On behalf of the Crossways Board of Directors, I am pleased and excited to announce that Mr. Jerry Olstad has been named Interim Executive Director for Crossways Camping Ministries. The Executive Committee of the Board had endorsed the Transition Task Force's recommendation of Mr. Olstad for the position. Mr. Olstad has accepted the offer and will start in this position on January 15, 2011.
Jerry comes to us with a lifetime of experience in camping ministry. In addition to 20 years of direct leadership involvement with camps, Jerry served as the National Director of Camping with the old ALC and as the National Director of Outdoor Ministries for the ELCA until 1996. He also served as the ELCA National Director of Vision Mission Offering from 1997 until his retirement in 2000. Since his "official" retirement, Jerry has successfully served as Interim Executive Director of camping ministries in Minnesota and California. He most recently served as Interim Executive Director at Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center in Bellingham, Washington. Jerry and his wife Diane have a residence in Cambridge, Minnesota.
Jerry obviously comes to us with a wealth of experience. In each of his Interim roles he has also worked with the Boards to develop a strategic plan for the future and has guided and assisted with the search for a permanent Executive Director. The Executive Committee plans to draw on that expertise as we move forward.
The Executive Committee is very pleased with the work that the Transition Planning Task Force has done and is thankful for their service to Crossways. We are now looking forward to this new phase of our ministry together.
As we go forward together in the New Year, please include in your prayers Mr. Olstad and all Crossways staff members, Crossways' Board of Directors and the ministries through this camp so that we can continue to boldly bring people together in Christ so that lives are changed and communities enhanced.
Shalom,
Pastor Rich Block
President, Board of Directors
Crossways Camping Ministries
