LOMC is excited to share that Clyde Walter will serve as Acting Executive Director beginning June 3.
Clyde is a seasoned nonprofit and ministry organization leader, having spent over 15 years working with several faith-based and human service organizations in areas of strategic leadership, program management, fundraising, and marketing/outreach. Clyde currently serves as a consultant with GSB Fundraising, a firm that works with several other ELCA camping ministries, where he consults with organizations in areas of strategy and planning, organizational development, fundraising, and marketing. Prior to joining GSB, Clyde served as Chief Growth Officer for Josselyn, an essential community mental health provider across Northeastern Illinois, realizing an incredible 300% organizational growth trajectory over two years. As Chief Growth Officer, Clyde partnered in the creation of a growth plan for the 70-year-old organization, leading the organization’s brand refresh, developing an ambitious 5-year strategic plan, and increasing fundraising from $2.5 Million to over $8 Million annually. Preceding Josselyn, Clyde served as Vice President for Advancement at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and in fundraising and outreach roles with Grace Lutheran Church and School (River Forest, IL) and Augustana College (Rock Island, IL). Additionally, Clyde has served in board leadership roles for Wesley Child Care Center and Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries.
Clyde is married to Pr. Kyle Severson, an ELCA rostered minister serving as Lead Pastor at St. Luke Lutheran in Park Ridge, IL. Clyde lives in Des Plaines, IL, and will have some onsite presence at LOMC. While he didn’t grow up Lutheran or experience Lutheran camping ministry as a kid, Clyde did experience outdoor adventure and leadership formation through Scouting, where he was an avid camper and adventurer and ultimately became an Eagle Scout. In his work with GSB, Clyde has enjoyed getting to know church camps and seeing their impact on faith development and leadership formation. Outside of work, Clyde loves the outdoors – land and sea, loves to cook and gather around food, enjoys music, sings with a community and church choir, and loves to travel.
LOMC Board Chair Pr. Michel Clark shares, “The Board is very excited to have Clyde serving as Acting Executive Director during this critical time of transition. His work experience and knowledge of the church landscape will serve us well as we plan for our future and work toward hiring our next permanent Executive Director.”
Clyde remarks, “I’m honored to serve LOMC in this capacity and partner with the staff, Board, and others in advancing LOMC through this season. This is a challenging yet opportunity-filled time for our camping ministries and I’m eager to work with LOMC through that. What a joy, also, to join LOMC in celebrating 50 years of ministry this year!”
In the months ahead, LOMC will be working on a longer-term plan and the search for a permanent executive director.
