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Bethesda Appoints New Executive Vice President

Watertown, Wisc. (Oct. 5, 2009) -- Bethesda Lutheran Communities has extended a divine call to Dr. Jacob A.O. Preus to serve as Executive Vice President for Mission Advancement and Spiritual Life. Preus begins on Monday, Oct. 5. The Mission Advancement team of Bethesda includes the divisions of Communications, Development and Religious Life and Church Relations.

“I could not be more pleased to have Jack joining our staff,” says Dr. John E. Bauer, president and CEO of Bethesda. “He has an outstanding background in executive leadership, fundraising success, and theological depth. Moreover, I have found in him a passion for disability ministry, and for Bethesda’s ministry in particular.”

Preus has served as president of Concordia University in Irvine, California since 1998. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri and then went on to Concordia Seminary where he earned his Master’s of Divinity in Theology, a Master’s of Sacred Theology in Contemporary Roman Catholic Theology and his Doctorate in Latin American Liberation Theology. He served as Professor of Theology at the seminary from 1986 until 1993.

In addition to his role as pastor for congregations in Missouri and Southern California, Preus served as a U.S. Navy Reserves Chaplain in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

“I’m very enthusiastic about joining the Bethesda team,” says Preus. “Bethesda is developing an exciting vision for the future and I’m delighted to be part of that vision. I hope to bring the insights and experiences I’ve acquired in more than 25 years experience in Lutheran higher education to  my role as Executive Vice President of Mission Advancement and Church Relations.”

Now in its second century of service, Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc. provides services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the country and around the world. Bethesda offers many different types of services for individuals and their families, including a variety of residential settings, supported-living programs and outreach services.

For more information on Bethesda’s services and support programs, call the public relations office at 800.369.4636, ext. 3817, or e-mail: pr@mailblc.org.