Synod Staff
The La Crosse Area Synod is led by a staff of five called together in Christ to serve, connect and lead.
The synod staff is guided by this mission statement: “Called together in Christ, we serve, connect and lead the
La Crosse Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.”


Interim Bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod
The Rev. Chris Boerger
Wm Chris Boerger served as Secretary of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America from
November 2013 until October 2019. Prior to this he
served two terms as bishop of the Northwest
Washington Synod, Seattle, WA. He was ordained
in June of 1978.
He is married to Dede Boerger and they have 2 grown
children and 4 grandchildren.
E-mail Interim Bishop Boerger:
Director for Evangelical Mission & Assistant
to the Bishop
The Rev. Elizabeth "Libby" Howe
Ordained in 2002 following graduation from Trinity
Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio
Served DeSoto/Freeman Lutheran Parish for 6 years
prior to beginning call on synod staff in 2009.
E-mail Libby: assistant@lacrosseareasynod.org
Office Manager & Executive Admin. Assistant
Melanie Timmerman
Office Manager / Executive Administrative
Assistant to the Bishop
Editor - Synod Update & Coulee Courier
With the synod office since 2003.
E-mail Melanie:
Office Assistant & Call Process Secretary
Brianna Iverson
Call Process and Candidacy
Administration, receptionist
With the synod office since 2020.
E-mail Brianna: connect@lacrosseareasynod.org
Bookkeeper
Alice DaFoe
Bookkeeper for Synod and
Lutheran Campus Ministry
With the synod office since 2004.
E-mail Alice: bookkeeper@lacrosseareasynod.org
