Mark A. Stutrud Named Chief Executive Officer of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI)

DES PLAINES, Ill., Oct. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mark A. Stutrud has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI). Stutrud was unanimously elected to the position at a meeting of the LSSI Board of Directors on June 23 and began Oct. 1. Des Plaines-based LSSI is the largest social service provider in Illinois with program sites throughout the state that include Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Nachusa, Moline, Peoria, Champaign, and Marion. The organization serves and advocates for people in need and last year assisted 73,000 individuals statewide.

For the past 10 years, Stutrud has served as president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan where he led the organization in overall growth and developed a full continuum of home care services. Additionally, during his tenure there, Stutrud successfully completed three capital campaigns and grew foundation assets from $3.5 million to $13.5 million. Previously, he held positions as vice president for Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota and as executive director of Behavioral Health Services at Allina Health System in Minneapolis, Minn.

"Mark brings with him a strong track record of leadership within both Lutheran and social service organizations," said Eric J. Draut, LSSI Executive Chair. "His wealth of experience and demonstrated success makes him exceptionally qualified to lead Lutheran Social Services of Illinois as we continue to assist people in need across our state."

The demographics of clients served by LSSI generally reflect those of Illinois' population, with one important exception—more than 80 percent of clients report an annual household income under $15,000, compared to just 12 percent of all Illinois households. The organization provides critical programs for the state's most vulnerable residents including foster care, adoption, mental health services, alcohol and drug treatment, affordable senior housing, residential programs for people with developmental disabilities, and programs that help formerly incarcerated individuals integrate back into society.

"This is an extraordinary time for human service organizations," said Stutrud. "There is a great deal of momentum nationally to bring greater health and permanency throughout the lifespan, serving in a natural setting—the home. We see this advancing in foster care, adoption, behavioral services, and home care to seniors and people with disabilities. This is the work of LSSI: providing services to people that result in greater independence, integration, and well-being, all while living in their communities."

Stutrud currently serves as board chair for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, an organization that is a champion for migrants and refugees from around the globe.  He is a past chair of Leading Age, Michigan; a former member of the executive committee for the Council of Program Executives at Lutheran Services of America; a past co-chair of the Minnesota Behavioral Health Care Research Consortium; and a past board member of the Center for Parents and Children in Moorhead, Minn. Stutrud holds a Bachelor's degree in child and human development, and a Master of Science degree in child development and family science, both from North Dakota State University. 

Stutrud has long ties to Illinois. His father was a Lutheran pastor in the Chicago area, and Stutrud graduated from high school in northwest Indiana. He has professional contacts and friends in the Chicago area. These ties, as well as an opportunity to position LSSI for greater impact, attracted him to the CEO post.

"Its gospel-centered mission, love for the neighbor, and a full continuum of community services were major factors in my decision to serve at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois," Stutrud said. "The work that LSSI is engaged in is an integral part of my professional experience. Home care, behavioral services, and child welfare programs have been a part of my leadership for most of my career. My leadership positions have all been about assessing, leading, and positioning organizations to grow with greater impact in the lives of those served."

About Lutheran Social Services of Illinois:
Founded in 1867, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a statewide, not-for-profit social service agency of the three Illinois synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). LSSI is the largest social service provider in the state, and last year served 73,000 people through 190 programs at 85 sites across Illinois. Services include counseling, mental health, alcohol and drug treatment, residential treatment for children and adolescents, Head Start, child care services, services for at-risk families, residential programs for adults and children with developmental disabilities, foster care and adoption, pregnancy counseling, housing and services for older adults and individuals with disabilities, and programs for people who are incarcerated and their families. 

For more information, visit LSSI.org and LSSI's Facebook page.

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SOURCE Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI)