This year marks a significant milestone in my life — the 10th anniversary of my first day of work as LCSNW President & CEO on July 1, 2014. To this day, it remains one of the most important commitments I have made (after marrying my wife, Jane) and it continues to bless and inspire me in (almost) as many ways as those wedding vows.

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What a dream job this turned out to be, combining my Lutheran roots, faith, and social-services leadership background like I never thought possible. Reflecting on the past decade, I am filled with gratitude for the staff, volunteers and supporters who have carried us to new heights in our mission of Health, Justice and Hope.

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It also has been the hardest job I have ever had. We have weathered setbacks, including the Covid pandemic and its workforce challenges. But we have persevered and grown. We have joined with Compass Housing Alliance, our affiliate agency, to address huge unmet housing needs. I couldn’t be prouder of how LCSNW has responded to the youth mental health crisis and the mass exodus of Afghan and Ukrainian refugees. Our collective efforts have impacted countless lives and transformed communities across Washington, Oregon and Idaho.

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Highlights from the past decade are too many to count, so let me just touch on three exciting developments from the past year:

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• Formation of The Lutheran Collaborative, or TLC - We have joined hands with Lutheran Services Florida as co-founders of TLC, a national system of like-missioned social-service providers. Together, we will magnify each agency’s impact, innovation and efficiency.

• Exploring new frontiers in Bellingham, Washington - I was saddened when Central Lutheran Church closed in 2023. But when God closes a door, He opens a window. LCSNW purchased the property. We are now exploring how to meet the community’s needs for social services while preserving the worshiping space. 

• Heike Lake’s promotion to LCSNW President - Those who know Heike can attest that she is the epitome of dedication and servant leadership. Her career with us spans from Behavioral Health Intern in 1996 to Chief Operating Officers starting in 2018. For me, naming Heike as President in March 2024 was an easy choice. I will continue to lead high-level decision-making, strategy and vision-setting as the agency’s CEO.

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Entering my 11th year, I look forward with renewed vigor and optimism. Pandemics may strike. Churches may close. Change may be disruptive, in ways both good and bad. But LCSNW will continue to empower our clients to thrive in communities that are healthy, just and hopeful.

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Blessings,

David Duea