enjoy traveling, boating and fishing.

Phone: ext. 128
Email: ptonnesen@nclutheran.org
     back to top  

Catherine Fink
Director, Heilig Resource Center

A native of S.C. and alumna of Lenoir-Rhyne College & Lutheridge, I’ve lived in North Carolina most of my life.

I began working as director of the synod’s Heilig Resource Center in 1989. When I started, 16mm films were borrowed as often as videos, and DVDs weren’t even on the horizon. Now think how things have changed! From the beginning, I have loved this job! I learn new things each day and am truly challenged and fed by my ministry here.

My primary responsibility is to respond to resource requests from leaders around the synod. Someone in Kinston needs a Christmas pageant; someone in Boone wants a Samson video; someone in Matthews would like information on grief resources for children—my job is to help them find what they need. Everything else I do supports that first task. I order great new resources, get them catalogued, and work hard to promote the resource center.

 The most overwhelming job, perhaps, is keeping myself up-to-date on the ELCA, Augsburg Fortress and other denominational resources that abound. It is truly a privilege to serve the congregations of NC and be a partner in ministry with leaders across our synod.

My time away from the office is spent as a wife to Dwayne, a high school mathematics teacher, and parent to Jacob, our super-great son born in 1995. We enjoy family time together playing and traveling. And, when time permits, I love a great book or movie!

Favorite scripture passage: Psalm 139: 13-14

Phone: ext. 121
Email: cfink@nclutheran.org

back to top

Donna Prunkl
Communications Coordinator

I couldn't have been more stunned when I was offered the new position of Synod Communications Coordinator in July 1997. I knew it had to be a call from God and I've leaned on that assurance ever since.  

As I've plowed new paths through technology, digital cameras, video editing and other exciting challenges, I've prayed and the Lord has provided.  
Communications is a constantly expanding opportunity. I developed and manage the synod Web site; produce and distribute publications, The Lutheran magazine supplements, videos, DVDs, Internet newsletters, news releases and articles; and assist staff, congregations and leaders with their communication challenges.  

I appreciate the patience and support of my husband Pete. Both of us are active at Salem Lutheran Church in Salisbury. Together we enjoy collecting antiques, going to the movies, and travel, especially visits with our five children and ten fabulous grandchildren. When I need renewal, I dig in the dirt.

Favorite scripture passage: 2 Timothy 1:7

Phone: ext. 129
Email: dprunkl@nclutheran.org

     back to top

Tammy Jones-West
Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator

In August of 2006 I began my 13th year on the synod staff. My responsibilities have changed in the past years to add "Family" - not just in my title but in all we to do to pass on the faith. My commitment to passing on faith includes helping congregations to help families be the little church where Christ is present too.

I spend time with some of the most awesome young people around. I am privileged to work with with our YARPs (Young Adult Resource Persons) where my goal is to train them to serve our congregations. They teach me more than I feel I teach them.

The LYO Board (Lutheran Youth Organization) consists of 14 high school youth who love to serve and laugh and pray together. My responsibility with that group is to sit back and watch them struggle with what texts works best when we want to share about going deeper into the Bible. They're amazing. My goal, along with everyone else, is to be a part of raising faithful adults and planting that small seed about their future in ministry.

We hold youth ministry events throughout the year and I return home dead tired but knowing that the Holy Spirit moves in wonderful ways and the future looks so bright.

I grew up at Ascension Lutheran, Shelby and graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1991. I married Eric 13 years ago and we have one son, Robert 9yrs. and a 200 pound English Mastiff named Simba. In my rare leisure time I enjoy cooking and scrap-booking, anything but cleaning. I am a member at Mt. Olive, Hickory where I serve on the hospitality committee. Eric and I also share Stephen Ministry Leader responsibilities and the college-age Sunday School class.

I start my masters degree in Children, Youth & Family Ministry this summer at Luther Seminary through their distributive learning program. 1/2 online and 1/2 in 1-2 week intensives on campus.

Favorite scripture passage: Romans 8:38-39

Phone: 828-635-6144
Email: Tammy@lutheranyouth.org

     back to top

Connie Young, AIM
Bishop's Administrator/Call Process Coordinator

I completed my Southern Seminary internship in a ministry team setting at Calvary Lutheran in Concord. My focus was senior adult ministry. Prior to seminary, I worked for a Concord business with 90 employees, rising from office manager to company president.

I love volunteering, having served two terms on the Board of Directors of Cooperative Christian Ministries and organized and led several Hurricane Katrina response trips.

My husband Terry and I have one daughter, Lindsey, a student at Elon College.

Phone: ext. 116
Email: cyoung@nclutheran.org

     back to top

Melanie Bookout
Admin. Assistant to Beth Kearney

I work for Pastor Beth Kearney and spend much of my time keeping records and coordinating for the candidacy committee and interacting with the candidates by phone and email. Three or four times each year, I meet them face to face as they come to meet with the committee about their progress. What a wonderful way to see God’s hand active and alive in this world of chaos!  

I also work with Pastor Beth on the First Call Theological Education, Specialized Pastoral Care and Service to Leadership committees, and on her call process preparations. I help coordinate with other bishop’s staff persons on Counseling Support and Life Long Learning  and Get to Know Your Synod Day. I also gather parochial reports and work with the synod assembly elections committee.
 
My husband, David, and I have one daughter – the light of our lives – and I enjoy laughing with friends and family, seeing new places, and being under an umbrella at the beach!
 
I am truly grateful to be in this place at this time in my life. I’ll be happy to help you in the work of the synod, if I can.

Phone: ext. 111
Email: mbookout@nclutheran.org

     back to top

Kay Conrad
Part-time Call Process Associate

I have been an active Lutheran lay person all of my life and have served the church on national boards and synod committees.

I have been Vice President of the North Carolina Synod, President of N.C. Lutheran Church Women and Vice President for Development of Lutheran Family Services in the Carolinas.

I have been a stewardship consultant since 1989 and received the prestigious Virgil Anderson Award for contributions to the church and fund raising.

I am married to Paul L. Conrad, a retired ELCA pastor. We are members of Lutheran Church of the Epiphany, Winston-Salem, and currently serve as co-chairs of the stewardship group. We have three children and three grandchildren. Our son is also an ELCA pastor.

Phone: ext. 117
E-mail: kconrad@nclutheran.org

     back to top

Charlene Deese
Admin. Assistant to Phil Tonnesen, Wayne Nelson, Judy Klusman and Synod Council

I support Pastor Phil Tonnesen in the areas of Global Mission, Outreach and World Hunger, Wayne Nelson, AIM in Congregational Life Ministry and Pastor Judy Klusman in Disaster Response and Misconduct. I support Synod Council with agenda and mailings, receive and record Michael Peeler Grant requests and receive and review congregation constitutions for the Legal Committee.

In addition, I am the administrator for our synod database.

I have been with the synod since June 1999.

I enjoy learning new things and spending time with my children and pets

Favorite Bible verse: John 3:16

Phone: ext. 118
E-mail: cdeese@nclutheran.org

     back to top

Rick Godby
Part-time: Web Manager, Communications Assistant

I am part-time Communication Assistant for Donna Prunkl. I have worked at the synod since 2001.  

I also act as synod Web Manager, doing all the updates to our web site.

For leisure I enjoy attending events sponsored by the Society for Creative Anachronism—a medieval re-enactment organization, watching movies, and playing WWII era-based computer games.

Phone: ext. 119
E-mail: rgodby@nclutheran.org

     back to top

Rev. Douglas (Doug) Kearney
Part-time: Interim Ministry Resources

I have been in the synod for twenty-seven years, and served as an interim pastor for seventeen.

Almost ten years ago, Bishop Bolick asked me to serve as the interim ministry resource person for the synod. In that role, I consult with interim pastors, coordinate training, and cheerlead for quality interim ministry. But most of my time is spent serving as an interim pastor in a congregation.

With my wife, Beth, I live in a hundred-year-old home in Salisbury. Restoring it is my main hobby. As I creep past fifty, I'm painfully aware of the increased effort required to maintain aging houses and people.

Phone: ext. 117
Email: dkearney@nclutheran.org

back to top

Diane Ryan
Receptionist, Supply Pastor Coordinator

I work under the supervision of Peggy Bollinger (Bishop's Administrative Assistant) as Receptionist and Supply Pastor Coordinator for the synod office.

As a receptionist my job includes answering phones, giving information, meeting and greeting visitors, and scheduling meetings in the conference rooms.

As Supply Pastor Coordinator I am responsible for assisting churches temporarily while they have a pastoral vacancy.

 My favorite leisure-time activities include enjoying my grandchildren, traveling, and attic & garage sales.

Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:13

Phone: ext. 110
E-mail: dryan@nclutheran.org

     back to top

Kelly Zalinsky
Accountant

I am the Synod Accountant and work with Ray Barnhardt, Bishop's staff Finance and Administration. As accountant I manage the synods accounts including administration, mission support, synod committees, and funds such as the Michael Peeler Fund.

If your treasurer, financial secretary or bookkeeper has any financial questions, please contact me.

I have been with the synod since 1997.

When not at work, I enjoy time with my husband David and two daughters, Erin and Brittany. I also enjoy quilting. 
           
My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3: 5-6

Phone: ext. 122
E-mail: kzalinsky@nclutheran.org

     back to top