Farewell and be bold!  

by Linda Post Bushkofsky

by Linda Post Bushkofsky

Well, I’ve gone and done it: I’ve retired.

It’s been a good, long run. Twenty-two years as executive director, to be exact. Since this organization and my role in its leadership have meant the world to me, please indulge me as I share some parting reflections.

Back in 2001, when the Women of the ELCA announced a position opening for its executive director, several people whose opinions I valued encouraged me to apply. I believe that I sent in my application on the very last day allowed. After weighing the pros and cons, my initial response was mixed. Living and working in Chicago had not been on my bucket list. In fact, my husband and I had built a home in a different state, just two years earlier. We were also in the process of building a family through adoption, with the official adoption only a few months out. Like many of us, I was a bit reluctant to act on what others were naming a call. However, I’d  been involved with the women’s organization all my adult life. The opportunity to serve as its executive director felt exciting and challenging.

I did not decide lightly to accept the board’s offer. My decision was fully supported by my late husband, Dennis. His unflagging encouragement and backing made it possible for me to serve wholeheartedly for 22 years. He was even known to throw in a load of laundry at the hotel during the triennial convention and gathering. Now that’s support!

This position has been a dream job, bringing together my faith, my legal background, my commitment to the church, my communication experience and my ongoing support of women, here and abroad. Little did I imagine, back in 2001, the incredible experiences I would have with participants in this organization, synodical leaders and churchwide executive board members—not to mention others in the ELCA and the global church! It’s been an unforgettable journey of service and leadership. It also afforded me the opportunity to work, day in and day out, with incredibly dedicated, accomplished staff. It’s fair to say we’ve had a lot of fun over the years. Yes, the challenges have been many during my tenure, but the rewards have been greater.

Many of you have told me that you feel as though we are friends. In this column and when we’ve met at events, I’ve shared a lot with you about my personal faith journey. Over and over, I’ve seen proof that when I sit down with any Lutheran woman, anywhere, we can chat like old friends about deep issues of faith, family and friends. What an amazing gift that has been!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve Women of the ELCA, a well-loved organization with a bright future. My leadership of this organization has been the capstone of my career. I will be forever indebted to the ministry of Women of the ELCA. I will pray for it and for you. Be bold, for Jesus’ sake, be bold!

Linda Post Bushkofsky retired as executive director of Women of the ELCA on June 30, 2024. This blog post ran as a column in the July/August 2024 issue of Gather magazine. Subscribe to Gather here.