Executive Board

The Women of the ELCA 15-member churchwide executive board is elected every three years or at the following convention.

The convention is made up of voting members from our 64 WELCA synodical women’s organizations plus the members of the churchwide executive board. The triennial convention is the highest legislative authority in our organization.

Between conventions, the executive board functions as the board of directors for the organization and the interim legislative authority. The primary role of the board is to steer the organization in the right direction, helping it meet its mission. The board has an oversight role, monitoring the activities of the organization and ensuring that the organization is well-equipped to fulfill its mission. It establishes broad policies to guide and protect the organization. It monitors legal requirements. It receives regular reports from staff.

The board for the 2026-2029 triennium was elected at the Thirteenth Triennial Convention, July 13-14, 2026.

Sheena Foster of the Metro Washington SWO is serving as churchwide president. Gwendolynn Edwards of the Nebraska SWO is vice president; Miranda Searcy of the Arkansas-Oklahoma SWO is secretary; and Linda Clarke of Western Iowa SWO is treasurer.

Executive Board: 2026–2029

Board members may be contacted by sending a message to our office.

OFFICERS

Sheena Foster, President
Metropolitan Washington, D.C. SWO (8G)

Gwendolynn Edwards, Vice president
Nebraska SWO (4A)

The Rev. Miranda Searcy (They/Them), Secretary
Arkansas-Oklahoma SWO (4C)

Linda Clarke, Treasurer
Western Iowa Synod (5E)

BOARD MEMBERS

Mary Ann Nelson
Southwestern Washington SWO (1C)

Kristal Shipp
Southwest California SWO (2B)

Marie Lokensgard
Southwest Minnesota SWO (3F)

The Rev. DaMisha McFarland-Pollock
Southeastern Iowa SWO (5D)

Paula Dusselejee
North/West Lower Michigan Synod (6B)

The Rev. Carmen Colón-Brown
Southern Ohio SWO (6F)

Noelle Heinrich
New England SWO (7B);

The Rev. Dawn Talley
Northeastern Pennsylvania SWO (7E)

Andrea Lindgren Oslikova
Lower Susquehanna SWO (8D)

Risse Snelgrove
South Carolina SWO (9C)

Ginger Cutrell
Southeastern SWO (9D)