We’ve been very fortunate at Ecumen to have volunteers who want to share their experiences and leadership skills in creating home and changing aging. We’d like to introduce you to the four newest members of our Board of Trustees: Rev. Dean Johnson, Peggy Lucas, Robert Hoffman and Rev. Kris Linner.Robert H. Hoffman: Robert earlier this year was named Minnesota State University’s first vice president for strategic business, education and regional partnerships. He served as chair of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) and was a longtime Thrivent board member. A former coach, principal and school superintendent, Robert also served nearly 20 years in a variety of executive roles with Taylor Corporation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in secondary school administration from Minnesota State University in Mankato, and a doctor of education from Utah State University. “I was drawn by the leadership of the organization, and I’m so energized by the opportunities presented by this social phenomenon of the aging populace. There is so much potential when you look at continuous learning and the skills and wisdom of seniors. This is such a huge part of our society’s future. Ecumen is a leader in that future, and I’m extremely excited to be part of it.”Rev. Kris Linner: Kris is the pastor of care ministries at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater, Minn. Her extensive experience as a chaplain includes service at Lyngblomsten Care Center in St. Paul and Gunderson Lutheran Hospice in LaCrosse, WI. She was working as a social worker with seniors, when she felt called to enter seminary. Today her work combines both callings. Kris is the author of the children’s book My Brother Dave: Living Through a Loved One’s Death, and her work has appeared in Thanatos, Lutheran Women Today, Connections and The Lutheran. She is a graduate of Bemidji State University and Luther Northwestern Seminary. “My love for ministry to the aging initially attracted me to Ecumen. I’m extremely impressed by the innovation, leadership and forward thinking that Ecumen exhibits. The long-term care system nationally needs change and Ecumen is really looking at and working on new ways to serve seniors. I’m looking forward to being part of that.” Rev. Dean E. Johnson: Dean Johnson was selected as a Regent of the University of Minnesota in 2007. He was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, where he served from 1978 to 1982 and the Minnesota Senate (1982 to 2006), where served as minority and majority leader. A brigadier general in the United States Army National Guard, he was special assistant to the chief of chaplains, National Guard Bureau, Washington, D.C. and received numerous awards and commendations, including the Legion of Merit. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Luther College, a master’s of divinity from Luther Theological Seminary and master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.“I have enormous respect for Kathryn Roberts and board chair Loanne Thrane. I was very interested in long-term care during my 28 years in the State Legislature. I see it as one of the major issues facing the Church and our Society, and this is an opportunity for me to continue to serve in this important area.”Peggy Lucas: Peggy is co-founder of Twin Cities-based Brighton Development Corporation, which focuses on historical preservation and residential housing. Her leadership was instrumental in the redevelopment of the historic West Side Milling District near downtown Minneapolis and development of award-winning affordable housing. Peggy has been named one of the Twin Cities’ “25 Most Influential Women” by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Peggy, who once served in the Peace Corps in the Middle East, received her bachelor’s of arts in history from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. “I see Ecumen as being on the cutting edge. I’m drawn in by that and by Ecumen’s leadership. It is very energizing to see how Ecumen is stepping out front in its approach to aging and the services and housing products that it is developing.”