Linda Post Bushkofsky to retire as Women of the ELCA executive director, effective June 30.

by Women of the ELCA

by Women of the ELCA staff

Linda Post Bushkofsky, executive director of Women of the ELCA, announced that she will retire June 30, 2024, after 22 years of leading Women of the ELCA churchwide organization.

The executive search process has begun, with Women of the ELCA churchwide executive board president Myrna Wells-Ulland working with ELCA People Solutions (human resources) to ensure a seamless transition.

For Bushkofsky, whose first career was as an attorney, those 22 years with Women of the ELCA have been “an unforgettable journey of service and leadership,” she said.

“When this position was offered to me in the spring of 2002, I told friends and family that this was the ‘job of a lifetime,’” she said. “The position brought together my faith, my legal background, my commitment to the church, my communication experience, and my ongoing support of women, here and abroad. Little could I imagine then the incredible experiences I would have with churchwide executive board members, synodical leaders, and participants in this organization, not to mention others in the ELCA and in the global church.”

“It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with the dedicated staff of Women of the ELCA,” she said. “The challenges have been many during my tenure, but the rewards have been greater.”

Growing, deepening the organization’s impact

One major hallmark of Bushkofsky’s tenure has been the launch of 2122: Growing Katie’s Fund for the next 100 years, a $1 million capital campaign for the Katharina von Bora Luther Endowment Fund. Known as Katie’s Fund, this endowment supports mission and ministry, seeking to grow bold leaders and creative ministry for generations to come.

“Participants in Women of the ELCA always hope that their daughters, granddaughters, nieces, and other women will find a supportive community of faith to accompany them on their faith journeys. By supporting this campaign, we are creating a legacy for these future generations,” said Bushkofsky.

The campaign “was an ambitious undertaking,”  Wells-Ulland said, adding that it continues to grow toward the $1 million goal. Together, “Linda and the leadership team have done excellent work in providing reasons to support Katie’s Fund,” Wells-Ulland added. “Unique and wonderful things have already happened out of the $1,000 grants made from Katie’s Fund to each synodical women’s organization [in 2023].” These $1,000 grants funded programs, resources and opportunities around the church, supporting three key Katie’s Fund goals: developing leaders, making global connections and living out Lutheran theology.

During the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic, “as an organization, we pivoted,” Wells-Ulland said. “We did not panic. It was a stressful, challenging time, and Linda maintained grace and composure through it. We as an organization are grateful.”

At one point during the pandemic, Bushkofsky spearheaded “Dear Friend in Christ,” a pen pal effort intended to connect women and combat isolation. Bushkofsky herself matched each letter writer with another in the church.

Under Bushkofsky, the organization has connected leaders, grown its digital presence, deepened Bible study, carried out anti-racism and anti-trafficking work, inspired and challenged participants at triennial gatherings, and much more. “That’s a reflection of someone who is able to multitask and appreciate the importance of all of it,” Wells-Ulland said.

Despite this long list of accomplishments, Wells-Ulland said there’s one thing she is most grateful for: Bushkofsky’s friendship and support. “Every three years, Linda has helped to [transition] new board members, [providing] support as far as what the role of the board should be—which requires a lot of energy, tact and grace,” Wells-Ulland said.

She then referenced the Women of the ELCA purpose statement, which commits participants to “grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society and the world.”

“Linda epitomizes our purpose statement,” Wells-Ulland said. “This is who she is—someone who is genuinely committed to living out those commitments.”

“What will the organization look like in the future?” Wells-Ulland asked. “While we don’t know exactly where the Holy Spirit is leading us, I trust that God’s got this.”

Visit welca.org to find out how to become involved with Women of the ELCA. Learn more about Katie’s Fund at:  welca.org/katiesfund.